Tracy,
Alfalfa is a very good fertilizer. The primary difference between using an organic like alfalfa is that there is a huge amount of energy stored in the alfalfa. Its a type of feed. It will be primarily be consumed by bacteria, shredders, and your tilapia. This feeding will cycle the nutrients to your water and yes ... you will get a good bloom. As long as you don't overload the pond, its a great way to fertilize especially for the bottom of your food chain that can make use of detrital energy stores.
I know you have a dock and if any guests are swimming I would be care to avoid its use when temps are warm enough for swimming. Bacterial density will increase by adding organics like alfalfa. A good strategy might be use early from Feb through April and discontinue thereafter. This also corresponds with the peak of Crayfish reproduction and they would flourish on it if you have a good number of them.
Last edited by jpsdad; 12/10/19 08:19 PM.
