Yield of Penaeus monodon Fabricius in brackishwater ponds given different fertilizer combinations

Abstract

Yields of Penaeus monodon Fabricius in brackishwater earthen ponds were determined using different fertilizer combinations in two sets of experiments. Results indicated that the use of fertilizers was vitally needed to sustain growth of shrimps at a stocking density of 5000 individuals/ha. Application of urea (45-0-0) and diammonium phosphate (18-46-0) fertilizers at nitrogen to phosphorus fertilizer rates (N:P₂O₅) of 15:15 and 30:15 kg/ha, together with 1 t/ha of chicken manure, was inexpensive and resulted in better yields. In another experiment, increase in the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers did not significantly improve prawn yields, but did increase the cost of production. Different salinity levels affected survival in both experiments.