Waste ponds can be utilized to economically handle dairy and poultry waste waters. Usually the effluent from the ponds is used later for irrigation. Sometimes the effluent is recycled by reusing it for subsequent flushing. Whatever the mode of operation of the ponds, it is important to know how much, if any, deep percolation occurs; what is the fate of nitrogenous substances; what are the changes in other chemical constituents; and what bacterial processes occur in the ponds. This report outlines some preliminary findings in a study of operation of waste ponds, and delineates subsequent necessary research to evaluate their total impact on the environment. The most significant of these preliminary findings was that there was hardly any seepage of water from manure-laden ponds in this study, and that artificial seals were not needed under these soil conditions.

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The following farm advisors cooperated in this study: Granville Hutton, San Joaquin County; Fred Price, Stanislaus, San Joaquin, and Merced counties; and Glenn Voskuil, Merced County. Laboratory assistance was given by James Yoshino and Mike Cox; and special reference assistance was provided by Donald R. Nielson, John C. Corey, and Robert S. Ayres. Financial and other support was provided by local San Joaquin Valley dairy and poultry industries.