Pond Fertilizer

14 Dec 2011

One very common practice in the southern U.S. is the fertilization of ponds with phosphorus and lime. Why do pond owners desire the fertilizer to be applied to their ponds when most EPA regulations are striving to eliminate phosphorus run-off into rivers, ponds and lakes?

The addition of fertilizers to pond water is a practice that is done to increase the planktonic algal bloom in the pond. Plankton are groups of microscopic plants and animals that are consumed by insects and small fish. If fertilizer is added in early spring and continuously added during the summer, the hope is that the water will bloom with plankton and the fish will have a very desirable food source that will in turn increase the fish size over the summer. This does require a delicate balancing act in making sure to keep enough fertilizers in the water to encourage the bloom, but not enough to stimulate undesirable weed and mat-forming algal growth.

While this may seem like a great idea, it is not without risks. The primary risk is that the over addition of some nutrients can actually kill the fish (this is mainly a concern with lime). Another risk is that weeds and mat forming algae could grow instead of the desired planktonic algae. Yet another downfall is that the appearance of the pond is pea-green, which is usually undesirable as far as pond aesthetics go. Also, keep in mind that a very close eye should be kept on nutrient levels and pH levels in order to keep the correct balance to maintain the planktonic bloom.

Overall, the idea of fertilizing a pond is a poor idea for most ponds. Most ponds are shallow, under-fished, and under-monitored. These conditions are ripe for significant problems and many days of pond care headaches.

Instead of fertilizing a pond, it is in the best interest of the average pond owner to avoid introducing fertilizers to the pond environment. In fact, the use of nutrient and muck reducing bacteria is encouraged, as well as the use of pond dyes. These products have little if any effect on fish and will aid in producing an aesthetically pleasing pond that will provide years of use and enjoyment.

When using fertilizers in a pond, be sure to educate yourself on exactly the correct procedures to follow in order to achieve the effects that you are looking for. Otherwise, your pond may just become a green, slimy, swampy eye-sore in your back yard!

For more information on Sanco’s pond maintenance products contact our helpful staff