Lime, fertilizer, and forage are all tools utilized to reach goals. Generally speaking, without proper alkilinity in the soil, a pond can benefit from the addition of fertilizers to increase the planktonic base. However, some areas, the one I generally think of as pine tree country, need liming to allow the fertilizer to "take" for both crops and water holes. If the soil contains sufficient alkilinity to create a planktonic base on it's own, no fertilizer is needed and it's addition could have a negative effect on the environment being utilized. In other words, it can kill plant and animal life.
I particularly recall some land that I cleared in front of my house. It had been loaded with post oaks for many years; I guess forever. There had been the resulting leaf droppings and rotting during all of that time. I planted it in wheat and decided to fertilize. The wheat came up, looked beautiful and then died. I had burnt it up with the additional fertilizer. I have never fertilized since that time and my wheat has always looked as good as my neighbors who do fertilize. The difference is that they now have to fertilize to make a crop and I don't. The fertilizer has ruined their soil and now it won't grow anything without fertilizer. The history of farming is replete with worn out land due to artificial fertilization to increase yields. Admittedly, their protein levels are higher than mine but not by much.
OK, what does that have to do with water holes? I once bought into the fertilization mantra. I did it and my carrying capacity took a huge leap. Neighbors came by, took a look, and followed suit. Then we had a couple of still, cloudy days and every one of us had huge fish kills. It only takes 15 minutes. Those that didn't fertilize had no problem. I wasn't all that popular anymore and had to go back to buying my own beer. Mama Nature can be a cruel bitch and isn't to be messed with.
Walt, we can't count on flushing rains here and we do get still, cloudy days. Most of the Southern experts you may read recommendations from live in the Southeast and their experience just doesn't cut it here. I know quite a few pond professionals in this area and all are extremely cautious about recommending artificial water quality manipulation. Sometimes my visibility does go above 18 inches but, other than heavier forage predation which will rebound, the ponds seem to stay pretty well in balance and fertile from runoff(when it occurs). Last year, my visibility got too high and I added cottonseed meal a couple of times. It is all natural, small fish eat it and it very gently, over successive applications, increased the fertility base.
Natural fertility comes from the soil and there are variables in soil in any given area. It is possible that Davids soils could benefit from fertilization. If true, then the fertilizer won't take without first liming.
David, let the water settle for a couple of weeks until the rain effects of runoff and suspended soils have settled. Check the visibility. If it is between 18 and 24(or so) inches, you don't have a problem. Also, go to the TAMU website and look at the pond area. You will find instructions on getting them to do a water quality test. They will come back with recommendations for your specific pond. I might do that in the Spring after your new pond has lots of time to figure out it's balance.
