Potential of biosolids from shrimp aquaculture as a fertilizer in bell pepper production

Shrimp biosolids (SB) have value as a fertilizer for bell pepper production , but maximum yields cannot be expected when SE is used alone. Although bel l pepper marketable yield increased linearly with SE rate and also with Osm ocote (OSM, a slow release encapsulated fertilizer) rate, yield at the high est OSM rate was 92% higher than yield at the highest SE rate. The cultural system that enhanced yield included both the highest rates of SE and OSM w hich delivered a combined total of 633 N - 253 P - 303 K kg/ha. The sodium in SE needs to be considered carefully whenever this material is used with plants. Apparently, SE persisted in the soil to benefit deeply-rooted crops months after initial application, but it is unknown if continued use of SE may eventually improve soil structure and physical properties.