Wildlife Habitat Management Institute

Farm Pond Ecosystems

May 2005 Fish and Wildlife Habitat Management Leaflet Number 29

Introduction

Farm ponds have traditionally been used as an economical and efficient way to retain water for livestock 

watering and irrigation. More recently, farm ponds are 

being recognized for a variety of other functions in agricultural landscapes. Farm ponds can provide food, 

cover, and nesting habitat for a variety of wildlife species including amphibians, reptiles, fish, birds, and 

mammals. Successful farm pond management can increase watershed health, reduce erosion and sedimentation, conserve wildlife habitat, increase property 

values, supply recreational opportunities, and serve as 

a source of water for agricultural lands. Farm ponds 

also increase the aesthetic quality of a landscape that 

may, in turn, increase associated property values.

This leaflet is designed to serve as an introduction to 

farm pond ecology and management. Farm pond ecology is reviewed and followed by an outline of habitat needs for various pond species. It discusses farm 

pond management and provides a list of landowner 

assistance programs. For information on pond planning, design, and construction, readers should consult the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s 

(NRCS) Agricultural Handbook Number 590: Ponds 

– Planning, Design, Construction, available at ftp://ftp.

wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/downloads/hydrology_hydraulics/

NRCS

Farm pond in Jasper County, Iowa

misc/ponds.pdf or Conservation Practice Standard 

Number 378: Pond, available at ftp://ftp-fc.sc.egov.

usda.gov/NHQ/practice-standards/standards/378.

pdf. To obtain hard copies of these publications, contact your local NRCS office.

Farm pond ecology

Ponds consist of complex systems that support various forms of life. The basis of aquatic life in a farm 

pond is phytoplankton. These are small, usually single-celled, photosynthetic organisms, also known as 

algae. Other small organisms that live in ponds are 

called zooplankton, which are members of the animal kingdom that are suspended in the water column. 

Common examples of zooplankton are rotifers, cladoceras (water fleas), and copepods. Zooplankton, insects, crustaceans, and tadpoles that live in the pond 

consume phytoplankton. Larger invertebrates, including gastropods (snails), bivalves (fingernail clams), 

oligochaetes (worms), annelids (leeches), decapods 

(crayfish), and insects consume these smaller animals, creating the complex food webs that occur in 

the farm pond ecosystem. The typical farm pond ecosystem can support an extensive array of plants, insects, amphibians, reptiles, fish, and birds.

A food chain describes the relationships between producers, organisms that produce energy from inorganic sources, and consumers, organisms that obtain energy from feeding on organic matter. The producers 

in farm ponds are phytoplankton and plants which, 

in turn, provide food for consumers, which include 

zooplankton, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and 

mammals.

Invertebrates

In addition to forming the base of the food chain, 

aquatic invertebrates can be valuable in determining the health of the pond ecosystem. Each species 

of invertebrate has specific habitat requirements and 

will respond differently to changes in the biological, 

chemical, and physical makeup of the pond. Farm 

ponds contain many species of invertebrates that help 

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Farm Pond Ecosystems

maintain the complex farm pond food chain by functioning as both predators and prey.

Aquatic insects are small invertebrates that depend 

upon aquatic systems for all or part of their lifecycles, 

either for living beneath the water’s surface or skimming along the top of the water. Aquatic insects live 

among aquatic plants, in pond substrate, and along 

shorelines. Some insects feed on organic materials 

produced by aquatic plants, while others feed on other insects. Insects help to form the basis of the pond 

food chain because they serve as an important source 

of food for fish, amphibians, reptiles, and birds and 

because they help to facilitate processes that are important in the breakdown and cycling of nutrients 

within the farm pond.

Farm pond habitat

Amphibians

Amphibians such as toads, frogs, and salamanders are 

unique animals that, during various phases of their 

lifecycles, use lungs, gills, and skin to breathe. Many 

amphibians require aquatic habitats for at least part of 

their lifecycle. Amphibians deposit their eggs in water 

or in moist upland areas. Upon hatching, amphibians 

enter the larval stage of their lifecycle, which is contingent upon suitable aquatic habitat. Following this 

aquatic stage, juveniles metamorphose into adults and 

may move onto the land. Amphibians vary in where 

they spend the non-breeding season. Some species remain in or close to water, whereas, others move into 

nearby forested habitats. Due to wetland habitat losses and the degradation of suitable habitats, many species of amphibian are on the decline. In areas where 

natural wetlands have been reduced or eliminated, 

farm ponds can play an important role in providing 

suitable habitat to amphibians. Amphibians can be encouraged to live in and around farm ponds by ensuring their habitat requirements are met.

