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!