Pond Boss Forums POND CONSTRUCTION Selecting a site New Member Seeking Opinions

Hey Y'all, I'm Josh. I've got a tract of land that I'm looking to develop. I've got my heart set on a pond, but I've got some doubts.

Let me describe the property: I'm looking at 50 acres of South Mississippi land. Soil is mostly a sandy loam variety. Excellent pastureland is split in a couple of areas by dipping "valleys". From the surface of the pasture's horizon to the bottom of the valleys is about a 25-30 foot vertical measurement. There is a lot of surface area draining into these valleys. At the bottom of the valley is a winding branch--imagine a small, sandy creek bed, 2-4 feet across on average. In the wettest season, there's only 2-3 inches of water; most of the year, it's a dry bed.

Across the pasture, there is a similar "valley". Many years ago, my ancestors made a dam, and there is a small (1/3-1/2 acre) pond. It's never been dry and houses the largest bluegill that I've ever seen! Behind THAT pond's dam, another "branch" begins from that pond's run-off. Again, much of the water flows across a sandy bottom.

Erosion is a problem in these valleys; what is the chance of ever establishing a SEALED pond. My family owns a good bit of land that has TONS of red clay. Also, I have the funds for as much Bentonite that I may need...and/or the placement of a deep well.

QUESTION IS: WOULD I BE WASTING MY TIME WITH SANDY LOAM AND A PART-TIME BRANCH FLOWING THROUGH?

Welcome to the forum. Typically the sandy loam won't seal enough to hold water year round. But, if you have lots of clay, and have access to some heavy equipment, including a sheepsfoot roller, you can build whatever you want. Pack the clay in 6" lifts, rolling it enough times so the sheepsfoot roller starts to "walk out". Add another 6" of clay and repeat. Keep doing that until you have packed 24" of clay. That will seal the pond and you'll be all set.

Personally, I'd trust properly compacted clay over bentonite.

Do some soils homework. Check with the local NRCS. They've got good soils maps. Bring a backhoe out to dig some test holes. Often, sandy loam is only so deep. Beneath that stuff, especially in some areas of Mississippi, you'll find excellent clay. If it's not too deep, you can harvest clay and use it. You have some dirt homework to do.

Josh welcome to PB. Where in the state is the location ? Most of MS will do well with sealing ponds. See this pg. 6-8 .

http://msucares.com/pubs/publications/p1428.pdf