Suitability of coastal saline soils of Gopalapuram, Nellore for shrimp farming

Abstract

Soil samples collected from various depths, at different sites of Gopalapuram farm
area, Andhra Pradesh were analysed for their physico-chemical characteristics
for the suitability of brackishwater aquaculture. The soils are poor in organic
carbon (0.23 to 0.5 %). Average pH values ranged from 5.2 to 8.4. Low pH values
are associated with higher values of iron and lower values of CaCOg. Textural
class of soil varies from sandy loam to sandy clay loam. Sand/silt ratio values
ranged from 4,0 to 10.3. Organic carbon, available nitrogen and phosphorus content
of soil decreased with increasing depth of soil sampling. Iron content of soils was
positively correlated with increasing depth and negatively correlated with pH and
CaCOg content. Some important satistical correlations among soil characteristics
were also worked out. The farm area was suitable for brackishwater aquaculture
with suitable management of moderate limitation properties of the soils.