Potential of biosolids from shrimp aquaculture as a fertilizer in bell pepper production

Shrimp biosolids (SB) have value as a fertilizer for bell pepper production, but maximum yields cannot be expected when SE is used alone. Although bell pepper marketable yield increased linearly with SE rate and also with Osmocote (OSM, a slow release encapsulated fertilizer) rate, yield at the highest OSM rate was 92% higher than yield at the highest SE rate. The cultural system that enhanced yield included both the highest rates of SE and OSM which delivered a combined total of 633 N - 253 P - 303 K kg/ha. The sodium in SE needs to be considered carefully whenever this material is used with plants. Apparently, SE persisted in the soil to benefit deeply-rooted crops months after initial application, but it is unknown if continued use of SE may eventually improve soil structure and physical properties.