Amphibians consume a variety of foods including insects, algae, snails, earthworms, and crayfish. Ponds 

with a diversity of habitats—muddy bottoms, shallow water areas, deepwater areas, and stands of submerged and emergent vegetation—are ideal for amphibians. Amphibians depend heavily upon organic 

leaf litter for foraging and downed logs and rocks for 

structural protection from predators. Amphibians 

will readily use old boards and rock piles positioned 

around the pond for cover, provided livestock do not 

frequently disturb the area. Structures, such as rock 

Farm Pond Habitats

1. Aquatic plants help maintain water quality, temperature, and oxygen levels; reduce bank erosion; 

and provide food, spawning grounds, and escape cover for wildlife.

2. Logs can provide basking and sunning opportunities for amphibians and turtles; egg-laying sites for 

fish, frogs, and salamanders; shelter for fish; and perches for birds. 

3. Deeper pond areas provide habitat for fish. For fish to reproduce, it is important to incorporate fish 

spawning areas, such as rock piles, into the farm pond.

4. Islands in the farm pond can provide resting and escape cover, nesting habitat, and feeding areas for 

waterfowl and shorebirds. (Please note that islands are not recommended in certain regions. For 

more information, landowners should check with their local NRCS office.) 

5. Amphibians prefer shallow, fishless waters for breeding and rearing.

6. Wide- (at least 50 feet) vegetated buffer areas provide essential nesting, winter, and escape cover for 

wildlife. They also increase the aesthetic qualities of the pond property and increase the amount of 

water infiltration of the soil.

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Farm Pond Ecosystems

piles and fallen logs placed within the pond, can provide basking and sunning sites for amphibians and 

turtles, shelter for fish, egg-laying sites for fish, frogs, 

and salamanders, and perches for birds. (See box below for tips on how to create basking logs.) When amphibians leave the breeding pond, they need safe places to hide, feed, and travel. The location of protective 

cover must be within and adjacent to the pond to be 

attractive to amphibians. 

Tips for constructing a basking log

1. Use logs that have been cut and 

stored for 6 months to 1 year. Freshly 

cut logs quickly become water logged 

and sink.

2. Logs should be 5 to 8 feet long, and 

an average of 6 to10 inches in diameter.

3. Logs should be placed at least 5 

feet from shore to restrict access by 

predators.

4. Anchor the logs in place with a cable 

or branches stuck in mud to prevent 

the log from moving.

5. If animals are observed crowding, 

add additional logs.

Fishless pools are ideal for amphibians because fish 

are efficient predators of amphibians. To benefit amphibians, minimize the chances of fish establishing 

themselves in a fishless pond by avoiding high-water connections with other water bodies that support fish. Ponds should have wide buffer strips to improve water quality and provide post-breeding habitat. 

Access by domestic livestock should be managed to 

reduce their impact, as intensive wading can disturb 

U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

Amphibians such as the tiger salamander can meet their 

habitat requirements in and around farm ponds.

vegetation and increase turbidity and nitrogen levels. 

Amphibians need shallow water 1 to 3 feet in depth 

for breeding and to support aquatic vegetation. Ponds 

too small or too shallow to support fish year round 

are ideal for many amphibians. However, larger ponds 

will support amphibians if shallow, vegetated areas 

are available. Amphibians are often susceptible to 

chemical changes in aquatic habitats; therefore, pesticide, herbicide, and fertilizer applications should be 

carefully managed.

Reptiles

Many species of reptiles need aquatic habitats to meet 

the requirements of their lifecycles. Reptiles, namely 

turtles and snakes, do not need water to breed, but often depend on aquatic environments for food and cover. Both natural and constructed ponds can provide 

suitable habitat as long as there are enough resources 

available. Most individual reptiles have a small home 

range, but require suitable aquatic and terrestrial habitats within that range.

