August 2012
Pond Management for Livestock and Recreation
A properly managed pond can provide an excellent source of water for livestock or irrigation,
an attraction for wildlife, aesthetic beauty and recreation in the forms of swimming, boating
or fishing. How this pond is managed will be determined by the goals you are trying to
achieve.
Construction
Management of an existing pond can be a chore. However, if you have the luxury of
building a new pond, how it is constructed can play a key role in the amount of future
management that will be required. A poorly constructed pond is always likely to have
problems and be difficult to manage. Ponds with shallow areas are prone to have problems
with excessive weed growth. Other problems include ponds that leak due to being
constructed in the wrong soil types to ponds that remain low because they were constructed
in areas with inadequate water sheds. To help alleviate these types of problems, landowners
should consult with their local Natural Resources Conservation Service for help prior to
pond construction.
Stocking
What species of fish to stock in a pond will vary according to the size of the pond, the goals
of the landowner and the amount of resources that the landowner wants to commit to the
operation. It is generally suggested that only catfish be stocked in a pond less than one acre
although other species can thrive in an area this size.
Many landowners have larger ponds and like to stock other types of sport fish like bass. In
this case, a combination of bass and bluegill should be stocked. The bluegills provide a
source of food for the bass. This combination will usually provide an excellent fishing
opportunity for both species. In addition, catfish can be added to this combination if
desired. Stocking rates will vary depending upon your location in the state and according to
the conditions of the pond and the long term goals of the landowner.
Fertilization
Proper fertilization of your pond helps to increase the amount of food available to the fish
and can easily double the total pounds of fish produced. Pond fertilization generally begins
in March or April when the water temperatures reach 65°F and continues thru June.
Landowners can use an inorganic fertilizer in a granular formulation such as a 20-20-5 or 1620-0 at the rate of 100 lbs./surface acre followed by two applications at the reduced rate of
35-50 lbs./surface acre. This should be done at one month intervals. Liquid fertilizers can
also be used. The suggested formulations are a 10-34-0 or a 11-37-0 at the rate of one gallon
per surface acre. Remember that fertilization should be continued annually.
Liming
You should check the alkalinity of your pond prior to stocking fish, especially in East Texas.
Applying agricultural limestone is necessary in ponds where the pH is below 6.5 and total
alkalinity is below 20 ppm. Waters that fall into this range limit the growth and
reproduction of fish. Also, ponds that fall into this category do not respond well to
fertilization. You can find out the correct formulation and amount of lime to apply by
taking a mud sample and having it analyzed. Liming is generally applied between the
months of November and January.
Weed Control
Aquatic vegetation or weeds are common in most ponds. This vegetation can be both
positive and negative when it comes to pond management. It provides habitat for small
aquatic animals and a place for small fish to hide from larger fish that prey upon them.
While this is positive, it can also be negative if the vegetative growth is not controlled. Too
many weeds allow ponds to become overpopulated. This excessive growth also robs nutrients
from the pond.
Three different methods can be used to control aquatic vegetation. These methods are
biological, mechanical and chemical. Depending upon the situation, one or a combination
of these methods may be used. Remember to always read chemical labels prior to
application, and follow recommended rates and methods of application.
Biological Control
FILAMENTOUS AND PLANKTONIC ALGAE
Tilapia
SUBMERSED WEEDS INCLUDING CHARA
Triploid Grass Carp
DUCKWEED, WATERFERN AND WATERMEAL
Triploid Grass Carp
SHORELINE WEEDS AND BRUSH
Goats
Mechanical Control
FILAMENTOUS AND PLANKTONIC ALGAE
Deepen pond and follow recommended fertilization program.
SUBMERSED WEEDS
Deepen pond and follow recommended fertilization program.
FLOATING WEEDS
Manually remove weeds.
SHORELINE WEEDS
Use mowing or hand pulling.
Chemical Control *
ALGAE
Cooper sulfate (Bluestone)
Cooper complexes
Hydrothol
DUCK WEED
Fluridone (Sonar)
Diquat
Glyphosate (Rodeo)
CHARA
Cooper sulfate (Bluestone)
Cooper complexes
Hydrothol
WATERLILY
Glyphosate (Rodeo)
Diquat
COONTAIL
Aquathol
Fluridone (Sonar)
HYDRILLA
Aquathol
Fluridone (Sonar)
BUSHY POND WEED (Southern Naiad)
Aquathol
Fluridone (Sonar)
WATERPRIMROSE
Glyphosate (Rodeo)
Diquat
CATTAILS
Glyphosate (Rodeo)
Diquat
Roundup
SHORELINE WEED
(Rushes, arrowhead and others)
Glyphosate (Rodeo)
Diquat
Roundup
*Various chemicals have been approved to control aquatic weeds. Remember to always read
chemical labels prior to application and follow recommended rates and methods of
application. Check with your local county Extension agent or Extension Fisheries Specialist
for the latest recommendations and suggestions.
For more information
contact:
Nelson Daniels, PhD
Program Specialist
[email protected]
Phone: 936.261.5112
Fax: 936.261.5143
The Cooperative Extension Program serves people of all ages regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion,
disability, political beliefs, and marital or family status. (Not all classes are protected by legal statutes).