Vermicompost using WH substrate improves the productivity of tilapia fingerlings in Batu aquaculture ponds (Ethiopia)

Abstract

A study was conducted to investigate the effects of different pond fertilization and physicochemical parameters on the growth performance of Oreochromis niloticus under pond aquaculture. Twelve concrete partitioned fish ponds, each measuring six m2, were constructed and each pond was stocked with 18 Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings weighing seven grams, sourced randomly from the Batu Fish and Other Aquatic Life Research Center. The growth performance of Oreochromis niloticus was measured every 30 days for 90 days in water-filled ponds receiving Mixed Fertilizer (Triple superphosphate and Urea in 1:1 ratio), Triple Super Phosphate (TSP) alone, and Vermicompost (VC) as direct application fertilizer. The results showed that the highest fish production was obtained in ponds treated with VC (69.00±.78964 g) followed by MF (66.1917±.57309 g), TSP (63.144±.51088 g), and the lowest in control (CO) (51.00±.82446 g) ponds. The study concludes that different pond fertilizations affect the growth performance (SGR, DGR, FCR, and weight gain) of Oreochromis niloticus in various culture systems. The vermicompost has no effect on water quality in this study.