The​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Impermeable Barrier: The Environmental Effects of Pond Liners in Agriculture and Aquaculture

Both agriculture and aquaculture are water-dependent activities, and therefore, keeping water clean and available is the most important thing for crop yield, animal health, and overall operational sustainability. On the other hand, earthen ponds are naturally porous and, thus, have interaction with the environment. In most cases, this exposure causes the loss of a huge amount of water and, more importantly, degradation of water quality. The utilization of pond liners made of geomembrane has, however, changed water management completely. The use of an impermeable barrier allows agricultural workers and aquaculturists to have control over the physical and chemical parameters of their water body to such an extent that they can change it from a passive water feature to an actively managed resource.

Pond Liner as a Contamination Preventer from the Underlying Layer

A pond liner is the most obvious investment that leads to the separation of the water storage facility from the soil or the substrate.

It is a known fact that from the banks and bottoms of naturally occurring water bodies, one can obtain minerals, heavy metals, or traces of pesticides from use of residues in farm activities. These can slowly go into the water and mix with it. In the field of agriculture, contaminated water is a source of trouble for crops irrigated by it. In aquaculture, the leaking of harmful substances can cause the aquatic organisms to be stressed, or even be poisoned. Aquaculture pond liners should be of the highest standard and made of safe materials for fish like HDPE or RPE, so that such a risk is absolutely zero. A liner is a sealing medium that insulates the water quality that, besides the water that is taken into the reservoir and the management practices within the pond, is not contingent on the unpredictable geology beneath it.

Adjusting pH Levels and Dissolved Minerals in Water

Continuous contact between soil and water can alter water chemistry to a great extent, especially the pH level. If the natural soil is very acidic or highly alkaline, then the pond water will constantly be amended with that particular chemical property, which makes it very difficult and costly to keep the pH at the level that is necessary, e.g. for irrigation of crops, or specific species raised in the pond.

For instance, the optimum pH range of fish and shrimp is a very narrow one, from neutral to slightly alkaline. Lined ponds provide a neutral barrier, so water chemistry adjustment will be more stable and predictable, for instance, when lime is added. A safe and stable environment is one of the key factors to the health and growth rate of the farmed species, consequently, it leads to larger and more dependable harvests. This is an essential goal of commercial aquaculture pond liners.

Trying to Minimize Water Loss and Control Nutrients Concentration

The main reason for water loss due to seepage in unlined ponds can be challenging to identify but, in most cases, area with porous, sandy, or silty soils is where the issue is. By using a reliable geomembrane liner, almost all the water that is stored can remain available for use. Taking  12x12 pond liner as an example, which is used for a compact water garden or small reservoir, one can say that preventing seepage is just a water conservation measure that is basic but necessary.

On the contrary, it is a prevention of irrigation water loss on a commercial farm that leads to cost savings that are substantial and resource management that is sustainable. Besides that, whenever water is lost through the ground, it takes valuable dissolved nutrients along. So, a liner that retains all water also helps retain the nutrient balance, thus fertilization (or, to put it another way, nutrient overload prevention) becomes more manageable and ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌efficient.

Enhancing​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Biosecurity and Disease Management

Lined ponds are more biosecure, which is extremely necessary in intensive aquaculture, especially. The soil in an earthen pond can be a permanent home for pathogens, parasites, and disease vectors, in the sediment and mud. If a pond is to be dried and sterilized between harvesting cycles - a procedure called 'pond dry down' - it is easier and more efficient to do this with a liner. It is due to the liner that the pond can be thoroughly emptied and dried, thus the contagious diseases and pests that are waterborne are killed. Moreover, the liner's closed surface is also disinfected more easily and rapidly than a dirty bottom, hence the risk of disease accumulation and reoccurrence is lowered drastically. Less use of medicines becomes possible thanks to this controlled and clean environment which leads to healthier aquatic life.

Supporting a Sustainable Wildlife Habitat

There is more to the liner than just a mere function. For the conservationists and landowners, who aim at developing a natural and self-sufficient habitat, a best pond liner for wildlife pond is a product which is chemically stable, long-lasting, and properly installed with underlayment. Although some people might consider a liner as a thing that is 'anti-nature', it is mostly the only route toward permanence in case of water bodies in high-seepage lands, especially for the creation of a food web-supported Aquaculture pond liners. Non-toxic EPDM or reinforced polyethylene, after being covered properly with soil, gravel and natural vegetation, are safe, stable, and permanent water bodies basically made of these materials and natural elements. Most importantly, it stops the pond from turning an intermittent water source that stresses or even kills the local amphibians, insects, and birds which depend on it.

