Pond Boss Forums MANAGING AN EXISTING POND Fertilization Lime/Fertilizer

I had lime applied in my pond before it filled. Now I don't get a bloom using fertilizer. Water tests show I need about 3 tons lime per acre to bring the pond to where the fertilizer will be effective. I've read some really good information on fertilizer applications. Any suggestions on a good method to apply lime? My pond has trees all around except the dam.

Lining the watershed's funnel-area into your pond is one method that allows the inflow of rainfall runoff to help distribute the lime. More effective: use a plywood-decked raft to support the lime as you tow it around the pond, while spraying water on the raft from the tow-boat. The sprayed water washes the dissolved lime from the raft and into the water. I'm sure that other options may exist, but these are two that I've seen utilized.

Another method, if you don't have a raft or pump, is to deck the front of a jon-boat with plywood. It's not fancy, just put a 4x8 cross-wise on the front, with a lip in the back to keep lime from spilling into the boat. Shovel it on the front and shovel it off in the water. In small lakes, this is feasible, but still a lot of work. Make sure to spread the lime out over the entire lake.

If you have a tractor with a front end loader, the work load is greatly reduced.

A word of caution, don't put too lime on the front . . . it's heavy!