Efecto del caco3 en las condiciones del sedimento de estanques para cultivo extensivo de camarón <i>litopenaeus vannamei</i>

Abstract

The quality and quantity of sediments at the pond bottom reflect the production of the pond and play a key role in the mineralization process that takes place on the organic matter and the capture and release of existing nutrients in the water, what affects the water quality and the survival of the organisms being cultured. Sediments in aquaculture ponds are affected by rainwater, waves and currents generated by mechanical aerators, activities of the cultured species, and the production and harvest activities. Organic matter originating from plankton and dead organisms, organic fertilizer, uneaten food and the excrement of cultured organisms are deposited at the pond bottom, gradually mixing with the soil particles. Thus, one of the biggest concerns for the aquaculturists is the accumulation of OM in sediments, since it generates oxygen demand due to the aerobic respiration of bacteria and other microorganisms. In extensive shrimp farming, calcium carbonate is applied according to the conditions of the pond bottom, so if the pH of the soil is lower than 7 it must be limed to increase it. Liming increases the concentration of pH and calcium, which favors the elimination of phosphorus from the water, and once the pH increases, it also reduces the concentration of carbon dioxide from the water, and also eliminates pathogens.