| Pond Dynamics/Aquaculture CRSP |
Aquanews Vol. 18 No. 2 ~ Spring 2003 |
Graduate’s Corner
ongratulations to Taworn Thunjai on the successful defense of his Ph.D. dissertation presented 16 December 2002 at Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama. Thunjai’s advisor was Claude Boyd, a long-time PD/A CRSP Principal Investigator. Thunjai first became involved with the PD/A CRSP in 1997, during one of Boyd’s Thailand visits when they met. Thunjai was then working with the Thai Ministry of Agricultures and Cooperatives, Department of Fisheries. In June 1997, Thunjai moved to Auburn University. He completed two masters degrees there, based on research on pond soil samples from PD/A CRSP sites and developed an interest in the environmental aspects of aquaculture. He is particularly interested in sustainable practices and aquaculture development.
Bottom Soil Quality in Fish Ponds of Different Ages in Thailand and Suggestions for its Management
(condensed abstract of Taworn Thunjai’s Ph.D. thesis)
|
This research was conducted to obtain data on bottom soil quality in ponds of different ages in Thailand. In addition, because the annual application of liming materials has been a major feature in pond management, samples of liming materials were obtained from vendors for analysis of composition and quality. C:N ratios were similar between locations. This discrepancy could not be explained from available data.
Results of this study reveal that ponds can be used annually for semi-intensive production of tilapia, and presumably other species, for many years without serious deterioration of bottom soil quality. Liming is a major management input in pond aquaculture in Thailand. Thus, farmers should base the need for liming on soil pH to prevent unnecessary application. Many of the liming materials are of low quality, and farmers should insist that vendors provide a fact sheet showing a certified analysis of their products.
|