Many turtles and snakes require a readily available 

supply of underwater plants, fish, insects, and tadpoles upon which to feed, and substantial terrestrial and aquatic cover. Many turtles are scavengers, 

relying upon dead or decaying material for food; although, they will also eat aquatic weeds, crayfish, 

amphibians, and insects. Turtles not only feed in the 

pond, but spend much of their time basking on logs or 

hiding in pond vegetation and mud. Water snakes are 

common residents of farm ponds, as are species that 

are primarily terrestrial (they make their homes in adjacent uplands, but visit ponds to feed). Some snakes 

feed on pond animals such as leeches, fish, tadpoles, 

and crayfish. Wide, vegetated buffer areas around the 

pond connected to nearby natural areas provide cover 

for reptiles and encourage them to frequent the farm 

pond.

Most egg-laying reptiles require nesting habitat. 

Providing piles of compost or woodchips around the 

pond can provide nesting habitat for snakes and lizards. Turtles will nest in surrounding treeless meadow 

areas, especially those that are sunny and have clay 

or silt loams in which nests can be easily excavated 

when moist.

To provide upland cover for reptiles, ground nesting birds, songbirds, and mammals, landowners or 

managers should leave downed trees, shrubs, rocks, 

and natural vegetation around the pond. A wellgroomed pond does not support as many species as a 

messy one. When upland areas lack a variety of loafing and escape cover, brush piles can be constructed. Construct brush piles in close proximity to farm 

3
Farm Pond Ecosystems

ponds or field edges to ensure that aquatic and terrestrial species will not have to travel far from other areas of cover. The foundation and bottom layers 

of brush piles should be constructed of large woody 

material, preferably consisting of rot-resistant hardwoods, although dried conifers may be satisfactory, 

and smaller twigs and branches piled on top. Brush 

piles should be constructed to be 4 to 8 feet in height, 

10 to 20 feet in diameter, and placed 100 to 150 feet 

apart. Brush piles that are too small will not provide 

adequate cover for many wildlife species. When brush 

pile construction is complete, each should be loose 

enough for small animals to navigate through, but 

dense enough to provide sufficient cover.

Fish

Stocking farm ponds with fish can provide many recreational opportunities. Typically, farm ponds are 

stocked with fish such as bluegill, large mouth bass, 

and/or channel catfish. These species have proven to 

be most popular in farm pond fish stocking endeavors 

because they fare well in the farm pond ecosystem 

and they provide for an enjoyable fishing experience. 

Bluegills, or occasionally threadfin shad, are typically stocked as a food source for predatory fish, such as 

largemouth bass. Landowners should be sure to stock 

farm ponds with fish species that are native to the region. Native fish have evolved over thousands of years 

to be successful in a particular region, and are ideally suited to the habitat in those areas. Landowners 

should consult officials from state fish and wildlife 

agencies, NRCS, or county extension offices when determining which species are native to the area, and 

at what rate they should be stocked to ensure proper 

ecological balance.

Farm ponds managed for fish production should be 

approximately 6 to 10 feet deep, depending on the desired species to be stocked, and at least a half acre in 

size. A minimum depth of 8 feet should comprise at 

least 1,000 square feet of the pond to be suitable for 

fish stocking.

It is important to incorporate fish spawning areas, or 

shoals, when designing a farm pond for fish production. Spawning shoals are structures such as underwater sand bars or rock piles that provide shallow areas for breeding fish. Shallow water shoals can be 

created by adding multiple rows of large-sized rocks 

to the bottom of certain portions of the pond. Nylon 

mats can also be used as artificial spawning sites for 

stocked species such as largemouth bass. Placing a 

number of boulders, approximately 2 to 3 feet in diameter, along the bottom of the pond may also augment fish habitat. These boulders will provide resting 

cover to fish populations.

Recommendations for managing farm 

ponds for amphibians and reptiles1

1. Avoid clearing or replacing natural native 

vegetation around the pond. A minimum 

of 50 feet is recommended, but more 

would be better.

2. Provide buffers of unmanaged terrestrial 

habitat around ponds and in upland areas. 

This should be 500 feet or wider, if possible.

3. Do not introduce non-native plants or animals, as they may harm or replace native 

species.

4. Leave logs, snags, and other woody debris 

on site and replace if removed.

5. Develop vegetated corridors between habitat fragments to provide habitat complexes 

rather than habitat islands.

6. Minimize mowing shorelines and drainage 

ditches late winter through mid-fall.

7. Avoid overgrazing and keep livestock out 

of the pond and surrounding vegetative 

buffer.

