Assessing Sustainability of Shrimp Aquaculture and Integration with a Field Crop

Assessing Sustainability of Shrimp Aquaculture and Integration with a Field Crop

Summary

A field study utilizing a randomized block design has been planned to test the effect of three low-salinity shrimp farm effluent/well water/fertilizer combinations on olive tree growth. Trees will be flood-irrigated as needed. Irrigation water will be analyzed for total nitrogen, nitrate-nitrogen, total phosphorus, potassium and electrical conductivity. Additionally, tree growth as measured both by height and diameter, soil salinity and soil macronutrients (N,P,K) will also be monitored.

Objectives/Performance Targets

• Determine the benefits of irrigating with aquacultural effluents

  Determine any detrimental effects on soils

  Reduction of reliance on chemical fertilizers

  Efficient utilization of scarce water resources

  Organize an aquaculture field day to initiate an integrated aquaculture/agriculture extension program in Arizona

Accomplishments/Milestones

Work on the project is underway. The study site has been selected and the treatments have been assigned the rows of trees. Growth studies are slated to begin in the spring of 2002.

Collaborators: