Dave :

You are correct. Plankton can't be replaced. It will be there naturally . It is a question of the % mix.

The idea is to find the right balance between no fert.{just feeders} and heavy fert. to get the best result {meet owners goals]. The theory is : 1- new hatchlings eat the existing plankton ,etc. , 2- and everything else 2in. and up eat what they can catch plus food from the feeders ,3- bass eat as usual. The unknown is what is the optimum mix for any given pond. The benefit is you get good fish growth with much less fert. {less weed problems}, and as a result less need to lime , along with clearer water for other recreational purposes . The negatives are cost , nutrient load from any excess food and waste and the difficulty in managing the relationships of so many factors.

I did not intend to imply that the mixed approach was correct , easy or certain. That is why I said it was an unanswered question. I have seen varying degrees of this method used. I can't judge the outcomes except to note that the owner's goals were apparently met. Thanks--ewest