Abstract— This study evaluated changes in chemistry of shrimp pond soils over one production cycle. Several soil nutrients, pH, organic matter, and total soluble salts were analyzed in the upper 10 cm of pond‐bottom soil on two Texas shrimp farms in two consecutive years. Soil concentrations of S, P, Ca, Mg, K, Na, Mn, and Zn increased from one year to the next, S increased by 400 ppm. Organic matter did not accumulate. The pH decreased in all pond soils, owing perhaps to the oxidation of organic matter and/or inorganic compounds. There was no statistical difference in shrimp yield between the two consecutive years. These results indicated that the accumulation of S and soluble salts derived from seawater and feed should be monitored and evaluated to prevent excessive chemical element loading of pond soil and discharge water.
Several nutrients, pH, organic matter, and total soluble salts of surface soil from 81 ponds on two Texas shrimp farms were measured. The relationship between shrimp yield and soil characteristics was analyzed statistically. Shrimp yield was negatively correlated with soil concentrations of S, P, NO3-, B, Ca, Mg, K, Na, Cu, and total water-soluble salts. Shrimp yield was directly correlated with soil concentrations of Fe, Mn, and organic matter. Stepwise multiple regression analysis indicated that Ca and S concentrations explained 54% of the variation in shrimp yield.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.