Apply the lime 2 to 3 months before starting fertilization, and repeat every 3 to 4 years. To Use Several methods and types of fertilization programs can be used, and all can be effective if the pond soil pH and water chemistry are in appropriate ranges. Pond fertilizers are available in liquid, granular, or powdered forms. Liquid fertilizers dissolve most readily, followed by powders, and then granular types. These formulations are typically applied at the rate of 4 to 8 pounds per surface acre.
Granular fertilizers are more traditional and are available in numerous formulations.
A relatively new granular technology provides a timed release of the fertilizer. How and When To Apply Fertilizer Begin fertilization in the spring when water temperatures have stabilized at 60 degrees Fahrenheit, or higher. As a rule of thumb, this means about March 15 in south Mississippi and April 1 in central and north Mississippi. If you use liquid, powder, or traditional granular formations, make the first three applications of fertilizer two weeks apart, then make another application whenever you can see your hand clearly with your arm under water at elbow depth. If you use the timed-released fertilizer, apply 25 pounds of pellets per acre.