Optimal Depth & Slope? - Forage Pond Productivity - 03/20/22 09:59 PM
I am in the planning stages for several forage ponds at our farm. My recent test holes found excellent clay, so I can build the forage ponds of almost any shape or size.
The ponds will be designed to allow easy control of the water level and be shaped for seining. (Basically, assume the paint roller tray design.)
My questions are based on trying to determine:
What pond depth, side slopes, and dimensions would be optimal for the natural productivity portion of the forage pond.
I am attempting to start a thread for "rules of thumb" that would be generally applicable to other people's situations. Therefore, I am NOT going to list my specific goals.
However, depths and dimensions that are optimal for one type of forage species may actually be detrimental to a different forage species. So when answering, please state what forage goals would be optimized by your design or reply!
Further, a rectangular forage pond that is 1' deep might optimize the food chain for FHMs, BUT those dimensions might subject them to slaughter by a wide range of predators.
Personally, I learn the most when the experts describe the optimal conditions, but then explicitly note the trade-offs. If the discussion becomes "wide ranging", then please note what factors you are specifically addressing in your reply.
The ponds will be designed to allow easy control of the water level and be shaped for seining. (Basically, assume the paint roller tray design.)
My questions are based on trying to determine:
What pond depth, side slopes, and dimensions would be optimal for the natural productivity portion of the forage pond.
I am attempting to start a thread for "rules of thumb" that would be generally applicable to other people's situations. Therefore, I am NOT going to list my specific goals.
However, depths and dimensions that are optimal for one type of forage species may actually be detrimental to a different forage species. So when answering, please state what forage goals would be optimized by your design or reply!
Further, a rectangular forage pond that is 1' deep might optimize the food chain for FHMs, BUT those dimensions might subject them to slaughter by a wide range of predators.
Personally, I learn the most when the experts describe the optimal conditions, but then explicitly note the trade-offs. If the discussion becomes "wide ranging", then please note what factors you are specifically addressing in your reply.