The Importance of Underlayment

The long-term performance of any pond liner, be it a small 12x12 one or an extensive agricultural reservoir, is largely dependent on its proper care and protection. This is the point where an excellent quality geotextile underlayment becomes a showstopper and a must-have item. For instance, the Singhal Landscape Geotextile is a non-woven fabric that is put directly under the main liner. What it mainly does is protecting the liner from being pierced by sharp stones, roots of trees, or rodent attacks coming from beneath the ground. The protective layer here absorbs the point load, therefore, it basically ensures the impermeable layer's durability which means, water quality will be retained for the following years. Spending money on a geotextile is a small investment that not only safeguards a high-value asset—the water containment system itself—but also makes sure the system lasts for a long time.

Conclusion

The proper utilization of pond liners in contemporary farming and aquaculture does not stop at just water-saving; essentially, it is a matter of quality control. By forming a water-tight barrier, these liners are the means through which contamination is prevented, essential water chemistry is stabilized, biosecurity is assured, and consequently, the operations become more volatile-free, healthier, and bring more ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌profits. Whether for a small Best pond liner for wildlife pond or a large commercial farm utilizing advanced aquaculture pond liners, the geomembrane provides the essential foundation for a stable and high-quality aquatic environment.

Frequently​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Asked Questions

Q: Are fish-safe pond liners also safe for edible crops?

A: Not all pond liners are safe for fish and edible crops. Make sure that the liner is "fish-safe," "aquaculture-grade," or "potable water safe" because some PVC liners might have plasticizers that are harmful.

Q: How does a pond liner contribute to stabilizing water temperature?

A: A liner keeps the heat absorbed by the pond water from the sun as the water does not seep into the relatively cooler ground. Thus, the pond temperature becomes stable which is very important for aquatic life.

Q: Is a 12x12 pond liner only suitable for decorative purposes?

A: A 12x12 pond liner can be used in many ways. It is generally used to create small ornamental ponds, but it can also be used in the backyard aquaponics systems, as a small rainwater harvesting sump, or for the miniature aquaculture trials.

Q: What is the best underlayment material for aquaculture pond liners?

A: A non-woven, needle-punched geotextile fabric, such as Singhal Landscape Geotextile, is the best choice for an underlayment as it provides a soft layer that protects against punctures caused by sharp objects in the ground.

Q: What is the lifespan of modern pond liners under normal field conditions?

A: If an EPDM, RPE, or HDPE liner of good quality is installed correctly with an underlayment, it may last for 20 to 30 years or even longer, especially when it is covered with soil or gravel to protect it from the UV rays of the sun.

Q: Does a pond liner mean less filtration is needed in an aquaculture facility?

A: A liner makes the facility easier to clean and prevents contamination of the soil but the implementation of mechanical and biological filtration is still a must in intensive aquaculture to effectively handle fish waste and feed decomposition.

Q: What material is the best pond liner for building a wildlife pond?

A: EPDM or RPE (Reinforced Polyethylene) are non-toxic, long-lasting, and flexible materials, and RPE generally has better resistance to puncture from pinpointing wildlife, so it is considered the best.

Q: What is the best way to determine how much liner is required for a pond?

A: The amount of liner can be figured out by the following equation:<br> Liner Length = Pond Length + (2 x Depth) + Overlap<br> Liner Width = Pond Width + (2 x Depth) + Overlap (the overlap is normally 1 to 2 feet on each side)

Q: Who is the largest supplies of Pond Liners ?

A: Top global suppliers and manufacturers of pond liners are generally large geosynthetics companies like Singhal Landscape Geotextile, and BPM Geosynthetics, when looking at their worldwide market share and production capacity.

Q: Who is the largest Exporter of Pond Liners ?

A: Leading global geosynthetic manufacturers and suppliers, such as Singhal Landscape Geotextile  and The Project Material Co., Ltd. (BPM Geosynthetics), are among the largest exporters of pond liner materials worldwide due to their international operations and production volumes in numerous countries.

Q: Who is the larges manufacture of Pond Liners ?

A: The big names in the worldwide pond liner industry are companies like Solmax, Firestone Building Products, and AGRU America. Also, prominent manufacturers and exporters of pond liner materials such as Singhal Landscape Geotextile (Singhal Industries) that focus on Asian markets and specialize in products like HDPE and ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌geotextiles.