How does silt develop in my pond?

Bad odors, proliferation of unwanted plants, siltation is a real problem for ponds. But to treat it effectively, it is necessary to understand its origin and evolution.

Definition of slime

Pond mud is mainly composed of animal waste and plants. It forms following the decomposition of organic matter and when the accumulation becomes significant, it forms a thick layer at the bottom of the basin.

However, this is not in itself a harmful element, but a significant level of resources, because it is very fertile ground. Due to its richness in nutrients, the mud allows the growth and growth of algae and aquatic plants.

However, when the silt develops too much, it represents a nuisance for your aquatic environment. Over time, it will become thicker and thicker and when it becomes a concern, it is important to take corrective action.

Better yet, the application of preventive treatment to avoid finding yourself facing a real problem.

What are the origins of siltation in a basin?

The organic elements present in and around the pond gradually decompose and begin to form slime. In the absence of these organic elements, mud cannot exist and develop. When you have fish in your pond, it is normal to feed them. But when these nutrients are not consumed by wildlife, they will gradually sink to the bottom of your pond to decompose.

Consequently, if you use poor quality food or in excessive quantity, this encourages the accumulation of organic waste and therefore by extension silt develops at the bottom of your pond.

But this is not the only reason, organic waste can also be produced by animals like ducks or geese. Add to this the decomposition of aquatic plants, twigs and dead leaves and you have an additional factor in the development of silt.

Understanding the life cycle of a pond

Whether it is a large lake or a small basin, they share the same life cycle. An ecosystem that is constantly evolving and understanding this cycle will allow you to sustainably deal with the effects of silt.

First of all, here are the two main distinct steps to take into consideration:

First, the life cycle of a pond begins when it is newly dug. It is a phase lasting between 1 to 5 years and during this period of time, there is no organic matter or waste from fauna and flora. As a result, weed and algae development remains minimal and you have very good water quality. Indeed, it is clear and clean, because it contains little silt.

Then comes the second stage resulting in the accumulation of organic debris over the seasons. These different elements are deposited at the bottom of your pond, causing an excess of nutrients. When this phenomenon increases, it fuels the proliferation of plants and algae, but also mud. It is in this sense that the pond gradually changes its appearance with the observation of weeds and cattails.

In some cases, a foul odor is also present. For pond owners, the reflex often remains the same with the use of herbicides. The objective is to attack harmful aquatic plants. Although this is an effective solution, it is still temporary because it does not address the root cause of the problem.

The elements killed by the herbicide will in turn enter the decomposition phase and therefore transform into organic waste.

So, they will end up at the bottom of the pond and feed the layer of mud. It is a vicious circle which results in the proliferation of algae and grasses in the long term, because the mud at the bottom of the pond always remains present.

This is why if you want to maintain a healthy pond, it is essential to use the right processes from the start by drastically reducing silt, which will allow you to be free from this problem.

What solutions can you use to limit silt in your pond?

To ensure the sustainability of your pond, it is important to implement the right solutions by reducing siltation. Please note that there are many solutions depending on the configuration of your pond and your budget:

• Aeration of the pool.
• Promote biodegradation.
• Remove surrounding vegetation.
• Cleaning the silt.

Each solution has its own advantages and disadvantages, hence the need to take them into consideration and only choose the most efficient solution.