I am in the process of constructing a 2.5 acre farm pond. The overflow tube will be sleeved to draw off 4' below the surface where there is low oxygenated water. This sleeved design made me start thinking of another use of the bottom de-oxgenated water... Irrigation for pumpkins and fall raspberries. Granted the bottom waters are high in Nitrates, Nitrites, Ammonia, Fecal matter, etc and low in O2 making it not very desirable for fish but for the same reason wouldnt it make nutritious irrigation water ?
I am thinking of designing the pond with a deep sump to assist in collecting the nutrients. The suction for the irrigation pump would placed in the sump. I am hoping that this 'worthless' bottom water can be put to good use. I think that frequent pumping from this sump will also keep collected muck to a minimum. Does anybody have any comments about using the undesirable bottom water for irrigation ?