- 1). Determine if the pond will benefit from liming by testing the alkalinity of the water. Collect a sample of water from several inches below the surface in a clean quart-sized container. Do not collect sediment from the bottom of the pond, as this affects the results.
- 2). Use a swimming-pool test kit to measure the alkalinity and pH of the water sample. The pond can benefit from liming if the pH is below 8.3 and the total alkalinity is less than 20mg/L.
- 3). Purchase a bag of agricultural limestone from a garden center. The limestone should be calcium carbonate (CaCO3) or calcium magnesium carbonate, (CaMg(CO3)2). Purchase the smallest particle size that is available to maximize reaction time and solubility.
- 4). Apply the limestone to the pond by spreading it evenly over the surface of the water. The lime sinks to the bottom of the pond and slowly dissolves over time. The application of lime generally should be repeated every three to five years.
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