Managing

MISSISSIPPI

Farm Ponds &

Small Lakes

http://msucares.com/pubs/publications/p1428.pdf



When To Apply Fertilizer

Begin fertilization in late winter

or early spring, but definitely by

the time water temperatures have

stabilized at 60 �F or higher. Usually

this temperature occurs

around March 15 in south Mississippi

and April 1 in central and

north Mississippi. Early fertilization

will shade the pond bottom

and help control filamentous

algae, a common problem in Mississippi

ponds in spring.

Make the first three applications

of fertilizer two weeks

apart; then apply whenever you

can see your hand clearly with

your arm under water at elbow

depth. By fertilizing only when

water is clear at18 to 24 inches,

you will fertilize the pond at approximate

3- to 5-week intervals

from spring through September.

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I usually wait later than that time and start slowly when it hits 60F.