New member- I know I have bad soil...now what? - 04/15/15 03:07 AM
Hello all,
I am a new member. I've dreamed about having a pond on my property for a few years. I've researched the idea on and off for just as long. It's time for me to get serious.
The pond location is already picked out. I will be filling a ravine. The down stream side of the ravine has already been "dammed" up by my driveway.
My biggest problem is I have very poor soil at my location. According to local soil surveys it is a Martinsville Loam. Every spring during the winter melt, my "low area" fills with water but within a week it is all gone.
The actual pond surface area will be about a 1/4 acre. It's depth will be 6' at the dam with an average depth of 2.5-3'.
The dam itself is very steep. It will be very tough (if not impossible) to till, spread or compact soils.
The pond will be filled by a little by rainwater runoff and my geothermal furnace discharge. The discharge from furnace only occurs when furnace or AC is running at a rate of 6-8 GPM.
My overall goal is to create a wetland habitat that holds water year round for wildlife, waterfowl and birds. I'm not concerned about holding fish at this point.
I've atttached a few pictures to show you what the area looks like when 3/4 full and empty.
My questions for you guys is what is the best way to seal my soil? bentonite, polymer, ESS-13? Like everyone, my budget is limited but I'm willing to take the next step start holding water.
Thanks for all your help. I'm looking forward to beginning this journey with everyone.
Trevor
I am a new member. I've dreamed about having a pond on my property for a few years. I've researched the idea on and off for just as long. It's time for me to get serious.
The pond location is already picked out. I will be filling a ravine. The down stream side of the ravine has already been "dammed" up by my driveway.
My biggest problem is I have very poor soil at my location. According to local soil surveys it is a Martinsville Loam. Every spring during the winter melt, my "low area" fills with water but within a week it is all gone.
The actual pond surface area will be about a 1/4 acre. It's depth will be 6' at the dam with an average depth of 2.5-3'.
The dam itself is very steep. It will be very tough (if not impossible) to till, spread or compact soils.
The pond will be filled by a little by rainwater runoff and my geothermal furnace discharge. The discharge from furnace only occurs when furnace or AC is running at a rate of 6-8 GPM.
My overall goal is to create a wetland habitat that holds water year round for wildlife, waterfowl and birds. I'm not concerned about holding fish at this point.
I've atttached a few pictures to show you what the area looks like when 3/4 full and empty.
My questions for you guys is what is the best way to seal my soil? bentonite, polymer, ESS-13? Like everyone, my budget is limited but I'm willing to take the next step start holding water.
Thanks for all your help. I'm looking forward to beginning this journey with everyone.
Trevor