ABSTRACT
The importance of soil characteristics in pond construction was discussed in Chapter 5. Characteristics and condition of bottom soil are also important in pond management. The exchange of substances between soil and water affects water quality, which in turn influences fish production. Although it is generally recognized that there are strong effects and interactions among soil characteristics, water quality, and fish production in ponds, much more attention has been given to water quality than to soil condition as a factor limiting fish production in ponds. The PD/A CRSP has placed emphasis on measuring the effects of pond water quality variables on fish production and developing management procedures for improving water quality. However, some research has been conducted on pond soils, and future work on pond dynamics will no doubt have a greater focus on pond soil condition.
