Characteristics and management of brackishwater pond soil in South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia

Soil quality is one of the factors that determine the success and sustainability of aquaculture pond, including farms in South Sulawesi Province. Research Institute for Coastal Aquaculture and Fisheries Extension has conducted research on various aspects of brackishwater pond soil in Maros District and previously also in nine other districts in South Sulawesi Province. Brackishwater pond soil characteristics are summarized and reviewed to determine soil management so that brackishwater pond productivity can be improved. Brackishwater pond soil in the west coast of South Sulawesi Province, including Maros, Pangkep and Pinrang Districts, is dominated by acid sulfate soil (ASS) and non-acid sulfate soil (non-ASS); in the south coast of South Sulawesi (Bulukumba, Selayar Islands and Takalar Districts) the brackish water pond is soil dominated by non-ASS, and in the east coast South Sulawesi (East Luwu, North Luwu, Luwu and Bone Districts) is dominated by ASS and peat soil. ASS is characterized by soil characteristics such as low pH, high acidity potential and highly-toxic element content. Peat soil is characterized by high organic matter content, low pH and high acidity potential. Non-ASS is characterized by high pH, low acidity potential and low macro-nutrient content. Dominant soil textures of brackishwater pond in the South Sulawesi Province include sandy loam, loamy sand, clay loam and silty clay loam. To improve the quality of ASS, soil management is needed in the form of remediation by drying, submerging and flushing as well as liming. The quality of peat soil can be improved through remediation and fertilization, especially fertilizers containing nitrogen. Fertilization using both organic and inorganic fertilizers as well as using sulfur and gypsum, can improve the quality of non-ASS, including saline-sodic soil.