How Does a Man-Made Pond Differ From a Natural Pond?
Construction The biggest difference between a man-made pond and a natural pond is the way in which they are constructed. Natural ponds develop in the ground over long periods of time and become natural parts of the landscape. On the other hand, man-made ponds are built into the ground with human labor and lots of digging. Pond Liner Natural ponds develop directly on top of the earth and are usually bounded by rocks and soil, but man-made ponds require a plastic pond liner as a perimeter. This pond liner covers the entire base of the man-made pond and is then usually covered with rocks. Without the plastic liner, most man-made ponds would disappear because the water would eventually seep into the ground. Water Source Most natural ponds receive their water from a combination of rain and a natural supply of fresh water. Natural ponds can receive fresh water from a nearby stream or spring, which continually exchanges the water and injects oxygen into the pond. The water in man-made ponds u