Spring pond maintenance questions answered

Monday, March 29, 2021
Jenna Nees

The weather is starting to warm up and you might be thinking about building a pond this year or thinking about how you could help control pond problems this summer. If so, then this article is for you as I have compiled a list of some of the pond management questions asked by Purdue Extension clientele.

One of the top questions asked is “Why do I have a lot of plant growth and algae on my pond?” There are several reasons why you could experience this problem. For starters, you probably have a high nutrient level that is a result of nutrient-loaded runoff from fields, pastures and yards. Other possible reasons include that the water in the pond has become stagnant or the pond is too small or shallow.

Ultimately, to fix this problem, you need to reduce the amount of nutrients entering your pond. You can do that by adding a filter strip. If you can’t add a filter strip, you could try utilizing an aerator to help move the water.

If you are curious about why some ponds are dark blue, it is because the owner is trying to reduce plant and algae growth. By adding the blue dye to their pond frequently, they block out some of the sunlight, which ultimately reduces vegetation.

If you are interested in trying to utilize dye in your pond this year, then you should put your first application of the dye in your pond by April 15. That is the approximate date plant germination begins in Indiana. The dye will only last a short time; thus, you will need to follow the label instructions on how often to reapply.

In the past, individuals have asked if they should prevent their livestock from entering their pond. Ultimately, the pond owner will have to make that decision, but I can tell you that livestock can be detrimental to ponds. To begin with, they can add to any nutrient problem that might already be occurring through their manure. Even if the animals are not allowed to enter the pond, the runoff from their pasture can contribute to the nutrient problem. Additionally, as they climb in and out of the pond, their hooves can break down the shoreline causing erosion problems.

If you have fish in your pond, you might be wondering if you should feed them. Generally, feeding fish in a pond is not necessary. If you feed your fish regularly, you can actually cause nutrient problems. Ultimately, if your pond is well-designed and managed properly, you should have adequate amounts of plant and animal organisms in your pond to support the fish population.

Visit www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or contact the local Extension office at 653-8411 for more information regarding this week’s column topic or to RSVP for upcoming events.

Upcoming Events

March 30 – Best Practices for Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant - virtual on Zoom - 12 p.m., pre-register at https://tinyur.com/digdeeper21

April 2 – Extension/county offices closed for Good Friday holiday

April 6 – Best Practices for Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cabbage - virtual on Zoom - 12 p.m., pre-register at https://tinyur.com/digdeeper21

April 10 – Extension Homemaker annual garage sale, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Putnam County Fairgrounds

April 13 – Best Practices for Beans and Peas - virtual on Zoom - 12 p.m., pre-register at https://tinyur.com/digdeeper21

April 14 – Wild Eats: Cooking for Flavor and Safety: Game Birds and Waterfowl, 3 p.m., pre-register at https://tinyurl.com/wildeatswebinar

April 20 – Best Practices for Berries - virtual on Zoom - 12 p.m., pre-register at https://tinyur.com/digdeeper21

April 27 – Best Practices for Herbs - virtual on Zoom - 12 p.m., pre-register at https://tinyur.com/digdeeper21

May 4 – Best Practices for Cucumbers, Squash, Melons - virtual on Zoom - 12 p.m., pre-register at https://tinyur.com/digdeeper21

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