If you’ve ever stumbled across a natural pond, you probably marveled at its quaint yet profound beauty. However, when you want to begin pond construction on your own property, what seems effortless is complicated to cultivate from scratch. There are a variety of uncontrollable and variable factors that can influence the ecosystem, and you’ll have to learn about them for your body of water to thrive. 

A Guide to Factors That Affect a Pond’s Ecosystem

1. Living Organisms

Ponds attract many forms of life, from aquatic animals to insects. While small fish, frogs, crayfish, crustaceans, and turtles swim around in the water, protozoa and algae will float around them. Insects will land on top of the water to breed or rest. Plants will grow along the pond floor and around its edges, arching over the top of the water. Some living things might not spend all of their time at the pond yet still affect it with their transient presence—such as a stray cat. The appetites of these animals will influence the ecosystem, such as when a turtle eats a plant or a cat eats a fish. Animal droppings may also act as a natural fertilizer, affecting the nonliving organisms in the ecosystem by enhancing plant life.

2. Nonliving Factors

While the chemicals and minerals in the pond water might not be alive, they can also affect the ecosystem. For example, the temperature and salinity of the water will determine which animals and plants live or die, as will the presence of certain pollutants. The makeup of the soil—whether it’s dirt, sand, or clay—will affect which plants can grow and animals will be well-fed by the pond. If there is any debris in the pond, it could also negatively impact the quality of life in the ecosystem.

3. Depth

Most ponds are on the shallow side, but the exact depth of the construction will determine how far sunlight reaches through the water. If it can make it to the pond floor, you might have more plant life and a more abundant ecosystem. A pond construction that’s too shallow won’t have any fish because the oxygen they need dissolves into the water via wind and waves. Also, a deep pond will regulate its own temperature better, keeping cool at the bottom for fish during the summer and resisting freezing in the winter.

If you’re interested in starting pond construction on your property, get in touch with C. L. Richardson Construction in Ashland, MO. They’ve been in business for over 65 years, performing excavation work on residential and commercial lots. Call the pond construction team at (573) 657-9557 to learn how to cultivate a thriving ecosystem. You can also visit their website for more information on their services.