Use of organic and inorganic fertilization in zero-discharge tanks and ponds and its effects on plankton and shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei performance

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of organic (molasses) and inorganic (Nutrilake®) fertilization on plankton, water quality, and shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei performance reared in zero-discharge tanks and ponds. The findings showed that in tanks, the organic fertilization induced highest survival and production, and low total ammonia-N concentration; however, this effect was not observed in the ponds. In both tanks and ponds, the inorganic fertilization increased nitrogen levels. The phytoplankton abundance increased in both tanks/ponds with the fertilization treatments. Shrimp production in the tanks and ponds fertilized almost doubled compared with unfertilized treatments