This document discusses farm ponds, which are small reservoirs constructed to store surface runoff from catchment areas for purposes like fish stocking, irrigation, and cattle watering. There are two main types of farm ponds - embankment ponds built across water courses using earthen dams, and excavated ponds constructed by excavating soil in level areas. The optimal depth of farm ponds varies depending on climatic conditions, ranging from 2 to 5.5 meters. Key considerations in selecting a farm pond site include minimizing construction costs and earthwork volume, suitable foundation and minimal seepage, and accessibility for intended uses like irrigation or recreation.

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Fundamentals of Soil and Water Conservation
Engineering
(AGL308)
Mr. Rohitashv Nagar
Assistant Professor
Department of Agronomy
School of Agricultural Sciences
Career Point University, Kota (Raj.)

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Lecture-5
Farm Pond

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Farm Pond
Small tank or reservoir like constructions used for the purpose of stocking
fish by storing the surface runoff generated from the catchment area.
The ponds are also water harvesting structures; solve several purposes of
village needs such as supply of water for irrigation, cattle needs, social
activities etc. apart from fish production.
Ponds also play a key role in flood and sediment control if constructed in
large numbers. They have also significant role in rain fed farming
cultivation.

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Embankment Type
Embankment type fish ponds are generally constructed across the
stream or water course. Such ponds consist of an earthen dam, whose
dimensions are evaluated on the basis of volume of water to be stored
etc. These ponds are generally built in an area where land slope
ranges from gentle to moderately steep and also where stream valleys
are sufficiently depressed to permit a maximum storage volume with
minimum earthwork.

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Excavated Type
Excavated type fish ponds are constructed by excavating the soil from
the ground, relatively in level areas. The depth of pond is decided on
the basis of its desired capacity obtained almost by excavation. The
use of this type of pond is suitable, particularly where a small supply
of water is required or small volume is available.

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Typical Average Depth of Pond
Climatic condition Average depth, m
Wet 2.00
Humid 2.40 - 2.80
Moist sub humid 2.80 - 3.15
Dry sub humid 3.15 - 4.00
Semi-arid 4.00-4.80
Arid 4.80 - 5.50 Source: Mal. B.C. 2004

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Selection of Farm Pond Site
Economical point of view, a pond should be located at a site where the
largest volume can be obtained with least volume of earthwork and
by submerging minimum area.
This condition generally occurs at a site, where the valley is narrow
and the side slopes are relatively steep. Such sites help to reduce the
area of shallow water, which in turn reduces the evaporation loss.
It should require a short dam below a broad pond area with steep sides.

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Removal of trees and other vegetation should be minimum.
The site should have suitable foundation for the dam.
There should not be excessive seepage through the foundation.
Construction material should be available easily nearby.
 There should be a natural waterway to use it as emergency
spillway.

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When the ponds are constructed for livestock use, they should be
at a minimum possible distance so that the transportation cost
becomes minimum.
The pond site should be such that, water can be conveyed for
various purposes such as irrigation or fire protection easily.
Ponds to be used for fishing or other recreation purposes should
be readily accessible by transportation facilities

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