Ponds
Many landowners enjoy fishing, swimming, providing wildlife habitat, and relaxing beside recreational ponds on their property. Because pond construction is an important component of successful, long term pond management, here are some important aspects every future pond owner should consider.
Pond Site is extremely important; soil suitability, engineer survey, and design. Estimate the cost of the earthwork, planning, design, and pond construction.
Pond Soil is one of the primary factors in selection a pond site. The soil should contain a layer of material that water will not seep through. Clays and silty clays are excellent for holding water.Take soil samples at frequent intervals and have them analyzed. Not evaluating soil strata properly could result in a pond that will not hold water.
TOPOGRAPHY affects building costs and pond management. Put the pond where enough water can be impounded with the least amount of earth fill. A good site is usually where you can build a dam across a narrow section of valley and the slope of the floor lets you flood a large area.
POND WATER SUPPLY should be adequate but not excessive. Springs, wells, or surface runoff should have enough to maintain a suitable water level during the dry periods. This is critical.
POND MANAGEMENT will go a long way towards allowing pond owners to get maximum enjoyment from their pond while minimizing maintenance. Once you have managed proper construction, take careful watch to control weeds. Pond weeds are simply plants in the wrong place at the wrong time. There are many types of aquatic plants that are beneficial for wildlife and a healthy pond. The best way to avoid weed problems is prevention.
Weeds In Ponds
When it comes to pond management, nothing is more aggravating than weeds. But weeds are simply plants in the wrong place at the wrong time. Many types of aquatic plants are beneficial for wildlife, and plants form part of a healthy pond. Farm pond owners may consider leaving vegetation in and around ponds to provide cover and food for wildlife. However, excessive growth of plants can interfere with other uses of the pond, such as watering cattle, fishing and swimming, thus making the plants “weeds.” Floating weeds, such as duckweed, can become so abundant that the pond surface becomes covered, cutting off light and oxygen to the fish below. In some instances, weeds can literally take over a pond and cause serious problems for the pond owner.
The best way to avoid weed problems is prevention. Building the pond correctly, limiting excessive nutrient loading, and keeping invasive weeds out of a pond are crucial. However when weeds become a problem, there are several ways to manage the infestation.
Mechanical Treatment:
Tools such as pond rakes, fine mesh nets or chains. NCRCD offers a free pond rake rental.
Chemical Treatment:
Chemical control is risky, expensive and should generally be considered as a last resort. Proper identification of the weed is important, be sure to follow label instructions and not that the use of a chemical may restrict uses of the pond water for other purposes, such as irrigation or watering cattle.
