Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Pond Boss and another radio gig

The Pond Boss will be talking this morning and is available to answer your questions when he joins me on the air at 9:20am (CT) this morning.

Listen by clicking http://AWOShow.com. Then click on the Listen Live tab at the top right corner of the page.

You can also call toll free and ask the Pond Boss a question at 1-855-AWO-SHOW (1-855-296-7469).

Do you think smart phones like Droid X can participate in this?

Thanks, Alan! Will try to check in....

Done ! You guys call in.

Good information! This was the first time I was able to listen in.

Bob, I listened in today and wondered if you would consider posting the topics. It could spark some good discussions.

Darn, missed it!

Good job, Eric!
Eric called in asked the impact of nutrient inflow from recent rains. My response was that it was different in different areas for different ponds, but if someone has an influx of organic matter, consider aeration or speak with a pond pro.

The rest of my segment was focused on "What it takes for a bass to become 8 pounds?" And, "What are the odds of a bass growing to 8 pounds?" And, "What's an 8 pound bass worth?"

Then, we talked about tournament fishing and its effects on the fish caught. Then, Alan asked me how many times a giant bass can be caught.

You Pond Bossers tackle these topics here and let's hear what you think. Pick one, or any, of these topics and see where we go.

Bob since you and Sue are on this thread why don't you address the rains and its effect. The recent PB mag had an article on Bastrop lake which both of you are aware of. Fires and near empty with a destroyed aeration system. The news said Bastrop Lake went up 15 feet and was full to overflowing with lots of washed in fire and soil debris. Black surface. Burned trees/brush/grass is carbon and K (potash). Potash is composed of the element potassium in a carbonate salt. Potassium is a crucial element for plant growth, aiding cell processes, flowering and fruiting of plants. Potassium is usually included in commercial fertilizer formulas. Potassium is the K letter of the formula on the label. Potash is the traditional word for potassium fertilizer, a remnant of the days when all potassium for fertilizer was made from wood ash. That plus the N from the soil can cause massive blooms and out of control plant growth.

What now for Bastrop Lake?

That will be a BIG issue, Eric, for a lot of ponds and lakes in Texas. Especially now, since the buffer, or plant life around the pond is non - existant and can't help in the uptake of nutrients as the rain brings the ashes and concentrated nutrients into the body of water. Texas aquatic plant managers/pond managers are going to have a heck of year trying to control the weeds and algae. I should see if Amanda can comment on this as she did a little investigation into what will happen when it does rain in Texas before our trip to Texas last October. I know Bastrop State Park Pond has kept the aeration system off for the winter, but now with the rains it would be in their best interest to start it up. I'll have to give them a call and see how things are going.

Sounds like the pond water *should* be used for irrigation this spring and summer to not only get some of the nutrients out, but also aid in getting new vegetation a good start. I can imagine that getting trees going in a climate like Texas can be tough where drought it more frequent, and irrigation from pond could make all the difference.