ARS | Publication request: Plankton Management for Channel Catfish Nursery Ponds

Submitted to: Aquaculture America Conference
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: November 16, 2007
Publication Date: February 1, 2008
Citation: Mischke, C.L., Zimba, P.V. 2008. Plankton Management for Channel Catfish Nursery Ponds. Aquaculture America Conference.

Technical Abstract: We conducted a series of studies examining the fertilization practices used for channel catfish nursery ponds. The best fertilization protocol would be one that uses low-cost fertilizers, quickly establishes a desirable phytoplankton bloom, and produces the greatest number of large zooplankton. In the first study we compared zooplankton and phytoplankton responses in ponds fertilized with high phosphorus and inorganic fertilizer to those in unfertilized control ponds. No significant differences were detected among fertilized and control ponds. Nutrient enrichment bioassays for phytoplankton did indicate that nitrogen might be limiting production. In the second study we compared responses among old and new ponds receiving organic fertilization , inorganic fertilizer, both types of fertilizer, and no fertilizer application. Desirable phytoplankton and zooplankton were increased in nitrogen fertilization treatments.