Pond Management Tips. Typical Problems. What We ll Cover. Water Source Choices. Ponds

Transcription

1 Typical Problems Pond Management Tips Bob Schultheis Natural Resource Engineering Specialist Won t hold water Dam erosion Too many weeds Water quality bad Fish die Solving the problem vs. treating the symptoms Webster County Diversified Agriculture Conference Marshfield, MO Jan. 16, What We ll Cover Sizing and construction tips for a well built pond Procedures for sealing a leaky pond Why ponds have weed problems and how to fix them Identifying and controlling aquatic plants Resources available for improving fish management Water Source Choices Ponds Springs Creeks & streams Wells Public water systems 3 4 Help control erosion Store water for livestock and irrigation Provide recreation Ponds 5 All other rights reserved. In each case, credit Robert Schultheis, University of Missouri Extension 1

2 Water Depth 1 Ensure a permanent water supply Evaporation losses Seepage Water Depth 2 Livestock water source if >8 ft. deep Fishing & recreation 7 8 Drainage Area Needed Drainage area needed per acre foot of storage Animal Water Requirement Winter Summer Livestock gallons/day gallons/day Beef cow/calf pairs Milking cow Heifers Sheep (ewe with lambs) Finishing pigs 4 5 Horse Sizing the Pond Must be sized to the watershed 1 acre of pond surface area per acres of watershed All Ozarks water comes from rainfall rainfall & 36 of evaporation annually Frequently go dry in prolonged droughts Pond 8' deep, 100' dia. holds 280,000 gallons of water when full One half of water volume is usable for livestock water. Rest is seepage & evaporation 100 cow/calf pairs use 3500 GPD 140,000 gal GPD = 40 day supply 11 Sizing the Pond for Irrigation Q: It takes 6 inches (0.5 feet) of supplemental irrigation to grow a crop in one season. How many acres of crop will a 6 acre lake 20 feet deep irrigate? A: Lake 20 feet deep x 0.33 = 6.6 feet average depth. 6.6 feet depth x 6 acres = 40 acre feet. Half is usable for irrigation; rest is evaporation and seepage. 40 acre feet 2 = 20 acre feet of water usable 20 acre feet 1.5 storage factor 0.5 feet water needed = 27 acres 12 All other rights reserved. In each case, credit Robert Schultheis, University of Missouri Extension 2

3 Where to Put a Pond 1 Where to Put a Pond 2 Topography Soil Type Where to Put a Pond 3 Pond Construction Considerations Poor Sites and Size 15 Suitable pond site may not be a good water distribution point for livestock High risk of leakage due to: Highly permeable red clay soils Shallow depth to bedrock; too much rock Poor construction procedures Lack of sealing clays Unrestricted access can cause animal disease & foot problems Risk of animals drowning through winter ice 16 Fault Lines in Southwest Missouri Reasons for Leaky Ponds 1 Highly Permeable Red Clay 18 All other rights reserved. In each case, credit Robert Schultheis, University of Missouri Extension 3

4 Reasons for Leaky Ponds 2 Reasons for Leaky Ponds 3 Limestone Outcrops 19 Excessive Rock 20 Sheepsfoot Roller Pond Sealing 1 Soil Compaction Pulverize red and yellow clay soils to break down structure Keep moist during recompaction process Compaction in 4 6 thick layers using sheepsfoot roller, rubber tires or half engaged disk Keep soil moist after compaction Soil Compactive Effort Man Bulldozer D5 Cat. D7 Cat. D8 Cat. Ag. Tractor rear front Rubber tire scraper Sheepsfoot roller Woman in high heels 8 12 psi 7 9 psi 8 10 psi psi psi psi psi > 300 psi > 860 psi Bentonite 2 lbs./sq.ft. in gravelly soils Soda 0.2 lbs./sq.ft. in all clay soils Blend the two Pond Sealing Additives All other rights reserved. In each case, credit Robert Schultheis, University of Missouri Extension 4

