List,
Our subdivision here slightly north of Tulsa, OK has a about a 1/2 acre pond on one side of it that we are trying to manage. The pond is somewhat teardrop shaped. With rain, water comes into the pond at the teardrop tip and exits at a dam on the bottom side.
Approximately 2 weeks ago, in my 1st attempt to get a handle on the extreme amount of "algae" in it, I placed 2 10lb nylon stockings full of ground corn meal, one on each side of the pond, at approximately 1/3 down the teardrop shape. (I did this thinking natural water flow would help distribute the corn meal into the body of the pond also. The amount I used was lite since I did not want to cause a fish kill.)
There's one other issue with the pond that is a "major concern" to some of the association members here. Water Primrose is spreading along the banks of the pond. I've noticed it seems to be most willing to grow where ever the floating algae is. I'm still trying to determine if one comes before the other.
Today I looked and could see no visual indication of any "algae" die off. Here's my list of questions...
1) Is "horticultural corn meal" more effective on only a specific bread of "algae" perhaps?
(Our pond has "algae" growing under and above the surface)
2) Is corn meal more effective during any particular season?
3) How soon can someone expect to see results with the corn meal if used in the spring?
4) How often should the corn meal be replaced once/if determined effective?
5) Aside from 20% acidic vinegar, (Which I plan to try once the Primrose spreads a bit more) does anyone know of anything else, aside from mechanical removal, that might be effective on the Primrose?
Thanks in advance...