Controlling watershed erosion/clay water - 01/24/06 04:46 PM
Great forum for all things pond-related.
The problem I'm having is that my pond water is opaque and likely suffers from what seems to be called "colloidal clay suspension" (particles of clay that are so fine they never submerge). Although vegetation grows around the edge of the pond in summer, it is otherwise a standing body of water that isn't pleasant to look at. I'd like to change that. I'm not looking for pool water here but I'd at least like water that is darker.
Although I have some ideas for how to clear the water up (starting with the old hay in the water method), I need to solve the source of the problem. The watershed above the pond consists of some vegatation and a lot of clay. I'm guessing the frequent rain here in East Tennessee washes the clay into the little pond. What can I do to encourage vegetation through the watershed? Does anyone have a recommendation for what grass or other vegetation would make a good and not too expensive cover? Is there anything else I can do to filter the rain runoff before it hits the pond? Perhaps a river rock/sand ring around the outside of the pond?
Attached is a picture of the pond area. There is a horse in this pasture, but only 1 and the pasture is 8 acres. This pond is in view on my house and back porch. I also plan on expanding the pond some and may encourage water creatures that would help control the mosquito population in the warm months.
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks,
Bill in East TN
The problem I'm having is that my pond water is opaque and likely suffers from what seems to be called "colloidal clay suspension" (particles of clay that are so fine they never submerge). Although vegetation grows around the edge of the pond in summer, it is otherwise a standing body of water that isn't pleasant to look at. I'd like to change that. I'm not looking for pool water here but I'd at least like water that is darker.
Although I have some ideas for how to clear the water up (starting with the old hay in the water method), I need to solve the source of the problem. The watershed above the pond consists of some vegatation and a lot of clay. I'm guessing the frequent rain here in East Tennessee washes the clay into the little pond. What can I do to encourage vegetation through the watershed? Does anyone have a recommendation for what grass or other vegetation would make a good and not too expensive cover? Is there anything else I can do to filter the rain runoff before it hits the pond? Perhaps a river rock/sand ring around the outside of the pond?
Attached is a picture of the pond area. There is a horse in this pasture, but only 1 and the pasture is 8 acres. This pond is in view on my house and back porch. I also plan on expanding the pond some and may encourage water creatures that would help control the mosquito population in the warm months.
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks,
Bill in East TN