Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Muddy water What to plant to stop clay/dust runoff?

After reading through the forum and being directed to a great PFD
I now know the problem with the mudy water in my pond is runoff from the large area that was built up with the dirt removed when digging the pond. VERY FINE CLAY! Since I will still have a problem with more runoff clouding the pond even if I clear the water, I guess I need to take care of the source first.

Any suggestions on what to try to plant to get some good ground cover that will control the runoff. I have tried to plant winter rye (which is dead now) and some deer plot mix, but everything is sparce and lives its time then dies. I need something that will establish and spread, but I need to be able to afford the 50 lb sacks of seeds too.

Anyway, what can I plant now that we are pushing into Summer that will survive?

I have to cover about 2.5 acres. I also have bees, so if it is something that makes good honey, that would be a bonus for our meadery :-)

Thanks,
John

P.S. I have tried to get clover going in a small area, but not having much lick :-(

Johnny:

First get a soil test done, then you'll find out what you need to add to the soil. They can taylor a test to exactly what you're going to plant.

Up here, Dutch White Clover grows pretty well and stays short enough so that it doesn't need mowing. But, in hot very dry weather it will shrivel.

Bermuda grass? I don't know what type of grass seed will take the heat and dryness down there. Whatever you plant, I think you might have to plan on watering it now. Maybe if it was planted during your "wet" season, then you might be able to get away without watering it.