Accumulation of Chemical Elements in Texas Shrimp Pond Soils

Abstract—This study evaluated changes in chemistry of shrimp pond soils over one production cycle. Several soil nutrients, pH, organic matter, and total soluble salts were analyzed in the upper 10 cm of pond‐bottom soil on two Texas shrimp farms in two consecutive years. Soil concentrations of S, P, Ca, Mg, K, Na, Mn, and Zn increased from one year to the next, S increased by 400 ppm. Organic matter did not accumulate. The pH decreased in all pond soils, owing perhaps to the oxidation of organic matter and/or inorganic compounds. There was no statistical difference in shrimp yield between the two consecutive years. These results indicated that the accumulation of S and soluble salts derived from seawater and feed should be monitored and evaluated to prevent excessive chemical element loading of pond soil and discharge water.