Relationships to Aquatic Animal Production

Abstract

Relationships between pond soils or sediment and aquatic animal production are mostly indirect. Soil affects nutrient concentrations in the water, which, in turn, influence plant productivity. In extensive pond culture, aquatic animal production is the culmination of the food web that has its base in plant production (Fig. 5.1). Plants also are the primary source of dissolved oxygen in most ponds, but plant respiration and plant residues also exert an oxygen demand. Pond soils can be a source of toxic metabolites that can enter the water and harm aquatic animals. Suspended soil particles reduce light transmission through the water and adversely impact plant productivity and photosynthetic oxygen production. Sedimentation can smother aquatic organisms and destroy fish nesting sites. Suboptimal soil texture and pH may limit production of benthos, which is the food of many aquatic animals.