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Farm Pond Management
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Balance Key
Fertilization
Click here for a printable version of this publication: Fertilizing Mississippi Farm Ponds
The decision of whether to fertilize a fishing pond should be considered very carefully. Proper fertilization significantly increases the total weight of fish produced in a pond, often by as much as three to four times. But there are many reasons not to fertilize, including potential water quality issues, high expense, and the fact that it is a long-term commitment. Consider the following when making your decisions.
Fertilizer stimulates growth of microscopic plants, called phytoplankton. Phytoplankton forms the base of the food chain, and small animals eat these small plants, which serve as food for bream, which in turn are eaten by bass. Phytoplankton makes the water turn green, or “bloom,” which also shades the bottom and discourages growth of troublesome aquatic weeds.
Most ponds should not be fertilized. If only a few people fish a larger pond, it does not necessarily need fertilization to have good fishing. But in a heavily fished pond, proper fertilization produces the best fishing. Fertilization significantly increases the total weight of fish produced in a pond, increasing the number of fish that need to be harvested. As a general rule, harvest 30 pounds of small bass (<13 inches) per acre each year, and remove 90 to 120 pounds of bream per acre each year in fertilized ponds. In ponds that are not fertilized, only half as much harvest is required.