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The repeated water exchange and inundation of fish and shrimp ponds has the net effect of depleting precious top soils which contain essential trace minerals for the successful culture of aquatic animals. Over the course of a few cycles, the subsequent harvesting and water changes expose the acidic subsoil which is detrimental to animal growth and survival.
Success in shrimp or fish production hinges mostly in good pond preparation: ensuring that the correct mix of pH, alkalinity, trace minerals, and carbon:Nitrogen (C:N) ratios are met prior to seeding of fry. Experts have always maintained that soil preparation in aquaculture is very similar to horticulture: top soil must be enriched periodically and at the beginning of each cycle so as to attain and maintain the parameters needed for optimum production.
Going Beyond Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium Supplements
For the last century, the process of enriching top soils needed for the farming of terrestrial and aquatic crops has largely meant the application of Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium (N-P-K) and commercial fertilizers. Over time, this practice contributes to sulfate-induced toxicity in the soil, rendering it unproductive and requiring increasing amounts of fertilizer to attain production levels of previous cycles.
Meanwhile, the technology and practice of adding organics in the form of compost and liquid fertilizers has already been developed and shown positive results. However, these technologies have largely been ineffective simply because the method of treating the organic ingredients has not been as successful in converting the inorganic ingredients into useful bioavailable nutrients found in the raw materials.
Aquaculture experts have known for decades that pond soils need more than N-P-K nutrients for sustainable production. In today’s practices, however, common enrichment methods are still stuck on the traditional concepts such as Liebig’s theory of water-soluble minerals as the only requirement for enrichment and maintenance of fertile ponds.
Sustainable Yields
Aquatic animals farmed in chemical-free ponds and fed with organic sources of nutrients can deliver the same yield compared to those of environments enriched with chemical fertilizers, and can sustain these yields over time, as opposed to those treated with chemical fertilizers. In addition, the quality, integrity and comprehensiveness of proteins, vitamins, sterols and other essential components of healthy nutrition are superior in ponds enriched with organic fertilizers.
ez Aquaculture has developed and perfected two new products for the aquaculture industry: the TR200S Top Soil Replacement and the SE100S Soil Enrichment product that addresses these issues. The TR200S Top Soil Replacement is a supplement to a standard quality compost product. This formula mimics rich top soils, and contains both macro and micro ingredients in a stable and balanced formulation that can meet both the urgent and long term nutrient needs of shrimp, fish or plankton over time. It is a precisely formulated supplement for compost that promotes and sustains optimal fertility in pond bottoms. Its enzymatic action breaks down organic matter into smaller constituents that nourish algae and other microbes. It ensures a vibrant supply of food and nutrients—both in the water and substrate—upon which fish and shrimp stock thrive.
In addition, the TR200S Top Soil Replacement contains a number of compounds not found in commercial chemical fertilizers that are essential for growth and nutrition. For example, it contains high levels of amino acids, enzymes, co-enzymes and phytosterols which are essential for the survival and growth of aquatic animals. amino acids are excellent food for microbial populations in water columns and helps prevent the onset of pathogenic bacteria which causes disease.
Most other commercial organic fertilizers MAY contain these elements but, lack the ability to deliver these nutrients in a timely and efficient manner. The addition of enzymes into the TR200S has made these macro and micro nutrients to become immediately bio-available and allows fish, shrimp and plankton greater nutritional uptake, and enables them to maximize growth using the least amount of energy.
Again, it is important to remember that Fertile Top Soil does not only nor simply mean high levels of water-soluble minerals such as Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK), but rather and more importantly, the presence of microbial activity, high enzyme levels, adequate amounts of elemental iron, calcium, magnesium, and other essential metals which are important in the delivery of nutrition and growth.
The other GLB product for soil amelioration is the SE100S. The SE100S is an added boost for the improvement and enrichment of intensive and semi-intensive ponds, especially where sludge and pollution is a problem, (due to high levels of ammonia, uneaten feed and animal wastes).
Organics Make the Difference
As a supplementary management tool, SE100S Soil Enrichment is designed to increase enzymatic action at the substrate level thereby reducing pollution. The increased enzymatic action also improves the biological activity in the soil which in turn accelerates the replication of beneficial bacterial colonies. Particularly true in intensive systems, the SE100S Soil Enrichment formula promotes healthy algal growth, helps digest fats, proteins and carbohydrates from animal wastes or uneaten feed and is a valuable tool in disease prevention.
The cost benefits of a tandem-based TR200S Top Soil Replacement and SE100S Soil Enrichment fertility program are realized in net profitability return through increases in yield, while eliminating chemical fertilizer input costs. The use of soil enrichment and organic fertilizers such as TR200S Top Soil Replacement and SE100S Soil Enrichment are a valuable tool for attaining sustainable production. The consistent use of these products has shown that it reduces dependency on chemical fertilizers and cuts the cost of use by preventing eventual toxicity and sulfate-induced soil acidity.
 | TR2S Topsoil Replacement is a precisely formulated supplement for compost that promotes and sustains optimal fertility in pond bottoms. Its enzymatic action breaks down organic matter into smaller constituents that nourish algae and other microbes. This ensures a vibrant supply of food and nutrients—both in the water and the substrate—upon which fish livestock thrive. | | Available in 20 Liter Pail, 32x20 L Pails, 60 Liter Drum, 7x60L Drums, 200 Liter Drum |
 | SE100S Soil Enrichment increases pond yields over many cycles and is especially formulated to maintain sustainable eco-friendly aquaculture in medium-to-high density commercial applications. It accelerates enzymatic activity in the pond substrate, breaks down organic matter so that it can be readily consumed by indigenous microbes, and reduces pollution. | | Available in 18kg Pail, 22.73 kg Bag, 1MT |
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