Optimizing the Cohesion of Pond Dams in Relation to the Content of Organic Matter in the Soil

Abstract

Soil organic carbon was monitored from 2013 to 2016 in two fishpond dikes of different variants of grass species composition: variant 1 - grass mix for extensively dry conditions, variant 2 - heavy duty grass mix, variant 3 - grass mix for intensively moist areas. The monitored grass vegetation was mowed twice a year. In terms of texture, the dike of Pond Rohatec is composed of sandy soil, while the dike of Pond Podhorský consists of loam to clay-loam soils. As to soil structure, the most suitable variant on the Rohatec dike proved to be the mix for extensive drought, while the best variant on the Podhorský dike was the mix for heavy duty areas. The highest organic carbon (Corg) content has been found in the above-mentioned variants. It is obvious that Corg content and suitable grass mixture thus positively affect soil structure. The dike of Pond Rohatec showed higher humus quality than Pond Podhorský, which reflected the overall more favourable composition of the dike of Pond Rohatec. These results are important as to the protection of dikes against erosion effects and for faster growth of grass mixtures.