Accumulation of chemical elements in Texas shrimp pond soils

This study evaluated changes in chemistry of shrimp pond soils over one pro duction cycle, Several soil nutrients, pH, organic matter, and total solubl e salts were analyzed in the upper 10 cm of pond-bottom soil on two Texas s hrimp farms in two consecutive years, Soil concentrations of S, P, Ca, Mg, K, Na, Mn, and Zn increased from one year to the next, S increased by 400 p pm. Organic matter did not accumulate, The pH decreased in all pond soils, owing perhaps to the oxidation of organic matter and/or inorganic compounds . There was no statistical difference in shrimp yield between the two conse cutive years. These results indicated that the accumulation of S and solubl e salts derived from seawater and feed should be monitored and evaluated to prevent excessive chemical element loading of pond soil and discharge wate r.