Effect of lined and earthen farming practices on pond health in white leg shrimp, Penaeus vannamei culture

Shrimp culture and its export are growing fast in India in tandem with the global demand for protein-rich seafood. Farmers are always seeking newer technologies and cultural practices to alleviate risks and remain profitable and sustainable. One of the practices that is gaining prevalence in recent years is Penaeus vannamei culture in lined ponds in brackish water and low saline environments. Our study aims to understand the differences in physicochemical and chemical parameters between lined and earthen ponds in simulated experiments and field studies and weighs the economic benefits. Earthen ponds exhibited lower pH fluctuations than lined as soil functions as a buffer against pH variations. The key differentiators were the lower metabolites and higher nutrients in the lined ponds leading to a healthier pond environment. It was complemented by lower vibrio load in the lined ponds, reducing the threat of diseases significantly. Comparatively, 12.5% higher survival rate and 9% higher growth rate were evidenced in the earthen ponds. Economically, lining material increases the initial capital cost and the income per culture was lower due to marginally lower survival and growth rates in lined ponds. However, this reduced profitability was more than offset by the possible higher number of cultures per year and reduced time between cultures. The economic analysis of average culture data established economic advantage of culture in lined ponds over earthen ponds with an incremental Benefit Cost ratio of 2.15. Ultimately, the choice of lined versus earthen culture depends on the investment and risk potential of the farmer.