Fertilizing farm fish ponds

Fertilizer nutrients increase the production of microscopic plants which in turn serve as food for microscopic animals and aquatic insects. Heavy growths of these micro-organisms (plankton blooms) and insects provide food for bream which then serve as the primary food for bass. Proper use of fertilizer in most Alabama ponds will increase fish production by four or five times. Fish in fertilized ponds are easier to catch because they are more numerous and because the abundant plankton limits their vision causing them to be less wary. Plankton also shades pond bottoms, preventing growth of troublesome rooted weeds and filamentous algae. This report outlines a simplified fertilization program for the use of 20-20-5 fertilizer at the rate of 40 lbs. per acre. Suggestions for increasing efficiency are made for fertilizers to be added to new ponds, old ponds, or those with muddy water, excess flow or weeds. Liming recommendations also are made for ponds with very soft water and for catfish ponds with or without supplemental feeding.