Muskingum Soil and Water Conservation District - Farm Ponds

Farm ponds are not only a water source for livestock and used for irrigation, but they also provide a habitat for wildlife. A well-managed farm pond can be an asset to the environment as well as a suitable habitat for wildlife. A healthy farm pond can also increase the value of property.

There are many factors that make up a farm pond’s ecosystem. From the smallest of living organisms (phytoplankton) that gather to form algae, to the (zooplankton) insects that will feed off the algae, which provide food for the fish. Each living thing has a purpose in keeping balance in a pond’s ecosystem.

There are certain indications whether a pond is healthy or not, such as the presence of fish, amphibians, and other wildlife. A healthy pond makes a perfect habitat for toads, frogs, and salamanders. The life stages of several of these species require water and land. Some will lay their eggs in the water and as they grow as adults, they will venture to the land due to changes in the way they breathe oxygen. There are a wide variety of other wildlife that find a pond a wonderful environment. Each of them has a place in a healthy pond’s ecosystem.

Vegetation is important for a healthy farm pond. Plants that grow in the water and on the land have their place in the overall ecosystem of the pond. Trees, shrubs, and native plants have many purposes around the pond. They help protect the land from erosion, help with absorption of water, and provide oxygen to the water through photosynthesis. Also, having trees and shrubs planted around the pond will provide shade, which will help with the water temperatures.

When the shade is removed, it can make for an unhealthy pond. Direct sunlight will increase the water temperature. When water temperatures rise or fall, it can deplete the oxygen in the water. Water temperature can also be affected by the large amount of organic matter on the surface of the pond. Organic matter absorbs sunlight and will hold the heat in the water. Not only does removing trees and shrubs affect water quality, but it will also expose the soil to erosion. The eroded soil forms sediment in the pond. The sediment will also cause water temperatures to rise. Like the organic matter covering the surface of a pond, cloudy water will also absorb sunlight and hold heat. Water that is too hot or too cold will affect what is living in the pond, which will affect the overall ecosystem of the pond.

Sunlight plays a huge part in water temperature but also plays a part in keeping water oxygenized. It is plain to see why protecting the shade around a pond or on the banks of rivers and streams is important. Too much sunlight is not good but too little sunlight is just as bad.

The value of a healthy farm pond adds many assets to the environment. It provides food, water, and shelter to many creatures in our world, and can be a beautiful sight to behold.