While pond ownership is not for the faint of heart, it is rewarding to see its sparkling beauty and witness the life forms that live inside its depths. No two ponds are the same, with some being easy to manage and others becoming difficult, seemingly without warning.
Although all ponds are different and have varying needs, some fundamental principles of pond management pertain to every pond, no matter its size or shape. Knowing the principles of pond management is essential for pond owners who want to keep their bodies of water healthy and beautiful.
Why Is Pond Management So Important?
Large ponds become a welcome oasis for many wildlife because their habits are becoming destroyed. All the plants and animals that live in ponds are some of the smallest in the ecosystem, they are also some of the most important.
Pond management ensures the ecosystem of the pond is healthy and welcoming to all forms of life. While algae growth is essential for a healthy ecosystem, when the growth becomes excessive, problems can occur.
Without proper pond management, a pond’s ecosystem will begin to suffer. Life cannot be sustained in a pond that is not being managed.
Benefits of a Well-Managed Pond
There are a host of benefits to owners who have large ponds on their properties. Although many people construct ponds for recreation and aesthetics. With knowledgeable pond management, owners can experience increased recreational and economic benefits.
- Food production for personal or commercial use
- Fishing
- Livestock production
- Fishing lease
- Irrigation
- Swimming
- Fire protection
A pond that has been managed carefully will be healthy and invite all sorts of beneficial plant and animal life. Many people are surprised they can produce up to 500 pounds of fish per acre of pond each year. Whether an owner only seeks recreation or profit, proper management is key.
Important Principles of Proper Pond Management
Proper pond management is essential for pond ownership, but new owners may feel overwhelmed because they are unsure of the steps they need to take. Thankfully, five important principles of pond management can be used for all types of ponds, no matter their geographic locations, sizes, or shapes.
Weed Control
Weed control is vital for pond management. Although a few weeds are not going to disrupt the health of a pond, prolific growth can. When weeds begin to grow in great numbers, they can reduce the swimming space of the pond and eventually take over completely.
To control weeds, owners need to limit the number of fertilizers that enter the pond. Fertilizers can include animal waste and chemicals. When these are around the pond, heavy rains can send them into the water, which can encourage increased weed growth.
Stocking Fish
Pond owners who wish to have healthy fish life will need to stock their ponds from time to time. It is important to stock a pond with fish the owner wishes to catch. Owners need to choose a fish that matches the size of their pond. The fish will need to be restocked according to how many are caught regularly through fishing.
Water Quality
Water quality is the most essential part of pond management. New pond owners will find they need to monitor their pond quality daily in the beginning. As they grow accustomed to recognizing the changes in their ponds, they will be able to be proactive.
An important part of protecting the water quality is pond aeration. The right aerator and filter system will keep the water oxygenated and healthy for all lifeforms.
By monitoring their ponds regularly, owners will be able to ensure the right level of nutrients has been added, without encouraging weed or bad bacteria overgrowth.
The Aesthetics
Every pond owner would like to have crystal clear water, but this is likely impossible with most ponds. That being said, it is possible to have an attractive pond with a water color and smell that is inviting.
The biggest enemy to water color is an overgrowth of algae. When algae growth takes over, the water will become slimy and green, which is not inviting for swimmers or any form of life.
There are two ways pond owners can keep their water cleaner, in addition to using an aerator and filter.
- Keeping livestock near the pond will help to prevent the water from becoming overly muddy.
- A healthy fish population will keep algae growth in check because they consume the algae as a food source.
Fish Population
Another integral part of pond management is keeping track of the fish population. It is important to record the number of fish that were stocked and keep a record of any fish caught.
It is also essential pond owners understand the lifecycle of fish, so they will know what part of the lifecycle their fish are in at any given time. Conducting fish surveys is important to keep up with the fish population and its health.
The right knowledge and tools are essential for success in pond management. In the beginning, a lot of new pond owners feel overwhelmed because they mistakenly believe there are a lot of steps involved.
While there is work to be carried out managing a pond, it is not overwhelming. With a keen eye and keeping detailed records, pond owners will find they are better able to manage their ponds and maintain a healthy environment for their fish and plant life.
Conclusion
Pond ownership is rewarding and with proper management, ponds will be healthier and will adequately support fish and plant life.
A slimy green pond is unattractive. It becomes more than an eyesore when smells begin to rise. Proper management helps to eliminate the issues that can lead to discolored water and foul smells.
Pond owners need to learn as much as possible about pond management and follow the principles above. Routine water testing and fish surveys will help owners to keep abreast of the health of their ponds, so they can make timely adjustments as needed.