5 More Construction Tips Core trench under the pond dam Sheepsfoot rollers work like pigs Do not use drywall. Gypsum increases soil porosity Work the soil moist; keep it moist Wheel tractor with disk is better than bulldozer Keep trees out of pond banks Pond should fill within 1 year Seepage + evaporation should be 12 inches or less in hot summer months and 4 inches or less in winter months 25 Cost Estimate 1/2 Acre Pond Water 1 or 2 Pastures (prices as of 3/2015) 2200 cu. yds. $3.48/cu.yd. $ 7, ft. 6 dia. principle spillway $4.34/ft ft. 2 dia. livestock tank $1.48/ft. 133 Concrete tank, installed 1,100 Gravel pad tons $17.93/ton 187 Fence: 1000 $2.01/ft. 2,010 1 metal gate 135 Seed and fertilizer - 1 acre 487 Soda ash: 2000 $0.47/lb. 940 Total Estimate $ 13, Cost Estimate New Well Water 4 Pastures (prices as of 3/2015) Pond Water Quality Drilling $6.44/ft. $ 2,737 Casing $12.00/ft. 1,440 Well, miscellaneous 430 Well house 665 Deep well pump 2,300 Pressure tank 666 Concrete tank, installed 1,100 Gravel pad tons $17.93/ton ft. 1¼ dia. $1.10/ft. installed 1, ft. of $1.55/ft. 2,046 Seed and Fertilizer acre 144 Electricity - New or Existing???? Total Estimate $ 13, Poor Water Quality Due to Shallow Depth 28 What s the Problem with Weeds? Weed Control Options Impairs recreation Aesthetics / property value Excessive growth leads to fish stunting and overpopulation May lead to fish kills Cultural Prevention Habitat alteration Biological Mechanical Chemical All other rights reserved. In each case, credit Robert Schultheis, University of Missouri Extension 5

6 Keep nutrients away from pond Limit runoff Maintain vegetation around pond Exclude livestock Prevention 1 Prevention 2 Pond should be fenced with limited access or have a concrete water tank below the dam 32 Prevention 3 Grass filters sediment & nutrients Keep grass at least 8 tall ft. 33 Habitat Alteration Water level fall drawdown Dye (Aquashade) Primarily works on rooted underwater plants growing at depths >2 3 feet Maintain concentration; not for flowing water Apply in March or April; reapply later Not for muddy water 8 mil black plastic cover on plants for 30 days 50 lbs N P K fertilizer to clear water only 34 Mechanical Control Hand pulling Small stands of cattails and tuberous roots Raking Algae Floating duckweed (must get all plants) Dragging heavy chains Deepen pond edges to 3 feet after fall water drawdown Grass carp Barley straw Biological Weed Control All other rights reserved. In each case, credit Robert Schultheis, University of Missouri Extension 6

7 Triploid Grass Carp Consumes many aquatic weeds Use fish that are 8 10 long Stock 5 10 per surface acre Takes 1 2 years to gain some control Barley Straw for Algae UK research shows positive results US research has been inconsistent 37 Chemical Control Proper plant identification Check herbicide restrictions Know the mode of action (contact vs. translocated) Calculate dosage carefully Timing is key Active weed growth Retreatment may be necessary 39 Plant Types 40 Water Use Restrictions for Common Aquatic Herbicides Common Trade Names for Aquatic Herbicides All other rights reserved. In each case, credit Robert Schultheis, University of Missouri Extension 7

