HE SAMUEL ROBERTS NOBLE FOUN- dation reminds ranchers that when constructing a pond
for livestock watering or fi sheries, pond depth and surface acres are important factors. Pond depth is important to avoid
drying up in drought. For example, Noble specialists say that for new ponds in south-central Oklahoma and north-central Texas, the rule of thumb is 10 feet of depth mini- mum to reduce the potential of a pond drying up due to drought (but even that wasn’t deep enough for 2 years of drought seen by much of the region). Of course, deeper is better for
livestock watering capacity, and depth and increased surface acres are even better. However, given this minimum depth, increasing surface acreage is more benefi cial for fi sh- eries and waterfowl management than increasing depth, Noble spe- cialists say. The more sunlight a pond can
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intercept, the more productive it will be. Of course, water quality influences pond productivity as well. But with water quality being equal, surface acres — not depth — increase pond productivity. Under- standing this concept can explain why it may be better to make your pond bigger rather than deeper if you are managing for trophy large- mouth bass, Noble specialists say. Pond productivity also infl uences the amount (pounds) of fi sh that can be harvested per surface acre each year. Download The Cattleman Plus on
your iPad or Android table to read an interview with Will Moseley at Noble Foundation on how fertilizer can affect ponds.