Pond Management

Weed control in farm ponds is important to landowners each year. By following a 3-step program, one can eliminate the weeds in the pool, add a beautiful blue color to the pool and also eliminate the nutrients in the bottom of the pool that grow your moss.

  • The first step is to identify the weed and apply the proper herbicide that will eliminate the moss. Treatment of water should not be done entirely at once as decomposition of the decaying moss ties up oxygen that would be used by the fish. Treatment should be restricted to 2-4 treatment periods depending on pool size.
    • Herbicides used to rid of moss- Cutrine Plus, Reward, Weedtrine, Crystal Plex, or Copper Sulfate crystals.
    • Rates are determined by the size and average depth of pools.
    • Herbicides recommended killing weeds that grow from the soil or above the water- Eraser AQ
  • The next step is to protect the pool from re-occurring moss growth by applying a die to the water. This step may be done at the same time as treating with the herbicide.
    • Products recommended- Crystal Blue or Aquashade
  • The final step is to apply a product that will get rid of the nutrients that aid in growing the moss. This product is Bio-Clear.

Soil pH

Water clarity is influenced by the pH of the water. Water samples may be taken to the County Extension office to determine the pH of the water. Pools that have an acid pH can be treated be treated with lime whereas water that is alkaline can be treated with gypsum. Rates to be used are based upon the jar test, which applies small amounts of the products that will clear the sample then calculating the amount needed to clear the pool.