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POND FERTILIZATION

ADVANTAGES OF FERTILIZATION
  1. Increases the quality and quantity of natural food for fish
  2. Organic manure helps to improve the soil structure
  3. Fertilization helps to prevent predation by birds and other animals because they cannot see through the fertilized water

TYPES OF FERTILIZERS
In semi-intensive culture, pond fertilization is used to promote production of natural food in the waters. Supplementary feeds are then provided to the fish to maximize productivity. One can either use organic manure (e.g. farmyard manure, compost manure, animal wastes,etc) or inorganic manure. Normally, CAN (Calcium Ammonium Nitrate) or urea can be applied at the rate of 2g per square meter, and DAP (Di-Ammonium Phosphate) at 3g per square meter.        

Application of Inorganic fertilizer: Always dissolve it in water before applying to the pond. If you don't do this, the crystals will settle on the bottom where the nutrients will be trapped and may not be released into the water.

METHODS OF FERTILIZER APPLICATION
Pond fertilization can be done through several methods

Method 1
  1. Spread manure/fertilizer at the bottom of the pond before introducing water
  2. Fill the pond with water up to 6 inches deep, leave for 2 weeks
  3. Fill the pond to capacity when the water turns green

Method 2
1. Construct a manuring structure at one corner of the pond using closely woven sticks. This structure is called a crib.


2. Fill it with compost manure
3. Flood the pond with water to full capacity

Method 3
  1. Fill a porous bag (or any bag made of fine mesh) with manure
  2. Tie the ends of the bag with a strong rope
  3. Place an equally strong peg on the side of the pond and tie one end of the rope to this peg
  4. Suspend the bag into the water

Method 4
      
1. Measure inorganic fertilizer using the rates shown above, depending on the size of your pond 

 

2. Take some water (from the pond) in a container, add the measure fertilizer and mix thoroughly until everything has dissolved 


3. Sprinkle the water into the pond as you move along the sides