Dead plant material resulting from herbicide control adds organic load to the lagoon, which may cause odor and increase sludge accumulation. Observe the lagoon water color. Dissolved oxygen levels and pH are dropping. Either there is soil in the water from bank erosion or algae with different pigmentation are present. Anaerobic conditions may exist, so the lagoon is not treating waste water well.
Odors are probably present.
Monitor and manage the water level. A new lagoon must have a post with permanent markings located at the center of the lagoon to check water depth. Record depth at the same time each month in order to monitor changes. This provides information for normal operation of the lagoon, documents changes and trends, and provides a record in case of a problem. The best depth at which to operate a lagoon is 2 to 5 feet.