About Lesson
Site selection for pond construction
Following factors must be considered for site selection of pond
- Supply of adequate water for a pond.
- Soil able to hold water for a fish pond.
- Land having a good shape.
- Pond area close to home.
- Nearby marketplace.
- Road and vehicles nearby marketplace.
- Enough feeds and fertilizers available.
Water
- Supply of sufficient quantity and adequate quality of water.
- The minimum supply of water must of 5L/sec/ha of pond throughout the year.
- Depth must be maintained at 1-1.5 m throughout culture period.
- A ratio of 10 to 15 ha of catchment area to 1 ha of pond is required if the catchment area is pasture.
- Test water quality, if water is near industrial area.
- Similarly, the chlorine or iron content of the ground water should be tested.
Soil
- Soil quality influence dike construction, water quality and pond productivity.
- Sandy clay, silty clay, loam and clayey loam are considered suitable for pond construction.
- Land with sand, rock, gravel beds, sandstone and limestone should be avoided.
Land type and Topography
- The cost of pond construction in low land is cheaper.
- The land should be free from deep flooding; the maximum flood level for the past 10 years shouldn’t be higher than the top of the dikes.
- The drainage possibility of the ponds should be carefully investigated.
- Avoid slops greater than 5%.
Climate
- Carps, Catfishes and Tilapias require warm water whereas rainbow trout requires cold water to grow.
- For carps, Catfishes and Tilapias, temperature should be more than 250C at least for 6 months.
- In Nepla, Terai is suitable for carp, catfish and tilapia culture.
- Sufficient sunlight is also important.
- Similarly, mid-hill areas are suitable for trout production.
Economic and Social factors
- Proximity of all-weather road connections.
- Availability of electricity and communication media.
- Availability of construction materials, equipment, services and supplies needed for running the farm.
- Availability of supplementary feeds, fertilizers, drugs and chemical materials.
- Availability of suitable transport facilities.
- Availability of manpower with adequate experience of pond management.
- Reasonable amenities for permanent staff eg: schools, shopping facilities, hospital, etc.