8. Whenever possible, avoid intensive techniques that unnecessarily reduce potential 

refuges for amphibians and reptiles.

9. Limit pesticide and fertilizer use. Follow 

pesticide/fertilizer directions carefully.

1

Adapted from Kingsbury and Gibson, 2002.

When ponds are stocked with fish, it is important to 

consider the effect of fish on amphibians and other aquatic life. Shallow-water areas should be provided for nursery areas for young fish and amphibians where access by larger predatory fish is minimal. 

Another alternative is to install a small, shallow pond 

for amphibians near the larger, deeper pond for fish.

Birds

Shorebirds can utilize farm ponds where shallow water is provided. They feed on invertebrates, such as 

bloodworms, that can be found in mud or in very shallow waters. Shorebirds use the muddy shorelines of 

farm ponds as resting and feeding areas during migration. In some agricultural areas, farm ponds may provide the majority of available foods for shorebirds 

during migration.

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Farm Pond Ecosystems

Waterfowl also use farm ponds for breeding, feeding, 

brood-rearing, or resting during migration periods. 

Diving ducks, such as canvasbacks and redheads, can 

be attracted to farm ponds where no more than 50 

percent of their surface area is covered with emergent 

vegetation. Waterfowl require emergent vegetation, as 

well as healthy upland vegetation, for nesting cover. 

It is important to avoid the addition of chemical pesticides and herbicides, especially in areas where they 

may contaminate the water supply, because these 

chemicals may render the farm pond unsuitable for 

desired waterfowl species.

To provide maximum habitat benefits to common 

dabbling ducks such as mallards, blue-winged teal, 

and pintails, 20 percent of the wetland should be 3 

to 4 feet deep, 30 percent of the wetland 1.5 to 3 feet 

deep, and the remaining area less than 1.5 feet deep. 

Creating a pond with shallow areas will also provide 

suitable habitat for shorebirds and wading birds that 

may use the farm pond. The pond shape should be irregular, with side slopes varying from a ratio of 8:1 to 

16:1, to be most suitable for various types of waterfowl.

Landowners may construct islands within the pond 

to make it more attractive to certain species of birds. 

Waterfowl and shorebirds use islands as resting and 

escape cover, nesting habitat, and for feeding. The water surrounding the island protects nests from raccoons and other terrestrial predators. Turtles may 

also use the islands to bask in the sun, while fish utilize the shaded areas islands provide for spawning 

grounds and as protected areas for vulnerable juveniles. Floating islands made of wood or other buoyant material can be constructed where earthen island 

construction is not feasible. Waterfowl and shorebirds that regularly use islands as nest sites are able 

to move considerable distances from areas that provide food and cover sources to nest sites, and are able 

to concentrate nest sites to small, isolated habitats. 

Typical island nesting birds include mallards, gadwalls, Canada geese, and shovelers.

Landowners may want to deter certain bird species, 

particularly Canada geese, from congregating around 

their farm ponds. Constructed islands will often be 

used as nesting sites by Canada geese. Excessive 

numbers of Canada geese can cause damage to agricultural crops and residential lawns, plants, and gardens by trampling, foraging, and/or depositing fecal matter. To deter Canada geese, landowners can 

plant a diverse vegetated buffer and eliminate mowing around the pond, which restricts access to the 

pond and eliminates supplemental food sources for 

the geese.

Mammals

Mammals will use farm pond water and vegetation 

resources; although, they are typically not as dependent upon them as the animals previously discussed. 

Mammals that frequent farm ponds may include deer, 

raccoons, squirrels, mice, and voles. Due to the relatively small size of constructed farm ponds, conditions may not support sustained populations of furbearers such as muskrats, beavers, or otters. 

Farm pond management

Properly managed farm ponds can help to increase 

species richness and diversity in agricultural landscapes. Management practices for farm ponds can focus on the whole pond ecosystem or certain groups of 

organisms. In some cases, practices designed to benefit one aspect of the pond may be detrimental to others. For example, a pond planned solely for fish stocking will require a deeper shoreline habitat, which is 

unsuitable for most amphibians. However, some fish NRCS and amphibians can coexist if the habitat is complex, Farm ponds can provide recreational opportunities, such containing both deep-water areas, and shallow, vege- as fishing.

