Footprint farmer Barry Powell is taking significant steps to enhance water quality on his dairy farm near Nenagh, Co Tipperary.

Water quality is a challenging, and often uncomfortable topic for dairy farmers across the country, as many feel they are doing their best to comply with regulations.

However, Barry is committed to going beyond the basics to improve water quality in his catchment area.

Despite already having adequate slurry storage and a system in place to manage yard runoff, Barry decided to install sediment or catchment ponds along a drain that runs from his yard. This additional measure is aimed at further preventing nutrients from entering the Nenagh River, which borders his farm.

Barry noted that while the water quality in the Nenagh River is generally good, there’s always room for improvement. Issues with the local wastewater treatment facility have been a concern in the community, suggesting that farmers are not solely responsible for any deterioration in water quality.

Improving water quality is clearly a shared concern among those living in Nenagh.

Barry has observed that, despite having multiple collection points on his farm, heavy downpours can still cause some runoff from the yard. This reinforced his decision to invest in additional measures, such as sediment ponds, to help protect the local waterways.

How to create sediment ponds

To further prevent the soiled water getting to the river, Barry has slowed the water down, creating a dam in the drain which leads into two ponds connected by pipes.

The ponds were created in July this year so, due to the dry spell, there is no water in them yet but Barry knows that he will see the water level increase in the coming weeks.

Sediment ponds are open water structures designed to capture coarse sediment and debris carried by drainage water. They intercept soiled water before it reaches waterways, slowing the flow to allow sediments to settle at the bottom.

The process works as follows: when water enters the sediment pond, it is slowed down by a dam that includes a pipe directing water from the drain into the pond.

As the water flow slows, gravity causes coarse and medium sediments to settle at the bottom of the pond.

Meanwhile, the cleaner water remains at the surface and eventually flows out through an outlet structure. This system effectively reduces sediment and debris in water that would otherwise enter natural waterways.

The first pond will collect the water coming down the drain from the yard, allowing the sediment to settle to the bottom.

Planting vegetation

In the coming weeks, when the ponds start to fill with water, Barry and his wife Liz will have the opportunity to plant some vegetation around the edges of the ponds.

Planting around a farm pond can provide numerous environmental benefits, including improved water quality, enhanced habitat for wildlife and erosion control.

Marginal plants grow at the water’s edge or in shallow water, typically up to 12 inches deep.

Yellow flag iris helps to stabilise the shoreline while filtering water. Soft rush is ideal for erosion control and improving water quality by absorbing excess nutrients.

Emergent plants thrive in saturated soil around the pond but can tolerate some drying out.

Mint or marsh marigold would be suited to the pond’s edge and attract pollinators.

Floating plants will float on the water’s surface and can help to provide shade and reduce algae growth.

Water lilies provide shade, reduce algae growth, while duckweed helps in nutrient uptake, though it can spread quickly, so it may need management.

Submerged plants grow entirely underwater and are crucial for oxygenating the water and providing a habitat for fish. Pondweed provides food and habitat for fish and waterfowl.

Benefits of planting around a pond

  • Water quality improvement can be made by having plants around the pond, as they help to filter out pollutants, sediments and nutrients from runoff. This reduces the risk of algal blooms and improves water clarity.
  • Erosion control as the root systems stabilise the pond’s banks, preventing erosion and the loss of valuable soil into the water.
  • Wildlife habitat through a diverse plant community provides food, shelter and breeding grounds for various wildlife species, including birds and insects.
  • Algae control from the shade provided by floating plants and the nutrient competition from various pond plants can reduce the growth of unwanted algae.
  • By carefully selecting and planting around a farm pond, Barry could create a balanced ecosystem that supports both the environment and the farm’s productivity.

    • Management of the ponds

    Over time, sediment, organic matter, and debris accumulate in farm ponds. Barry knows that the ponds may need to be cleaned after a few years to prevent issues such as reduced water and decreased water quality leaving the ponds.

    The sediment removed from the pond will be rich in organic matter and nutrients, making it valuable for Barry to utilise in the fields recycling the nutrients back into the soil, reducing the need for synthetic fertilisers.

    Barry believes that the drains and ponds he has implemented on his farm offer a cost-effective solution for reducing pollution from the farmyard.

    Barry Powell is a dairy farmer in Nenagh, Co Tipperary.

    He also thinks this approach is easily replicable, making it a practical option for other farmers to adopt.

    Farm facts

  • Farmer: Barry and Liz Powell.
  • Farm location: north Tipperary.
  • Farm size: 170ha.
  • Farm enterprise: spring-calving dairy herd.