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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Stoneville, Mississippi » Warmwater Aquaculture Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #172362
Title: OPTIMIZING FRY POND FERTILIZATION

Author
item MISCHKE, C - MISS. STATE UNIV.
item Zimba, Paul

Submitted to: NWAC (National Warmwater Aquaculture Center) Aquaculture Newsletter
Publication Type: Popular Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/25/2003
Publication Date: 3/1/2004
Citation: Mischke, C.C., Zimba, P.V. 2004. Optimizing fry pond fertilization. NWAC (National Warmwater Aquaculture Center) Aquaculture Newsletter 6(1):4,10.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Pond fertilization practices for channel catfish fry are discussed, with recommendations made for improving zooplankton composition in earthen ponds. We suggest using only established ponds for fry culture, filling ponds 7-10 d before stocking, and applying inorganic fertilizer at an initial rate of ~18 lb/ac N and 1 to 2 lb/ac P, followed by subsequent applications of half the initial rate for 3-4 weeks. If newly constructed ponds are used, higher fertilizer rates are probably necessary to achieve the same response. Also, continuing fertilization at lower rates until the fish begin eating commercial feeds may be helpful in sustaining zooplankton populations.