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Effect of Fertilizer on the Qualitative and Quantitative Abundance of Benthic Fauna in Ponds

M.H. Rahman
Department of Aquaculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh

M.J.U. Miah
Department of Aquaculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh

H. Ali
Department of Aquaculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh

M.S. Alam
Department of Aquaculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh

M.A. Islam
Department of Fisheries Management, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

The present research was conducted to assess the effects of added fertilizers on the qualitative and quantitative abundance of benthic fauna in ponds for a period of six months from August, 2008 to January, 2009 in the Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. All the experimental ponds were rectangular in shape, each with surface area of 44 m2 and the average depth of water was 1m. Three treatments such as GM [Goat manure + Urea: 3000+50 kg/ha], SM (Sheep manure + Urea: 3000+50 kg/ha] and C (control) were run in duplicates. Fertilizers were used fortnightly and benthos samples were collected randomly from the ponds at monthly intervals. Seven groups of benthic fauna viz. Oligochaeta, Chironomidae, Ceratopogonidae, Mollusca, Ephemeroptera, Odonata and Hirudinea were recorded throughout the experimental period. The total average number in the abundance of benthic fauna was recorded as (2196.09 ± 216.35/m², 2108.49 ± 211.50/m² and 1397.36 ± 233.04/m²) in the treatments GM, SM and C respectively. The abundance of Oligochaeta and Chironomidae were found dominant with the treatments GM and SM in all the months during the whole study period. The maximum numbers of benthic fauna (2743.90 ± 457.32/m², 2515.24 ± 228.66/m² and 1905.50 ± 228.66/m²) were found with the treatments GM, SM, and C respectively in August, 2008 and minimum (1676.84 ± 304.88/m², 1600.62 ± 228.66/m² and 1219.52 ± 152.44/m²⁾ were found with the treatments GM, SM and C respectively in January, 2009. The mean values of temperature (0C) [23.52 ± 1.78, 23.48 ± 1.82 and 23.70 ± 1.81], transparency (cm) [33.53 ± 0.90, 33.02 ± 0.89 and 33.08 ± 1.09], pH (8.03 ± 0.20, 8.18 ± 0.18 and 8.20 ± 0.19) and dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) [5.37 ± 0.35, 5.37 ± 0.37 and 5.67 ± 0.33] were found in the treatments GM, SM and C respectively. The fluctuations in abundance of benthic fauna were found to be more or less related with the pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen as well as transparency.

Keywords: Benthic fauna, goat manure, sheep manure, urea

Location: Experimental pons,Faculty of Fisheries, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh

Start Date: 00-08-2008

End Date: 00-01-2009

Program Area: Crop-Soil-Water Management

Commodity: Aquatic animal

Objectives:

1. To assess the effects of different fertilizers on the qualitative and quantitative abundance of benthic fauna in the context of physico-chemical parameter in ponds.

Methodology:

Study area: The present research was conducted to assess the effects of different fertilizers on the qualitative and quantitative abundance of benthic fauna in ponds for a period of six months from August, 2008 to January, 2009 in fertilized ponds which were situated at the south-west corner of the Faculty of Fisheries, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. All the experimental ponds were rectangular in shape, each with surface area of 44 m² and the average depth of water was 1 meter. The water was supplied into the ponds from the deep tube-well. The ponds were without inlet and outlet. Pond preparation: Aquatic vegetations were removed by manual methods after repairing the ponds dykes. Predatory and other unwanted species were removed by using cast and seine nets. The ponds were limed @ 250 kg/ha. Experimental design and fertilization: The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design to select the ponds without bias to any pond over the whole study area for getting better results, with three treatments namely, GM [Goat manure + Urea: 3000 + 50 kg/ha], SM [Sheep manure + Urea: 3000 + 50 kg/ha] and C (control) were run in duplicates. Goat manure and Sheep manure were applied into the ponds as slurry and urea was spread over the ponds. All the ponds were fertilized at every 15 days intervals. Sample collection and preservation: Benthic Samples were collected around 10 am from the ponds on each sampling day. The samples were collected from each pond randomly by using a plastic Ger which was of 0.0915 m in diameter (Area = 0.00656 m2) and then it was be washed out by sieves and kept in 10% formalin containing vials. The preserved organisms were then washed clearly and identified into major taxonomic groups and kept in the vials containing 10% formalin separately. Identification and Counting of benthic fauna: The benthic organisms were identified into major taxonomic groups under a dissecting Microscope. A binocular microscope (NOVA 950 ES-NOVA MICRIOSCOPE INC. P.O. BOX-8020, 2295, YALE, San Av. U.S.A. with a magnification PL 4/0.1, 160/0.1) were used to identify the specimens. Then the benthic organisms were identified and counted according to different taxonomic groups. Identification was done. Calculation of benthic fauna: The plastic Ger used to collect benthos was of 9.15 cm (0.0915 m) in diameter. Therefore, its radius, r = 0.0915/2 = 0.0457 m It’s Area = π r² = 3.142 x (0.0457)2 = 3.142 x 0.002088 = 0.00656 m² Here, Factor = 1 / 0.00656 = 152.44 Total number of benthos per m² = Factor x Number benthos in bottle. Physico-chemical parameters of water: The physicochemical parameters of water such as temperature, transparency, pH and Dissolved Oxygen (DO) were recorded monthly intervals by Centigrade Thermometer, Secchidisc, pH meter and DO meter (YSI Model 58, USA) respectively throughout the experimental period at 10 am. The depth of water was measured by a meter scale. Statistical analysis: Finally, the collected data on the abundance of different groups of benthic organisms were statistically analyzed and then significant differences were tested by DMRT.

Source of Information: J. Agrofor. Environ. 3 (1): 25-28, 2009; ISSN 1995-6983

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

The benthic organisms showed maximum abundance in the treatment GM [Goat manure + Urea: 3000 + 50 kg/ha], SM [Sheep manure + Urea: 3000 + 50 kg/ha] during the whole study period. The fluctuations in abundance of benthic fauna were found to be more or less related with the pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen and transparency. The ponds fertilized with Goat manure plus urea was found as more suitable in response to higher abundance of different groups of benthic fauna. This might be due to the favorable condition of physicochemical parameters of water and positive effects of Goat manure.

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