I am renovating an old farm pond. I'm guessing it's at least 40-50 years old. It's about 40' x 80'. The dam overflowed and eroded in one area so it doesn't hold more than a couple feet of water. I used a backhoe and dug out the eroded area to let the water drain out. I have a few questions:
1) When I repair the dam, should I mix bentonite in with the clay? I plan to rent a plate compactor to compact the soil in layers.
2) Would the muck from the bottom of the pond be good to put in my garden? We just started one last year and the soil here is all red clay.
3) How do I know how deep to dig out the muck? Also, from what I have read on the boards, it sounds like it will never dry out enough for me to drive a tractor on it. Is that true? What are my options? I guess I could rent or hire an excavator if needed, but I would prefer not to spend the money if possible.
Thanks,
Jeff
