The Seasonal Cycle of Nutrients: Why Winter Prep Matters

When winter arrives and the water surface calms or freezes, it’s easy to assume everything beneath is dormant. But even during the quietest months, nutrient movement continues—and those unseen shifts can have major consequences once spring returns. Understanding how nutrients cycle through the seasons is essential to long-term water clarity.

In spring, as temperatures rise, stored nutrients in sediments and runoff from snowmelt combine to create a surge of biological activity. This period often sets the tone for the rest of the year, as available phosphorus and nitrogen act as the “fuel” for green overgrowth. By summer, warm water and low oxygen levels at the bottom of ponds encourage nutrients to release from sediments into the water column, amplifying clarity challenges if not managed early.

Fall brings its own set of transitions. Cooling water and increased mixing can push sediment-bound nutrients back into circulation. At the same time, fallen leaves and plant debris begin to decompose, releasing organic nutrients just as biological activity starts to slow. By winter, biological uptake is minimal—but those nutrients don’t disappear. They remain in suspension or within sediments, waiting for warmer temperatures to reactivate the cycle.

That’s why winter preparation is so important. Taking preventive steps before freeze-up—such as testing for nutrient concentrations, stabilizing sediments, and ensuring shoreline buffers are intact—can significantly reduce springtime stress. Managers can also use the off-season to service aeration systems, schedule sediment removal, or evaluate runoff pathways for improvement before the next thaw.

Winter is not just a resting period; it’s a time of opportunity. Addressing nutrient buildup when systems are stable helps prevent the sudden spring surge that can cloud water and overwhelm management efforts. By understanding how nutrients move throughout the year, pond and lake managers can make each season work in their favor—and start spring 2026 with clearer, healthier water on the horizon. To discuss winter prep Contact Us!

How Everyday Land Practices Impact Your Pond or Lake

Every pond and lake is part of a larger landscape. What happens on lawns, driveways, and nearby fields often finds its way downstream—and that connection can make or break water quality. Nutrient runoff from everyday land practices is one of the most common causes of excess nutrient buildup in ponds and lakes, contributing to cloudier water and green overgrowth if left unmanaged.

Fertilizers are one of the biggest culprits. When applied to lawns or turf, any excess that isn’t absorbed by plants can be carried away by rainfall or irrigation, entering storm drains and flowing directly into nearby ponds. Even small amounts of phosphorus can significantly raise nutrient concentrations in still water. Similarly, during fall, decomposing leaves and plant debris add organic matter that breaks down into dissolved nutrients, further contributing to the cycle.

Stormwater runoff compounds the problem. Hard surfaces like driveways, patios, and rooftops channel rainfall quickly toward drains, often carrying soil particles, fertilizer residues, and other materials. Without proper buffer zones, those nutrients end up in local ponds and lakes, fueling seasonal nutrient spikes. Even well-intentioned irrigation practices can make a difference—overwatering often leads to nutrient-rich runoff that soils and plants can’t absorb in time.

Fortunately, there are simple steps that can dramatically reduce nutrient loading. Responsible fertilizer use—based on soil testing and weather awareness—ensures that nutrients stay where they belong. Collecting or mulching leaves early in the season keeps organic material out of waterways. Installing buffer vegetation, rain gardens, or natural filtration strips between lawns and ponds helps intercept runoff before it reaches the water. Together, these small adjustments protect clarity and maintain ecological balance.

In the end, clear water starts on land. By understanding the link between everyday maintenance and nutrient movement, pond and lake managers can take targeted, practical steps to safeguard their water bodies. Thoughtful land management today leads to cleaner, clearer results tomorrow.

The Dangers of Green Overgrowth

Algae growth in lakes, ponds, and reservoirs is a common seasonal occurrence, often influenced by nutrient availability, temperature, and light exposure. When these conditions align, algae can accumulate rapidly, sometimes forming thick layers or blooms that dominate the water’s surface.

These accumulations can interfere with light penetration, limit dissolved oxygen, and alter the visual and functional characteristics of a water body. In some instances, blooms may shift from being seasonal to persistent, affecting aquatic habitats and recreational usability.

There are several types of algae that may appear under these conditions, each with distinct characteristics:

Green Algae

Commonly seen as surface mats or filamentous strands (Stringy or hair-like algae). They thrive in nutrient-rich water and are often visible during warmer months.

Blue Green Algae (cyanobacteria)

They are microscopic organisms that can form dense surface scums in still or slow-moving water. Under certain conditions, they may release compounds that affect water odor, clarity, or quality.

Diatoms

They tend to be more common in cooler water and may appear brownish in color. These algae are often part of early-season blooms and may settle along the bottom or attach to submerged surfaces.

Golden Algae

Can cause discoloration and, in some cases, affect aquatic life through naturally occurring compounds. These species are less common but may appear under specific environmental conditions.

Overgrowth is often tied to elevated nutrient levels, especially orthophosphate. Algae Armor is designed to bind with orthophosphate in the water column, forming insoluble particles that settle at the bottom and reduce bioavailability. This approach may assist in maintaining nutrient balance across seasons.

Understanding the types of algae present can provide insight into the underlying chemistry of a water body. For more detailed evaluation or product guidance, reach out to our technical team here.

Can You Prevent Green Overgrowth Before It Starts? Yes, Here’s How.

Waiting until green overgrowth appears on the surface of a pond or lake can lead to more intensive cleanup and repeated treatments. That is why some water stewards apply products early in the season before conditions make overgrowth more likely. Algae Armor can be applied proactively as part of a seasonal maintenance plan, especially in areas with recurring nutrient buildup or runoff. 

Algae Armor is composed of iron oxides and zeolites. These minerals bind with orthophosphate, forming insoluble particles that settle to the bottom of the water. Once bound, the nutrients become biologically unavailable. The product’s silicate-based enhancement broadens its effective pH range (5.5 to 10) and helps stabilize particles in a variety of water conditions, including areas with runoff or flow. For early-season application, this process may help address nutrients before they become available to support green overgrowth. 

Applying early may help prepare lakes and ponds for seasonal factors like rising temperatures or rain-driven nutrient inflows. Each dose is based on acreage, depth, and orthophosphate levels. For dosage calculations or to plan early treatment, see Algae Armor's Technical Specs or speak with our team  for guidance.

Understanding Eutrophication and How Algae Armor Fights It

Eutrophication is the process by which water bodies become overly enriched with nutrients, often leading to excessive algae and plant growth. These nutrients—primarily phosphorus, can enter ponds, lakes, and reservoirs through runoff from fertilizers, stormwater, and organic matter. Over time, this buildup can affect water clarity, oxygen levels, and the overall balance of aquatic ecosystems. 

Algae Armor is designed to address the nutrient overload that drives eutrophication. It contains a mineral blend of iron oxides and zeolites that bond with nutrients in the water. Once bonded, these nutrients form insoluble particles that settle to the bottom of the water column, making them biologically unavailable. The product’s silicate-based enhancement technology broadens its effective pH range (5.5 to 10), improves the stability of the particles formed, and accelerates the binding process. 

By targeting orthophosphates, the key limiting nutrient, Algae Armor can assist in improving overall water chemistry. Technical specifications show potential reductions of up to 90 to 99 percent in orthophosphates and significant improvement of water clarity. Algae Armor can also reduce oxygen demand, which may be useful in managing the water quality impacts often associated with eutrophication. For site-specific planning or technical questions, contact our team here.