8 Algaecides and Aquatic Herbicides Contact Materials Copper sulfate Copper chelates (Cutrine Plus) Diquat (Weedtrine D; Reward) Translocated Materials Fluridone (Sonar; Avast!) 2,4 D (Aquacide; AquaKleen; Navigate) Glyphosate (Rodeo; GlyphoMate 41; Eraser AQ; Aquamaster) Filamentous Algae Planktonic Algae 43 Copper Sulfate Fish are particularly sensitive to it, especially catfish and trout Treat in early spring before matted growth occurs. Repeat treatment as necessary Leave untreated areas for fish to move into Treat no more than 1/4 to 1/3 of pond at a time and wait 2 weeks between treatments May apply using burlap bags or pantyhose on a float Rate = 2 3 lbs. per acre foot of water 45 Chemical Restrictions Copper chelates (Cutrine Plus) Do not use in water containing trout Fish toxicity is dependent on hardness of water No other restrictions regarding stock watering, irrigation, fishing and swimming are listed on the label 46 Duckweed and Watermeal Chemical Restrictions Diquat (Weedtrine D; Reward) No stock watering for 1 day Fluridone (Sonar; Avast!) No irrigation for 7 30 days Do not apply within ¼ mile of a functioning potable water intake No stock watering restriction listed on label 48 All other rights reserved. In each case, credit Robert Schultheis, University of Missouri Extension 8

9 Emergent Plants Emergent Plants Water lily Watershield Water primrose Cattails Submerged Plants Submerged Plants Pondweeds American Elodea Hydrilla Chemical Restrictions Glyphosate (Rodeo; GlyphoMate 41; Eraser AQ; Aquamaster) Do not use within ½ mile of a potable water intake (reservoir, lake, stream, river) No restrictions listed on label regarding irrigation, stock watering, fishing or swimming 2,4 D (Aquacide; AquaKleen; Navigate) Refer to label 53 Stock Tank Algae Chlorine Bleach 2 3 oz per 100 gallons every week Copper Sulfate 1/8 tsp per 100 gallons Zinc Sulfate Dissolve 1 cup in 1 gal water; Use ½ cup solution per 100 gallons Goldfish 4 6 per 100 gallons Must be taken indoors in fall 54 All other rights reserved. In each case, credit Robert Schultheis, University of Missouri Extension 9

10 Where to Find Help Mapping sources online (CARES) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) Farm Service Agency (FSA) MU Extension State and local government Sources for Maps USDA Service Center (FSA & NRCS) offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app Center for Applied Research and Environmental Systems (CARES) cares.missouri.edu/portfolio/item/missouri map room/ Ag Site Assessment Tool (MU Extension) agsite.missouri.edu USDA Web Soil Survey websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/app/homepage.htm U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) References MWPS50 Living on Acreages: What You Need to Know MWPS2 Farmstead Planning Handbook MWPS6 Beef Housing & Equipment Handbook MWPS3 Sheep Housing & Equipment Handbook MWPS60 Horse Facilities Handbook MWPS14 Private Water Systems Handbook MU Guide G1800 Sources for Farm and Home Water Supply MU Guide G1801 How to Size a Farm and Home Water System M157 Missouri Grazing Manual MU Guide EQ380 Pumps and Watering Systems for Managed Beef Grazing MU Guide EQ381 Water Quality for Livestock Drinking MU Guide G1161 All Weather Concrete Stock Tank NRCS handbook: Watering Systems for Serious Graziers NRCS handbook: Electric Fencing for Serious Graziers MU Guide G810 Missouri Fencing and Boundary Laws MU Guide G1191 Selecting Wire Fencing Materials MU Guide G1192 Constructing Wire Fences 57 Resources on the Web This presentation and related resources extension.missouri.edu/webster/presentations.aspx Pond Construction and Management extension.missouri.edu/webster/pondmanagement.aspx extension (access all the land grant universities in the U.S.) 58 Questions?? Robert A. (Bob) Schultheis Natural Resource Engineering Specialist Webster County Extension Center 800 S. Marshall St. Marshfield, MO Voice: Fax: schultheisr@missouri.edu Web: extension.missouri.edu/webster Program Complaint Information To file a program complaint you may contact any of the following: University of Missouri MU Extension AA/EEO Office 109 F. Whitten Hall, Columbia, MO MU Human Resources Office 130 Heinkel Bldg, Columbia, MO USDA Office of Civil Rights, Director Room 326-W, Whitten Building 14th and Independence Ave., SW Washington, DC The University of Missouri does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Thanks to MO Department of Conservation for the use of several pictures in this presentation. 59 All other rights reserved. In each case, credit Robert Schultheis, University of Missouri Extension 10