Site selection for pond construction

The following factors must be considered for the site selection of the pond.

• Supply of adequate water for a pond.
• Soil can hold water for a fish pond.
• The land is a good shape.
• Pond area close to home.
• Nearby marketplace.
• Road and vehicles near the marketplace.
• Enough feeds and fertilizers are 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 the 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 an industrial area.
• Similarly, the chlorine or iron content of the groundwater should be tested.

Soil

• Soil quality influences 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 on 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 slopes greater than 5%.

Climate

• Carps, Catfishes, and Tilapias require warm water whereas rainbow trout require cold water to grow.
• For carp, Catfishes, and Tilapias, the temperature should be more than 25⁰C at least for 6 months.
• In Nepal, 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,s, and chemical materials.
• Availability of suitable transport facilities.
• Availability of manpower with adequate experience in pond management.
• Reasonable amenities for permanent staff eg: schools, shopping facilities, hospital, etc.