5
Farm Pond Ecosystems

tated areas. For this reason pond owners need to determine specific goals for the pond before the management plan is put into practice. Consult table 1 to 

identify the needs of the wildlife group you wish to 

use your pond, and then manage the pond accordingly.

Planting vegetation

A diversity of water-tolerant vegetation within the 

pond and upland plants near the pond will offer a variety of food and cover to wildlife. A vegetated buffer 

around the pond and upland areas will filter and store 

runoff, reduce floods, and provide necessary organic 

matter to the pond. Planting and maintaining aquatic 

plants suited for the pond site will help maintain water quality and temperature, pond depth, and oxygen 

levels; reduce bank erosion; and provide food, spawning grounds, and escape cover for wildlife. Reducing 

erosion is particularly important because nutrients removed by soil erosion may accumulate in the water, 

where problems such as algal blooms and eutrophication may occur. See the section on Controlling algae for ways to reduce these problems. Landowners 

should use native plants, whenever feasible, to vegetate the pond itself and surrounding buffer areas. 

Native plants are plants that have evolved over thouNRCS

Logs, islands, or other structures placed in ponds can increase habitat value for wildlife.

sands of years to be successful in a particular region, 

and are thus ideal when creating habitat for native 

species. Once established, native plants do not generally require fertilizers, pesticides, or irrigation.

The most important aspect to consider when planning pond area plantings is the hydrology of the land, 

including how often each area will be inundated 

with water and the degree of soil saturation. Aquatic 

plants can thrive in submerged areas, depending on 

water depth, soil conditions, and the length of time 

their roots are flooded. Hydrophytic plants include 

free-floating vegetation, submerged vegetation, and 

emergent vegetation. Pond ecosystems will also support species that are less water-tolerant along shorelines and in upland regions. The diversity of the farm 

pond’s vegetation community is maximized when 

50 to 80 percent of the pond is covered by emergent 

and submerged vegetation and more than 90 percent 

of the shoreline is vegetated. An overabundance of 

aquatic vegetation may become a nuisance, creating 

difficulties in fishing, swimming, and/or irrigation. See 

the section on Controlling Invasive Species for tips 

on how to remove excessive aquatic vegetation. Many 

aquatic and hydrophytic plants will become established in newly created ponds through natural regeneration without planting. To help ensure the successful establishment of submerged and emergent plants, 

landowners may use live plugs or tubers of native species. These types of vegetation should be planted at

recommended depths in the pond and along shorelines.

Buffer zones of trees, shrubs, grasses, and forbs 

around the pond help maintain the pond’s water depth 

and quality. Buffer areas provide essential nesting, 

winter, and escape cover for wildlife. Vegetated buffer 

zones should be at least 50 feet wide, and the wider 

the better for wildlife habitat. In general, buffer zones 

400 to 1,000 feet wide are most likely to support various reptile and amphibian populations. Buffers also 

increase the amount of water infiltration of the soil 

and prevent up to 70 percent of sediments from entering a waterway. Buffers will also increase the aesthetic qualities of the pond property.

Controlling invasive species

Invasive species are those that spread easily and, 

within a short time, out-compete other vegetation. 

Invasive species, particularly non-native invasives, reduce biodiversity and lessen the suitability of the site 

for many native wildlife species. There are many different techniques employed to eradicate invasive species, including biological, mechanical, and chemical 

controls; although, combinations of these are usually 

most effective. For example, the hand pulling or mowing of individual weeds followed by a selective herbi6
Farm Pond Ecosystems

NRCS

A variety of vegetation in and around ponds can improve 

wildlife habitat and watershed health.

cide treatment of remaining weed residues can be a 

very effective eradication technique.

Biological controls involve the use of natural controls, 

such as beneficial insects, to minimize the growth and 

reproduction of invasive plants. For this type of control to be effective, landowners must identify the natural predators of the target species. For example, the 

aggressive invader purple loosestrife can be managed 

by introducing the European native beetle Galerucella 

calmariensis. For additional information concerning biological control methods of pest species, refer 

to the Fish and Wildlife Habitat Management Leaflet 

Number 24: Integrated Pest Management and Wildlife.

Mechanical techniques to control invasive plant species include hand pulling, cutting or mowing, tilling, 

mulching, solarization, flooding, and prescribed burning. Hand pulling can be advantageous because the 

technique impacts only the affected areas and can be 

quite cost-effective for small areas. Cutting and mowing can be effective controls for some species; however, there are varieties of weeds that sprout aggressively when cut. When considering cutting or mowing, 

it is important to know how the target species will react. Tilling is most effective against annuals and shallow-rooted perennials; whereas, species with deep 

root systems will often resprout after tilling practices. 

