Spatial variability of the physical quality of soil from management zones

Precision Agriculture - The uniform management of soil, without considering the local soil spatial variability of its properties, may accelerate its degradation process. The objectives of this...     

Characterization of wastewater generated by Litopenaeus vannamei after being fed experimental diets based on animal protein,vegetable protein and a commercial diet

Phosphorous (P) and nitrogen (N) residuals from Litopenaeus vannamei and N and P retention by L. vannamei were studied at three protein levels and with two protein sources: fish meal with plant protein (AVD) and plant protein with squid meal as an attractant (VD). A protein retention bioassay began with shrimp that were 1.5–2.5 g, and nutrient release bioassays were conducted with shrimp of two sizes (4.5 and 8.5 g). Both bioassays were conducted at: 30 ± 0.5°C, [O₂] > 4 mg L^?1, and 38 UPS. Total P residuals were significantly higher for AVDs than for VDs (P < 0.05), particularly those with a high dietary protein level. The particulate P fraction was the predominant form of P. Total N and inorganic dissolved N, mainly in ammonia form, significantly increased (P < 0.05) with dietary protein level and shrimp size, regardless of the protein source. VDs resulted in significantly greater P retention (P < 0.05) than AVDs, without significantly affecting growth rates or survival. P retention as well as N retention decreased with increasing protein supplementation level, independently of the protein source used (P > 0.05). This study shows that the substitution of fish meal with plant protein (soybean meal and wheat flour) improves P retention in L. vannamei.