Kelly,
P.S. I know that cost will probably not be a factor in a publicly-funded case study, since we have to understand the basic science first. However, when we start getting concrete results back on these studies, could you apply your experience and add some very rough ball-park cost estimates where possible?
Honestly, the Katy park-pond in this case study is one of the most heavily "nutrified" ponds I've encountered. Secchi disk reading was approximately 5-6" on the day of application. Ultimately, the costs involved for a typical pond managed for optimal fish production SHOULD be far less than what's required in this city park pond case study.
The required dosing rates (and associated costs) directly correlate to how much EXCESS phosphorus is present, and how much needs to be inactivated as a nutrient source, which requires a water sample for assessment. With that info in hand (for a specific pond) it is much more feasible to calculate the rational dosage (and associated expense) for lowering the free phosphorus to a more acceptable level.
