Nitrogen Fertilization of Ponds

Abstract

Nitrogen fertilization failed to increase the production of bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) and plankton in small experimental ponds (0.022 to 0.066 hectare) which were also fertilized with phosphorus. In an experiment conducted in larger ponds (0.57 to 10.32 hectares), nitrogen plus phosphorus fertilization was no more effective than phosphorus-only fertilization in promoting plankton growth. However, an earlier experiment at Auburn University (1964-1965) demonstrated that the addition of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers to ponds increased bluegill production, but not largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) production, above that achieved with phosphorus-only fertilization. Nevertheless, phosphorus-only fertilization will appreciably increase production of sport fish in ponds, and because of the added cost, nitrogen fertilizers should not be used in fertilization programs for most sportfish ponds.