What is the primary purpose of adding fertilizer to pond water?

The primary purpose of adding fertilizer to pond water is to increase phytoplankton growth. Fertilizers provide essential nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, which stimulate the growth of phytoplankton—microscopic plant-like organisms that are crucial to the aquatic food web.

In freshwater ecosystems, a balanced growth of phytoplankton is vital as they form the base of the food chain and serve as a primary food source for various aquatic organisms, including small fish and zooplankton. Additionally, healthy phytoplankton populations contribute to oxygen production through photosynthesis, which supports overall aquatic life.

While enhancing the aesthetic appeal of a pond is an important consideration in pond management, it is not the primary purpose of applying fertilizer. The elimination of herbivorous fish and the decrease in phytoplankton growth directly oppose the beneficial effects that fertilizers aim to achieve in promoting a healthy aquatic ecosystem.