TECHNIQUES OF FISHPOND MANAGEMENT 15 
Wave action will distribute both the fertilizer and the plankton that is 
formed so it is not necessary to attempt even and complete coverage of 
the pond surface. 
ARK.Di—23 
Figure 4.—Fertilizer may be applied to the pond water by broadcasting it from 
the shore or a boat. 
The annual cost of this type of fertilization will range from $11 to 
$20 per acre. 
The use of fertilizer does not permanently increase the carrying 
capacity of a pond. Fertilization must be done at regular intervals 
and throughout the growing season if satisfactory results are to be 
obtained. The first few applications of fertilizer bring the carrying 
capacity to a certain level; subsequent applications keep it at this 
level. If fertilization is at infrequent intervals, the fish are alter- 
nately well fed and starved. Ponds should be fertilized only when the. 
increased production will be utilized. 
ORGANIC FERTILIZERS © 
There are few data upon which to base recommendations for the kind 
and rate of application of organic fertilizers. Many of the reports on 
the use of such materials are vague as to mixtures, amounts, and man- 
ner of application. There are good reasons, however, for testing 
organic fertilizers in farm fishponds. Commercial fertilizers may 
not be readily available during time of war, their cost is sometimes 
beyond the financial means of those who wish to use them, and in some 
parts of the country people are not familiar with them. 
The organic fertilizers that have been used in fish culture may be 
roughly divided into four classes: (1) Farm manures, (2) seed meals, 
5The effects of organic fertilizers on fish production, mosquito production, and on 
filamentous algae and pondweeds have not been determined experimentally. Therefore, 
these fertilizers cannot yet be recommended for use by farmers without reservation. 
