N.C. STATE UNIVERSITY

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
N.C. Agricultural Research Service
N.C. Cooperative Extension Service

Management of Nutrient and Sedimentation Effects of Farm Pond Fisheries

Prepared by: James A. Rice

Long-Term Objective:

1. Educate NC pond owners regarding the importance and techniques of proper management of nutrient and sediment loading to maintain water quality necessary for productive fisheries and other desirable pond uses.

Short-Term Objectives:

1. Train County extension agents and private pond owners on management practices for controlling fertilizer, animal waste, and sediment runoff into ponds, and on proper decision-making and methods for pond fertilization.

2. Develop educational materials that County extension personnel can use to assist landowners in managing nutrient and sediment loading to ponds.

Accomplishments

1. Pond management training field days have been held for county extension agents in all NC extension districts; these workshops address nutrient and sedimentation management as well as other pond management issues.

2. A detailed Pond Management Guide has been published, and is available free of charge at all county extension offices. This publication addresses all aspects of pond management, including those related to nutrient and sedimentation issues, and is being widely used.

3. A Pond Management video tape has been produced to compliment the Pond Management Guide booklet, and is available for viewing at all county extension offices.

Excessive nutrient runoff or sediment loading can cause major problems in ponds, contributing to excessive weed growth, increasing the risk of fish kills, decreasing the aesthetic and economic value of ponds, and restricting their suitability for fishing, recreation, irrigation, and other uses. By following straightforward management recommendations concerning their pond and the land around it, pond owners can greatly reduce the risk of nutrient or sediment-related problems. The training and educational materials we have developed have allowed county extension personnel to effectively help pond owners alleviate many of these problems.

Future Plans:

1. Develop Teletip messages on pond management issues, including nutrient and sedimentation control.

2. Conduct a survey of Pond Management video tape users to determine the extent to which pond owners implement the management information they have received.

3. Repeat the pond management training workshop series for NC extension personnel.