| 1. The pond bottom should be dried and
harrowed in the early part of the dry season |
| 2. Fill with brackish water. The pH will
drop from the natural pH of the water (7.0 - 9.0) to below 4.0. Once
it has stabilised, drain the pond and repeat the process until the
pH stabilises above 5.0. Several cycles may be necessary |
| 3. Eliminate the acidification caused by
run off from the banks (or levees) of the pond by forming small
basins and channels in the top of the levees and filling and
draining these repeatedly with the pond. Once finished distribute
agricultural limestone at 0.5 - 1.0 kg/m2 |
| 4. Once the pond is stabilised at 5.0 or
higher, scatter 500kg / ha of agricultural limestone across the pond
bottom. Then fertilise to encourage algae. |
| 5. Fish can be killed by seepage of rain
water and run-off from surrounding soils so pond should be monitored
for pH and additional limestone spread as necessary. |
| Brinkman and Singh (1982) |
