ARTICLE 62 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE June 2023 The use of soil probiotics in aquaculture can lead to improved production efficiency, reduced disease and mortality rates, and a more sustainable approach to aquaculture. However, it is important for farmers to carefully evaluate the available probiotic products and choose those that have been scientifically tested and shown to be effective for their specific needs. Digging Deeper: EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF SOIL PROBIOTICS IN AQUACULTURE Dr. Amit Ranjan Assistant Professor, Department of Fish Nutrition & Feed Technology, TNJFU-Institute of Fisheries Post Graduate Studies Soil probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that live in the soil and play important roles in nutrient cycling and disease suppression. These microorganisms can also have positive effects on aquatic organisms when added in culture systems. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the use of soil probiotics in aquaculture as a natural and sustainable way to improve water quality, enhance the health of aquatic organisms, and increase productivity. The build-up of waste compounds in aquaculture ponds can create an environment that encourages the growth of harmful microorganisms and adversely affects the performance of farmed species. To ensure high production and a healthy crop, effective pond management is crucial. Understanding the various interactions within ponds is of great importance, as they are complex and depend on factors such as the pond environment, stocked biomass, nutrient input, and management practices. Organic waste accumulation and degradation in the pond leads to increased consumption of oxygen (O2) and production of waste compounds like ammonia (NH3), nitrites (NO2-), and hydrogen sulphide (H 2S), resulting in a phytoplankton bloom. This massive growth of phytoplankton can further deplete oxygen levels during the night and cause a crash in the bloom. All these factors contribute to water and soil contamination, creating favorable conditions for pathogen growth and affecting the condition of shrimp. Under such unfavorable conditions, shrimp face higher stress levels and increased susceptibility to diseases, ultimately resulting in poor growth or crop failure due to disease outbreaks. Hence, maintaining optimal pond conditions through efficient management practices is essential for successful aquaculture production. For many years, managing water quality has been recognized as a critical aspect of pond aquaculture, while pond bottom soil quality management has received relatively less attention. However, growing evidence indicates that the state of pond bottoms and the transfer of substances between soil and water play a vital role in determining water quality. In the aquaculture industry, the control of pathogens by beneficial bacteria (probiotics) through
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