How can I reduce siltation in my pond?
How to reduce siltation in your pond ? Do you have a body of water and notice that silt is accumulating? How to dispose of vases ? How to treat silt in a pond? How is it possible to reduce silt?
Siltation can be a real problem and you might think that it is sometimes difficult to fight against nature. But be aware that siltation affects ponds as well as small ponds, but there are solutions.
Understanding the sources of siltation
Siltation can be explained by several factors such as:
• The organic decomposition of aquatic plants, but also of surrounding plants such as tree leaves.
• The turbidity of the water, corresponding to the natural positioning of rainwater and carrying particles linked to erosion.
• Intrinsic organic effluents, i.e. bird and fish droppings.
• Finally, organic pollution in the surrounding area linked to wastewater or livestock farming.
These are common factors which can unfortunately be aggravated when there is a biological imbalance due to too many fish, the absence of wetlands around the area or even chemical eutrophication.
Although it is possible to use bacteria and biological activators, siltation in a pond must above all be treated sustainably.
This is why it is preferable to focus on long-term curative solutions, but also preventive actions before being confronted with this serious problem.
Cleaning as a first solution
To reduce siltation in your pond, it is possible to scrape the bottom of your pond using a specific machine such as an excavator or to do it by hand if your pond is not too large.
But when you use construction equipment, be aware that the pricing will not be negligible and the constraints are significant. First of all, the work must be done dry, unless you use a dredger.
The driver must be vigilant to avoid damaging the waterproof layer at the bottom of your pool, generally made of clay. Furthermore, the ecological consequences are also obvious, because you instantly disrupt the balance of your pond.
Before being able to re-establish the bacterial flora and the different species, it will sometimes be necessary to wait several years. This is why cleaning a pond should only be done as a last resort.
The benefits of submerged plants
Canadian waterweed, pondweeds and Ceratophyllum are plants that appreciate nutrient-rich ponds. Gradually, they will limit the volume of the mud constituting the basis of their food.
Additionally, they are particularly beneficial for aquafauna, while also having utility for herbivorous fish as forage. If you want to plant ornamental submerged plants, don't hesitate to set your sights on water lilies and nymphae.
Furthermore, these plants have the ability to transport air into the root, encouraging oxygenation of the pool. Their use is carried out in areas with a depth between 40 and 200 centimeters. It is not useful to plant them in large quantities, because they will experience rapid development.
Therefore, you must be vigilant otherwise you risk finding yourself invaded. If you live in a cold region, as is the case in Belgium or the north of France, the lotus will be your best ally. Indeed, the plant benefits from a very great appetite and it will deliver exceptional flowering. To do this, you will need to plant it between 60 and 100 centimeters deep.
It will consume significant amounts of organic matter and this is quite simply due to its rapid metabolism. Position it in good sunlight and you will see that its effectiveness is absolutely remarkable in cleaning your pool of sludge.
The benefits of submerged plants
The reed or the cattail is installed on the bank and they will ensure great effectiveness against the siltation of your pond. Indeed, they are particularly voracious in organic matter, but also in the quality of the bacterial support with their rhizosphere.
They are able to ensure filtration of suspended particles before they reach deeper waters. But once again, it is important to control their proliferation, because they will be able to colonize large areas in record time.
To avoid this problem, do not hesitate to use deep channels or set it up in the form of a lagoon.
The importance of water circulation
It is important that your pond can have moving water. This can be done via an aerator or by installing a pump. In any case, the objective remains scrupulously the same, that is to say the oxygenation of the water in the pool.
The water will be charged with more oxygen when you have significant eddies. Choose systems based on wind or solar energy, which will allow you to drastically reduce the annual operating cost. Furthermore, it is also possible to use a horizontal filtration lagoon with this device.
Do you have any other questions about reducing slime in a body of water? Contact our team, we will be happy to assist you in the disposal of your vases.
