Organics and nonorganics are only modestly comparable. In the case of organic fertilization, organisms play an essential role in making the nutrients available to phytoplankton. A bloom is a secondary effect whereas with non-organics ... a bloom is all one is after.

The primary effect of organics is the decomposition of organics which creates a broad spectrum of food that will benefit many pond organisms. This includes even the bacteria. When a crayfish eats a decomposing alfalfa shred, the bacteria will provide high protein-high lipid nutrition to the crayfish which is superior to the alfalfa itself.

Eric notes that organics are often finely shredded. This boosts the speed decomposition and also of oxygen demand. Hay decomposes more slowly than pellets (which are compressed shreds) which decompose more slowly than alfalfa meal which is ground even smaller and is loose. The easiest to apply is alfalfa pellets which can be thrown. Because there is almost no powder in a bag of pellets, no inhalation discomfort either.

Alfalfa pellets can be purchase for less than $12 a 40lb bag. At least that is what my last few bags cost me at Tractor Supply.

It isn't what we don't know that gives us trouble, it's what we know that ain't so - Will Rogers