gravity, you need to determine what is stirring the sediments in your pond and eliminate that cause if possible. Carp or other bottom feed- ing fi sh may need to be eradicated. A pond that is strongly mixed by wind may benefi t from planting a windbreak. If your sample is chemically sus-
pended, you may wish to try apply- ing inexpensive hay to the edge of the water. As it decays, hay (or other organic matter) creates electrical charges that cause clay particles to clump together and settle out. Two small bales of hay per surface acre should be scattered around the pond edge at 14-day intervals until clearing occurs. No more than 4 or 5 treatments should be done each year. You can also try placing one
small bale along the shoreline every 40 feet. If these methods are not ef- fective, consider applying limestone, gypsum, or fi lter alum. Refer to one of the pond management booklets listed under “Other Information” for advice. These substances usually are quicker acting, but cost more and require hard work to properly apply. If it is not feasible to clear your
pond, then you may wish to con- sider using it to produce catfi sh. Up to 1,000 pounds of catfi sh per sur- face acre can be grown using cat- fi sh feed. Put out no more than 20 pounds of feed per surface acre per day to avoid a fi sh kill. Large bass should be removed from the pond before stocking catfi sh fi ngerlings.
Poor fi shing In far too many ponds, Okla-
homans have discovered that an afternoon of fishing yields only scrawny, undesirable fi sh. Before you conclude that the pond requires corrective action, be sure you have
tscra.org
Is the
sediment in your muddy water settleable or chemically suspended?
µ May 2013 The Cattleman 51
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