POTENTIAL OF USING RICE-STRAW ASH AS LIMING MATERIAL IN AQUACULTURE

T K Paul and M M M Alam
Journal of the Sylhet Agricultural University, Volume 2, Issue 1, 2015, Pages 117-125

Abstract:

The study was conducted to assess the feasibility of rice-straw ash (RSA) as liming material in aquaculture through four experiments for a period of 6 month from February to July 2003. The first experiment was carried out using quick lime (CaO) as control. The second was conducted to determine the effects of RSA on mud turbidity and water quality. The third was conducted to determine the effects of RSA on water quality and growth of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The fourth was conducted to determine the effects of RSA on water quality. The neutralizing value and efficiency rating of RSA were about 11.02% and 30.17%, respectively, which were much lower than CaO. RSA brought total alkalinity to 227mgL-1 as CaCO3, which was much lower than CaO (1,775 mg/L as CaCO3). Total hardness increased by RSA was significantly higher than CaO (P < 0.05). Increase of pH by RSA was significantly lower than CaO (P < 0.05). RSA was not effective in removing mud turbidity. Total alkalinity was positively correlated with RSA doses. RSA raised pH value significantly at all doses compared to control. All treatments indicated that RSA released significant amount of phosphorus. RSA has potentials to be used as low-cost alternative liming material and phosphorus source for aquaculture. It is therefore recommended that RSA may be applied at the rate of 7.5 - 20 g/L-1 to maintain favourable pH, total alkalinity and total hardness in aquaculture pond. The study will contribute to increase aquaculture production through utilizing low-cost alternative liming material i.e. RSA, especially for resource-poor farmers.

Keywords:

Rice-straw ash, alternative liming material, pH, aquaculture, Oreochromis niloticus


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T K Paul and M M M Alam. 2015. POTENTIAL OF USING RICE-STRAW ASH AS LIMING MATERIAL IN AQUACULTURE, Journal of the Sylhet Agricultural University 2(1): 117-125.