How To Get Rid Of Nostoc Algae In Yard? – 7 Methods That Work
Nostoc algae physically look like arranged jelly-like beads that are grouped in a gelatinous mass. Biologically, algae are non-flowering plants that contain chlorophyll. Nostoc algae grow well in alkaline conditions.
In other cases, it may grow symbiotically on the tissues of other plants. It has a blue-green color and becomes olive green when wet but in a dry area. It can occur anywhere, even outside your house in the yard.
That’s why you always need to monitor your environment to see any new impurities that may have come your way. If nostoc algae have disturbed you for a while, you may use these mechanisms to help curb the spread and reduce their prevalence.
1. Use Of Moss Control Products
There are moss control products that work with the same effect as algae.
Hence, this is possible since these moss control products have ammoniated soap that works the same as the insecticidal garden soaps. This helps eliminate the nostoc algae by killing them. You should spray this for about a week to be sure that the algae are dying. You should also not spray it when it is too sunny because it will evaporate and it will be zero work.
Thus, if you are planning to use this method, be careful and plan well for maximum effect. Furthermore, in order to effectively kill Nostoc algae, you should look for a moss control product that also contains iron sulfate or ferrous sulfate.
Wait as long as necessary for the moss control product to take effect after application. The waiting period typically lasts between 24 and 48 hours.
Use a rake to remove the dead Nostoc algae after the waiting period. You can also sweep up the debris with a broom if necessary.
2. Improve Drainage In Your Yard
Algae are known to grow in moist places or water. If you see nostoc algae in your yard, you should not panic. Consequently, it might be an issue with the drainage, or the ground being too moist.
The wetness of the ground might also be caused by the unnecessary watering of your yard. This may result in standing water, and the effect can easily be escalated due to the type of soil. For instance, if it is cotton, it can retain water for a long time leading to adverse effects.
You should reduce the number of times you water your yard as well as improve your drainage, considering cases of heavy rainfall. Standing water could also be the cause of developing nostoc algae. Reducing the amount of water that collects in the significantly affected area can help make it less favorable to Nostoc algae growth.
Since water is necessary for the survival of nostoc algae, always let the affected area dry out. It will lessen the amount of moisture the algae can access and hasten its eventual eradication. Therefore you need to be always mindful of your environment at all times.
3. Nourish Your Yard
Nostoc algae cannot grow in a good area. Where there is a lot of organic matter, like leaves and turfgrass clippings, nostoc algae can develop and flourish. Nostoc algae will grow wherever the grass is sparse to fill in.
When you find it developing in your yard, you should know that there must be something wrong with the nutrient composition. You could test your soil to know where exactly the problem is, and you could rectify it by treating the nostoc algae to get rid of them. The amount of food that the algae have access to can be decreased by removing this extra material.
Alternatively, use a shovel to remove them and dispose of them in a landfill. Always nourish your yard and ensure it isn’t neglected at all costs. If there are any grass patches, ensure you fill them or allow new growth.
4. Use Of Bleach
If you decide to use bleach, you need to do tough cleaning. The right method requires you to mix ¾ of a cup of bleach for every 4/5 liters of water. You should then pour the solution where you can see the nostoc algae. Then take a scrubbing brush that has strong bristles, scrub hard the areas that have the algae, and then rinse that area thoroughly with lots of water.
You could repeat this process for three consecutive days to get rid of the nostoc algae completely and also try to figure out why they were developing there.
5. Do Not Apply Too Much Fertilizer
Applying fertilizer with high phosphorous content often could also promote the growth of nostoc algae. The best thing to do is to do a soil test to know the amount of phosphorous that needs to be added.
You should, therefore, be cautious when applying fertilizer in your yard. Always seek professional advice to know the recommended type of fertilizer that you should use. Too much or too little fertilizer can have adverse effects on your yard.
6. Use Of Fungicides
Using fungicides is a strong solution. You should apply evenly on the infested areas for 7 to 14 days till the nostoc algae are dead and prevent future infestation of nostoc. You must be aware that the highly infested parts with thick nostoc algae need more spraying of fungicide.
However, ensure you don’t use the fungicide in healthy areas. The chemicals may have adverse effects on other plants, flowers, or grass. Also, do thorough research to get the right one to use. Apply as recommended, and don’t overdo it or underdo it.
7. Use Of Algaecide
Cutrine Plus Algaecide is a copper-based product and is capable of controlling different species of algae. It is simple to use and relatively cheap. Algaecides do not affect the pH of the soil or wherever the nostoc algae are developing.
However, you need to be cautious of nostoc algae in your yard, which can easily raise the pH of your soil. After destroying the algae, the pH of the soil will be regained.
You should be careful while using algaecide since it may affect your eyes if they get to contact with your eyes and also cause irritating skin. That’s why it is vital to always be careful after using algaecides.
Additionally, in order to make soil and water less conducive to the growth of Nostoc algae, the pH level can be raised with lime. Ensure you clean any tools you may be using and also your hands. This will help prevent any health issues from arising.
Conclusion
This nostoc alga is blue-green because they are photosynthetic cyanobacteria. When you see this kind of green jelly-like structure, you should never assume it since it indicates different things. Thus, whenever there is too much infestation, ensure you consult a professional who will help you know the right strategies to take.
However, the strategies above are helpful and will help reduce the prevalence of nostoc algae in your compound. The adverse effects of nostoc algae are not worth it and can easily destroy your yard. Also, if you have young kids, they may want to play around with the poisonous substance.
Thus, make it a priority to monitor your compound at all times to prevent even your pets from getting sick.