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Assessing sediment sources, nutrient storage, and long-term sustainability of three permanently filled farm ponds in southern Iowa
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Assessing sediment sources, nutrient storage, and long-term sustainability of three permanently filled farm ponds in southern Iowa

Matthew Thomas Streeter, Keith E. Schilling, Calvin F. Wolter and Valerie Diaz-Gibertini
Journal of soil and water conservation, Vol.80(5), pp.566-579
09/03/2025
DOI: 10.1080/00224561.2025.2556510

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Abstract

Small ponds and lakes dominate the distribution of global water bodies and have many ecological benefits. In the Midwest United States, ponds have been constructed to aid the reduction of sediment export from watersheds and for flood control purposes. Those ponds are often given an expected lifespan when designed and constructed based on expected sedimentation rates, but studies that compare actual rates of sedimentation to expected rates have not been completed. Further, the potential nutrient holding capacity of these ponds has not been assessed. In this study, we used a geographic information system (GIS)–based Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) difference tool to estimate net sediment erosion from contributing watersheds of three USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)–designed ponds in southern Iowa, completed sediment surveys and estimated sediment storage for each pond, and quantified rates of sedimentation for the three ponds. We found that gully erosion was the primary contributor of pond sediment, regardless of other catchment characteristics. We quantified storage of phosphorus (P), carbon (C), and nitrogen (N) in pond sediments and found that the ponds were storing significant quantities of exchangeable and total P. Concentrations of C and N were relatively low. On average, the ponds were infilling at rates 25% faster than design estimates. Because the primary objective of pond implementation by the NRCS was flood control, management requirements that stabilize existing gullies as well as potential gully locations should be considered prior to pond installation.
 erosion farm ponds phosphorus sediment

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