Filled in sewage lagoon- Now what?

[jewlz64]

We had a lagoon that set virtually unused for a few years drained, then filled in with it's embankment, and a few trees that had grown there. That was 10/1/14, and nothing has been planted or done to the area since.

Was hoping to get pointers on what we "should" and "could" be doing with the area. It is approx. 100' north, and slightly up slope from South Eastern property line. I want to plant some sort of windbreak/hedgerow there. If nut trees were included, would they be safe for human ingestion?

As far as the filled in lagoon itself, would it be safe to use as paddock for male goats, or to grow animal feed? Or just planted for bees or...

As im sure my inquiries show, I'm a complete novice...I suspect it should be planted with something, and soon, but that's 'bout all.

Thanks for sharing your ideas,
j.

[geo in mi]

Plant anything you want to there. Mother Nature has done her thing, unless the lagoon had chemicals, oils, or any highly toxic stuff. Human or animal sewege, no problem afer that long a time. The excess nitrogen has long since leached down into your, or your neighbor's water supply, or it ran off into the stream and river system. What's left is some carbon, maybe some extra phosphorus or potassium.

geo

[Bubba1358]

I have a septic lagoon right now, and I use the fenced-in area as a winter paddock for my sheep. They help compact the soil around it. I also rotationally graze through it in the growing months. No issues. Just keep fresh water in there.

Be careful with trees, though, that the roots don't affect any plumbing pipes running into the lagoon.

[jwal10]

I wouldn't plant garden on it yet. I would open it up, stir it around. Fine to plant trees, nut trees take a few years to produce, would be good by then. I see no problem with the other things you mentioned BUT, does it drain well now? May either need ripped up deep or contoured to get soil to drain and/or plants that like wet soil....James

[Yvonne's hubby]

I wouldnt worry too much about it. Plant whatever you want, there shouldnt be any problem with that soil at this point.

[rambler]

So...... Filled in?

Was this a clay lined holding pond more or less?

And it just got filled in, so the clay liner is still at the bottom, will still hold water?

How deep was the lagoon?

This all could affect how trees grow, tap roots, and water saturation.

Paul

[jewlz64]

The lagoon was about 7', and yes, was basically clay lined holding pond. A small trench was dug to help drain, but if memory serves the bottom was not disturbed or altered.

I appreciate all the responses, I found them useful, and feel much better
able to make decisions about the area!

Thanks!!
j