My pond is in the process of filling up, with exposed clay banks and almost no vegetation. The water is muddy as would be expected.

I'm not worried about water clarity as I expect it to clear up on its own as the banks become covered in vegetation...but that may take some time. I read where some guys put hay in new ponds to deteriorate, help with starting the food chain, even help to clear the water??

Should I consider putting in hay? And what are the reasons, or rather how does it help?

Thanks.

3/4 acre pond