Fishing Ponds: To Fertilize or Not to Fertilize?

A fertilization program can greatly increase the fish production in fishing ponds.  Adding nutrients stimulates the growth of the microscopic plants (algae) that feed the small animals that feed the fish. Fertilization can increase fish production by three to four times, resulting in more and/or bigger fish in properly managed ponds.  Also, these tiny plants can shade the bottom and prevent aquatic weeds from taking over.

Read more about fertilizing farm ponds in Mississippi

Enterprises Mean More than Just Revenue - Tips for Enhancing Revenues from Landholdings

• Identify assets such as Old farm houses, wildlife species of high interest (Deer, Turkey, Waterfowl), and special and historical facts of your property
• Do you have water resources on your land that facilitate recreation (Lake, stream, river, ponds, or even a spring)
• Do you have historical locations nearby (Civil war monuments, happenings of significance)
• What types of wildlife watching activities could be created on this property
• Begin thinking about a decision model for which of these enterprises are feasible and sustainable

View more tips for enhancing revenues from landholdings

2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation - Mississippi (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)

"The 2006 Survey found that 1.1 million Mississippi residents and nonresidents 16 years old and older fished, hunted, or wildlife watched in Mississippi. Of the total number of participants, 546 thousand fished, 304 thousand hunted, and 731 thousand participated in wildlife-watching activities, which include observing, feeding, and photographing wildlife. The sum of anglers, hunters, and wildlife watchers
exceeds the total number of participants in wildlife-related recreation because many individuals engaged in more than one wildlife-related activity." Read the full results of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife 2006 survey.