Mulching may prove effective in the control of invasive species, but it can negatively impact the growth 

of desirable natives. Solarization involves covering 

affected soils with plastic to trap solar radiation, resulting in increased soil temperatures that can kill 

unwanted seeds, plants, or insects. The drawback 

of solarization is that raising soil temperatures may 

change the biological, physical, and chemical properties of the soil, impacting the growth of native plants. 

Flooding shallow pond areas and/or increasing or decreasing water levels can be effective in controlling 

aquatic invasives. Prescribed burning can effectively 

control invasive vegetation, such as cattails or common reed. Prescribed burning is a complex, technical 

management practice that should not be attempted 

before consulting proper experts.

Chemical controls, such as the use of pesticides, can 

be effective eradicating invasive species. However, 

when used irresponsibly or inappropriately, pesticides, including herbicides, can contaminate surface 

and groundwater, resulting in negative impacts on 

aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Herbicide application techniques for aquatic areas are different then 

those used on upland sites. Herbicides must be licensed for use in or near bodies of water, wetlands, 

and other aquatic systems to be acceptable. When trying to determine what herbicide will be most effective, consider the growth habits of the target species, 

any long-term effects on water and soil quality, effects 

on wildlife species, the method of application, and the 

safety of individuals who frequent the site. Pesticide 

use should be avoided near the farm pond ecosystem 

U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Purple loosestrife (in background), an invasive species, 

can be controlled by introducing its natural predator, a 

beetle native to Europe.

and its drainage area whenever possible. When pesticide use is required for upland treatment, apply only 

at the lowest effective rate.

Controlling algae

A limited amount of pond algae can be beneficial to 

provide protection from UV rays and supply food for 

fish, amphibians, reptiles, and birds. However, upland 

management practices, such as the repeated use of 

fertilizers, may result in excessive algal blooms. Algae 

thrive on components of commonly used fertilizers 

and agricultural products that may be included in surface runoff. These blooms may lead to water quality 

problems, especially in ponds where water levels are 

maintained by surface runoff. 

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Farm Pond Ecosystems

Excessive algal populations may choke out aquatic vegetation, reducing the diversity of the pond ecosystem. Excessive algae populations may be a problem if the color of the water appears to be more green 

than normal, if water has an overly musky odor, or 

water feels somewhat gritty. Algal blooms can be controlled manually by raking water to gather excess algae. Chemicals such as herbicides may also be applied to control algal blooms. Alternatively, corn meal 

contains a natural algae herbicide and when sprinkled 

over the pond does not add to nutrient overloading. 

This provides an immediate, though temporary, solution to algae blooms. The most effective control of 

aquatic vegetation is to monitor and reduce the level 

of nutrients entering the pond, thereby, preventing excessive algal and aquatic weed growth.

Controlling livestock access

If the pond serves as a water source for livestock, 

managers need to consider how this affects pond 

ecology and wildlife habitat. If livestock are granted 

direct access to a pond, they may be the source of severe water quality degradation, which will negatively 

impact the entire farm pond ecosystem. Some problems caused by excessive livestock use of farm ponds 

include accelerated bank erosion, water sedimentation and nutrient enrichment resulting in increased 

turbidity of water, rapid growth of algae and other undesirable species, and increases in water borne disease and foot rot in livestock. Fencing around the 

farm pond, limiting livestock access, can reduce these 

problems. 

To combat problems associated with livestock grazing 

in farm ponds, landowners are encouraged to implement an alternative livestock watering system. Many 

alternative systems are designed for accessing water 

in a way that is beneficial to both livestock and the environment. These systems include access ramps, gravity flow, utility power, solar or wind power, and nose 

pumps.

Landowner assistance programs

Various public and private organizations are available 

to provide technical and financial assistance to landowners interested in constructing a farm pond. Table 

2 lists specific programs that can provide landowners 

assistance in implementing a variety of wildlife and 

natural resource conservation activities.

Conclusion

Although farm ponds are typically constructed to supply agricultural lands with water for irrigation, livestock watering, or fire control, they can also enhance 

the aesthetic qualities of a landscape, provide recreational opportunities, and supply habitat for wildlife. 

