Pond Boss Forums MANAGING AN EXISTING POND Fertilization Low alkalinity and murky water.

interplexr, in your constant flow situation I'd suggest getting soil samples from several parts of your watershed, combining the soils and getting the combined sample tested to see how many tons of Ag Lime per acre it will take to bring pH to 7.4, then at least quadruple that rate. Spreading as much crushed Ag Lime as you can into the inflow of your pond so water flows over it, or even through it if aesthetics are not a major concern. I'd also Broadcast spread quite a bit into the pond directly, and try to double the application rate suggested on as much watershed as possible.

Ag Lime max's out pH at around 8.2-8.4, so to try answering your question about any plant harm isn't possible till knowing what plants are in question, and the pH tolerances they have. The pH, alkalinity and hardness will drop once entering the pond itself an diluting until/unless there becomes a saturation/balance of ag lime salts in the pond and inflow. If adding several inches of crushed Ag Lime to the stream bed as suggested, only plants that like an 8.0-8.4 pH range will grow. I'd estimate the Ag Lime would be effective in the stream at least 5 years, if adding a layer in the flow several inches (4-7") deep. That will of course depend on flow rates and the overall amount of ag lime used.