INVESTIGATING THE POTENTIAL OF AGRICULTURAL DRAINAGE WATER AS IRRIGATION SOURCE
FOR EARTHEN FISH PONDS
Niema A. Ali and Naglaa I. I. M. Shalaby
Central Laboratory for Aquaculture Research, Agricultural Research Center. Egypt.
Received 6/ 11/ 2012 Accepted 11/ 12/ 2012
Abstract
The potential of using agricultural drainage water for earthen fish ponds irrigation has been investigated through evaluating its influence on different limnological aspects in comparison to fertilized fresh water. Two sets, each of three earthen ponds were used. The obtained results showed significant differences in most tested water characteristics (water visibility, pH, total alkalinity, total hardness, total ammonia, un ionized ammonia and nitrate) between the two investigated treatments in where there were no significant effects on temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), and ortho phosphates (OP). Phyto and zooplankton assessment recorded a marked increase in their abundance in drainage water treatment. Phytoplankton community composition varied between the two treatments where green algae, the most useful taxonomic division dominated the other divisions in drainage water treatment, while blue green algae dominated the other divisions in fresh water treatment. With respect to zooplankton community composition, Cladocera and Rotifera dominated the other species in agricultural drainage and fresh water treatments respectively. Upon the obtained results utilizing agricultural drainage water for irrigating fish ponds could be recommended.
