What is the best time of year to fertilize a farm pond?

Fertilize farm ponds in early spring when water temperature reaches 60°F to stimulate phytoplankton bloom that feeds the food chain through summer. Stop fertilizing in late summer (August-September) to avoid fall blooms and oxygen crashes during turnover. Not all ponds need fertilizer — clear-water ponds with limited bass growth often benefit; muddy or already-productive ponds typically don't.