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Pond Fertilization: Initiating an Algal Bloom

Document format: pdf

Publisher: Western Regional Aquaculture Center

Creation date: February 2000

Algal blooms are encouraged for a number of reasons, including increasing the pond's primary productivity. As microscopic "grass", the bloom is food for microscopic animals (zooplankton) and forms the base of the food chain that supports larger forms of life such as insects and fish. By increasing the base of the food chain, the total productivity of the pond is increased. Blooms are also initiated as a means of controlling initial growth of larger aquatic plants (macrophytes) by increasing turbidity, blocking sunlight and reducing the young plant's photosynthesis. Fertilizer applications to establish algal blooms to shade older, established aquatic plants are not as effective because the fertilizer more often stimulates growth of the larger macrophytes. Although benefits can be derived from any proper approach to pond fertilization, the application of fertilizer and creation of the bloom must be controlled, or it can lead to oxygen depletion in the pond and loss of fish and other aquatic animals.

Key Words: USDA • WRAC • Pond Culture • Algae • Pond Fertilization