Farm ponds help to increase the overall health of the 

watershed, and can contribute to soil and water conservation. If a farm pond is managed properly, it can 

provide valuable fish and wildlife habitat, while fulfilling other farm needs for many years.

NRCS

Fences can be used to reduce livestock access to ponds, 

protecting pond ecology.

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Farm Pond Ecosystems

Table 1 Pond characteristics for healthy populations of certain groups of organisms

Group Subgroup Pond physical characterisitics Pond biological characteristics

Amphibians Frogs and Temporary or permanent water Abundant aquatic floating, emergent, 

Salamanders Muddy bottom and submerged vegetation

Shallow and deep water areas Absence of fish

Clear water Good supply of aquatic invertebrates

High oxygen content Trees and grasses around pond area

Low nitrogen content Quality upland vegetation ranging 

from

grasses and forbs to woodlands

Fish Fish that eat Permanent water Aquatic floating, emergent, and subplant material and invertebrates

Clear water

High oxygen content

merged vegetation

Constant range in temperature

Spawning substrate

Fish that eat Permanent water Good supply of small fish

other fish Clear water Good supply of tadpoles

High oxygen content

Constant range in temperature

Spawning substrate

Birds Shorebirds, Permanent or temporary water Floating, emergent and, submerged 

Waterfowl, Clear water vegetation

Wading birds,

and 

Songbirds

Mudflats Quality upland vegetation ranging 

from grasses and forbs to woodlands

Good supply of fish and aquatic insects

Reptiles Snakes Suitable habitat for burrows Good supply of small mammals, amPresence of compost or woodchip phibians, and lizards

piles for nesting

Suitable cover, such as rock piles

Ponds located far from trafficked 

roads

Turtles Muddy bottom Submergent aquatic vegetation

Presence of rock piles, stumps, and Good supply of fish and insects

floating or suspended logs for basking

Presence of sunny clearings or embankments for nesting

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Farm Pond Ecosystems

Table 2 Assistance Programs that may help with farm pond establishment and management

Program Land eligibility Type of assistance Contact

Agricultural Man- Applicants must own or 5- to 10-year contract for federal cost- NRCS or FSA 

agement Assistance control the land and agree share of 75% of eligible practices. state or local 

(AMA) to conservation practices. office

Conservation Security Tribal and private working Financial and technical assistance to NRCS state or 

Program (CSP) lands, including cropland, promote the conservation and im- local 

grassland, prairie land, im- provement of soil, water, air, energy, office

proved pasture, range land, plant and animal life, and other conand forested land. servation purposes.

Conservation Techni- Landowners and land-us- Technical assistance in the planning NRCS state or 

cal Assistance (CTA) ers interested in receiving and implementing of conservation local 

assistance with resource systems. office

management.

Environmental Quality Cropland, range or grazing Up to 75% cost-share for conservation NRCS state or 

Incentives Program lands and other agricultural practices in accordance with 1- to local 

(EQIP) lands in need of treatment. 10-year contracts. Incentive payments office

for some practices.

Watershed Protection, Private lands. Technical and financial assistance NRCS state or 

Watershed Surveys, to survey land and develop plans for local 

and Flood Prevention natural resource and erosion manage- office

ment on a watershed basis.

Waterways for Wildlife Private lands. Technical and program development Wildlife Habiassistance resulting in wildlife habitat tat Council

that meets watershed level goals.

Wildlife Habitat Incen- High-priority fish and wild- Up to 75% cost-share for conservation NRCS state or 

tives Program (WHIP) life habitats. practices under 5- to 10- year con- local 

tract. office

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Farm Pond Ecosystems

References

Online sources

United States Environmental Protection Agency. 2003.

Landscaping with native plants. http://www.epa.

gov/glnpo/greenacres/nativeplants/index.html

United States Geological Survey, Biological Resources

Division. 2003. Farm ponds as critical habitat for

native amphibians. http://www.umesc.usgs.gov/

terrestrial/amphibians/mknutson_5003869.html

Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Polytechnic

Institute and State University and Virginia State

University. 2001. Managing wildlife damage:

Canada goose (Branta Canadensis). Publication

Number 420-203. http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/wildlife/420-203/420-302.html [Accessed 28 October

2004].

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Farm Pond Ecosystems

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