Lower a Farm Pond pH Level

Lower Pond pH

Most ponds in rural areas have a problem with too low of pH (acidic) as opposed to a high pH (alkaline) level. High pH levels can lead to physical health problems for aquatic life and livestock that drink from the water source. Levels of pH can also fluctuate through out the day, with higher levels residing during the warmer temperatures of midday. The only accurate method for lowering the pH level in a pond is by taking water and soil samples. Those samples are then submitted to the local agriculture extension service for testing in your area.

Items:
Posthole diggers
Plastic bucket
Small sheet of plastic
Soil sample containers (available from extension service)
Water sample containers (available from extension service)
Gypsum (calcium sulfate)

One
Use the posthole diggers and take soil samples from the bottom of the pond. Take these samples from at least 5 to 6 locations throughout the pond area.

Two
Mix the soil samples together in the plastic bucket. Lay out the small sheet of plastic in an open area, but under a roof covering of some kind. The soil samples must not get contaminated with rainwater. The rainwater can alter the pH level of the soil sample. Place the soil samples on the small sheet of plastic. Allow the soil sample to thoroughly dry. Place the soil in the sample container. Fill out the label according to the directions printed on the box.

Three
Clean the plastic bucket by rinsing it with the pond water. Remove all dirt and debris from the bucket. Take a water sample from the pond as per the extension services directions. This may mean using small samples from several locations across the pond at the surface. In most cases, a single clear water sample may only be required.

Four
Deliver both samples to the extension service for testing. A certain weight ratio of gypsum will be recommended to be add to the pond. The ratio will depend on the surface area of the pond and the amount of pH level that needs to be lowered.

Words to the Wise:
All pond situations will be different. There are no strict rules for the addition of gypsum to a pond for lowering the pH level. Caution must be exercised and testing must be performed or else severe damage can occur to the ponds ecosystem.