In the News - June 2009
Homespun advice from a veteran county agent
A new name and purpose for an old pond
BENTONVILLE, Ark. - The English language just recorded its millionth word. If
multiple definitions of the same word were noted, someone would still be
counting! Certain name changes, such as those now used for "pond," are well
placed intentions to modernize a subject.
In farming circles, the terms "water impoundment," "catch basin" or "rain
garden" may result in a look of confusion!
It continues to be impossible for every farm to access a natural water
source, and over the centuries, a number of ingenious methods were developed to
ensure seasonal water volume and quality.
One individual, who arrived recently at the regional airport, commented about
the surprising number of ponds that could be viewed from the air. Across the
Ozarks, farm ponds were critical to the success of an agriculture enterprise.
Historically when farms were marketed their value often centered on the
number and dependability of ponds. A dry pond was a liability, but within the
past decade, the piping of Beaver Lake water throughout rural northwest Arkansas
negated many concerns while serving to stabilize land values.
Farm plans often view the placement of a pond in regards to its value at
reducing nutrient or sediment movement into streams or groundwater. From that
perspective, ponds have always served multiple roles, a primary reason for the
need of a periodic "clean out" to remove tons of sediment captured from the
watershed.
Whether on 5-acre sites or a larger ranchette, newly arrived rural residents
often desire to have a pond. Unaware of the critical role played by the
watershed area, and without consulting anyone, they plunk down the money and a
dry hole is placed esthetically perfect! An aerial inspection in late August
will reveal that a number of dry ponds dot the landscape, illustrating that
every spot is not a good pond site!
Some locations lack sufficient watershed contour capable of filling a pond.
Other sites are finicky, and the risk is to cut into rock structure that will
fail to seal. In these situations, a dozer operator with a history of successful
pond work is worth his price, provided you listen!
If your pond refuses to hold water, you can now refer to it as a catch basin,
sediment impoundment or rain garden. Keeping abreast of the Queen’s English can
make one look good while staying on the cutting edge of environmental
terminology. Til’ next week!
For more information about ponds, contact your county extension agent or
visit www.uaex.edu, select Search and type in
"ponds." The
Cooperative Extension Service is part of the U of A Division of Agriculture.
The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all
eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender,
age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected
status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
June 19, 2009
By: Robert Seay
Benton County Extension Agent Staff Chair
Media Contact: Elizabeth Fortune
Extension Communications Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2120
efortune@uaex.edu
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