Nutrient Budget and feasibility of Closed Cycle Shrimp Farm Systems

Abstract

A closed cycle shrimp (Penaeus monodon) farm was conducted for two consecutive crops. This system comprised of two grow-out ponds, one reservoir and one sediment pond. The reservoir was used for water storage and treatment. Average total production was 3,755 kg ha^-1 for the first crop and 5,253 kg ha^-1 for the second. Feed was the major source of nutrient to grow-out ponds, contributing an average 361 kg ha^-1 of N (85.8% of TN) and 69 kg ha^-1 of P (51.5% of TP) and 92 kg ha^-1 of P (50.8% of TP) for the second crop. Major losses were accumulation in the sediment accounting for 30% of TN and 88% of TP outputs. This system results demonstrated the feasibility of the system in culturing shrimp for at least two consecutive crops with no effect on shrimp production and water quality. The system could obtain high feeding efficiency, and low water exchange was used per production. The production was also reasonable. However, increased levels of nutrients and sediment in the reservoir may create problems in the subsequent crops. This needs to be further studied regarding the effects of the long term accumulation on the shrimp production.