In the springtime, our Penn State Extension Offices get many questions about farm ponds. Most of them have to do with controlling unwanted algae and other aquatic plants. We have many resources that are available to pond owners to assist in managing ponds for maximum enjoyment over the summer months.
A list of Penn State Extension Resources for Pond and Lake Owners is available online . Included at this site is lots of information on Identifying and Managing Aquatic Plants and Algae. The most common problem or concern reported by pond and lakes owners is nuisance growth of various aquatic plants and algae. These concerns tend to increase as a water body ages and becomes shallower. The first step is to properly identify the plant or algae before considering control because some common aquatic plants are beneficial to the aquatic ecosystem. Other non-native, invasive plants and harmful algae blooms can cause problems with the pond ecosystem. There are various physical, biological, or chemical strategies that can be used to control any aquatic plant or algae. It is important to note that in order to use any aquatic herbicide on your pond to control algae or aquatic plants, you must first obtain a state permit. Information on how to get a permit is found online .
Fishing and wildlife viewing are two of the most common recreational uses of earthen ponds and lakes. But, fish kills and nuisance wildlife are also two of the most common problems reported by pond and lake owners. Proper fisheries management involves stocking the correct species of fish, monitoring their population, and creating a management plan combing harvesting and stocking. Wildlife management starts with understanding species like snapping turtles and dragonflies, before considering how to best attract or discourage them. There are many resources on this topic on the website as well.
If you are interested in a comprehensive, online course that includes most of the material referenced above, Penn State Extension has developed Pond Management for Rural and Farm Pond Owners . This eight-hour course combines text, short videos, and narrated presentations into six chapters that address common pond problems such as leaks and maintenance issues, pond safety, excessive plant and algae growth, pond fishery management, and wildlife issues.
If you are a certified pesticide applicator looking for Category 9 Aquatic Pesticide credits, you might also be interested in Aquatic Pesticide Management: Using Aquatic Herbicides for Pond Weeds and Algae . This course provides three PDA Category 9 credits with information on pond measurements, plant identification, and control methods. It includes details on using an integrated pest management approach to design and implement effective management and control solutions.
Source : psu.edu