Earthen Ponds on a Floodplain in Warri, Nigeria
HOW TO BUILD EARTHEN PONDS
BUILDING A POND Choosing the site You will need a good source of water such as springs, streams and ground water. You can also rely on rain water. Rain filled pond often dry up in dry season, so you must harvest the fish before the water level falls too low. Soil containing clay is the best for building fish ponds because it holds water well. To examine the soil, dig a hole 1m deep and take sample of soil from the bottom. Moisten this soil and squeeze a handful of it into a ball, throw it about 50cm into the air and then catch it. If the ball falls apart in your hand this means it is not good for building ponds. Look for another site or use a lining for the ponds. If the ball holds together it probably has enough clay for fish pond. Pond Design Fish ponds should be build so they can be filed easily and drain completely. Rectangular ponds are easier to build and harvest than round or square ponds. The smallest pond we recommend is 10...
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