Pond Boss Forums MANAGING AN EXISTING POND Fertilization Crop Field Runoff Fertilization?

Here's a question for those in the know. I haven't paid much attention to the need to fertilize. My buddies pond gets runoff from a corn field on one size and a soybean field on the other via two seperate pipes when heavy rains occur. This pond has a healthy green color but also was having problems with thick blankets of algie on the bottom and some above average weed infestation. We've since stocked grass carp at 6 per acre and stocked channel cats (they eat a lot of vegetation) to help control the weeds. However, I'm wondering if the pond could benefit from an additional type of fertilzer or even some liming in order to get it tuned just right. Are they water tests I can perform to evaluate the situation?

Couple questions:
*what size is the pond
*What size are the fields and is this the only watershed
*can the water from the fields be diverted elsewhere
*is the water healthy green now
*location of the pond

thanks

Heavy algae may well be caused by excessive nutrient loads, especially nitrogen. Analyze the water. Call your local county agent. He will be able to help you send a sample for analysis. Have a "standard water well" test done, and ask specifically for nitrogen and phosphorus tests. Let us know your results.