Dear fellows,
I've read with great interests the topics on pond sealing, watched Sepp's videos and all the videos I could find online.
I am looking forward to create a series of interconnected ponds on a flat land with a 4 seasons climate (Eastern Europe) with hot summers (40C/104F) and cold windy winters (down to -25C/-13F).
Being new to the whole permaculture concepts (which I find quite fascinating) I would like to kindly ask you for advise on this matter.
The property has a rectangular shape (about 17 acres) and I am dreaming about making enough ponds to establish a microclimate there that would normalise the extremes weather conditions I've mentioned and make the hole 'water is life' principle a reality.
There is plenty of rain in spring and autumn, some in winter. Some summers are quite dry though. The property neighbours a small seasonal spring that dries in the summer.
The soil has plenty of clay under the fertile layer, mixed with sand and dirt (is not pure clay). The first drinkable water layer is roughly 7-10m deep underground
Please advise on the following:
1. What dimensions to consider in one pond, how deep should they be, how wide. I would also like to be able to farm some fish in them.
2. Would it be enough to seal the ponds by compacting the clay in the soil? If so please advise on what mechanical equipment would do the job at this scale. Also, how would I seal the sides of the pond?
3. Would rain water be enough or should I also consider extracting water with pumps from a well?
4. Anything else a newbie should consider pertinent to this project ?
Thank you,
Rares
