Home 
Fisheries Management Water Quality-Liming Application
Fisheries Management Water Quality-Liming Application
Application Methods Calcium carbonate is ideally applied directly to the bottom of the pond prior to filling with water and should be spread evenly over the entire base. It is acknowledged however that in fishery management the focus is on improving existing water bodies and it is often impractical to apply the lime in this fashion. Applying calcium carbonate to lakes which are full of water is more difficult, but can be achieved without fear of harming the fish. Depending on the size of the water body the application of lime should be a staged process with no more than a quarter of the area being treated at one time; this allows the fish to adjust to the changes in environmental conditions and reduces the chance of stress. The efficiency of liming materials increases as their individual particle size decreases. The powder to be used should ideally pass through a 0.25mm sieve (FAO 1997). Granules and larger particulates can be used for the disinfectant of drained pond bottoms (calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide) if this is the objective of the application. The rate of application is determined by many of the factors discussed, and with the consideration of the aims and objectives of the specific management plan.
Health and Safety
The application of all forms of liming material should be subject to health and safety considerations. Whilst calcium carbonate is not caustic in its action, its granular form can be a mild irritant to the eyes, so the use of goggles is recommended. An eye bath should be part of the first-aid equipment on site for all liming operations. Hydrated lime can cause serious burns to the skin and eyes. A one-piece cover-all, face mask and goggles should be worn when applying this product. |
|
| Last Updated ( Friday, 14 March 2008 11:02 ) |
