How to go About Building a Farm Pond

Submitted by: Darrell Rhoades

Many farmers are interested in building a farm pond in their farms. There are many reasons for having a farm pond. Some of the farmers that I know had stayed away from pond building as they felt that a pond in a farm had to be built using a large tract of land. I informed them that only a reasonable amount of land (about half an acre at the least) is required for locating a pond in a farm.

There are many advantages to building a farm pond of your own. The singular advantage that you will derive from a pond in your farm is that you will be creating a sustainable ecosystem for marine life in your farm. As you know, the benefits of creating an environment where marine life can develop without much hindrance could well prove to be one of the major revenue earners in your farm.

Pond building in your farm after scientific site selection can manage the water table in your area. Has this got you interested? Let me explain further. All the water that you receive as rains in your farm has to be channelized properly into a manageable manner. If the rain water is left to run its own course, it would lead to soil erosion, particularly the most fertile top soil.

On the other hand if you invest time and money in building a farm pond, you could provide a unique water management runoff facility that could feed your pond with seasonal fresh water. This water that you store in your pond could well prove to be useful for feeding your livestock in the summer or it could serve as a very effective backup source of freshwater to meet the needs of your farm in case there is a drought like condition in the area.

A supplementary benefit from having a farm pond is that you could also provide an opportunity for growing a good herb garden using the principles of bio diversity. As you know water sustains all life. Many of the herbs are medicinal plants that derive sustenance from a natural water body. This gives a unique, lasting fragrance and beneficial properties to the herbs translating into better value for the farmer in the market.

To derive the maximum benefits from building a farm pond, you will have to consult a soil and mineral expert who will give you expert advice and guidance as to the best location to build your pond in. the soil samples have to be tested for their mineral content to verify if they are capable of enriching the marine life once the farm pond is built and charged with water. Pond building experts will also guide you on the treatment methodology to create a sustainable base for your pond. The treatment that you provide for the pond bottom will determine the effectiveness of the water retaining properties of your pond and form the basis for all your future plans to capitalize on the farm that you have built in your farm.