The west coast of South Sulawesi, Indonesia has been extensively developed in recent years to meet global shrimp demand. Pond conversion of rice fields and mangroves is often rapid and unplanned with no consideration given to soil quality, water source, vegetation, topography, accessibility, and pond distribution. Consequently, many have proven unsuccessful, and are thus abandoned. Site suitability is the most important factor for sustainable shrimp production. This study focuses on the physico-chemical soil characteristics affecting aggregate stability, providing recommendations for the establishment of site suitability criteria for new intensive shrimp operations in Maros, South Sulawesi, Indonesia.
Results provide an indicator of soil stability and for their suitability to shrimp production.
In general, most ponds were ideal for shrimp farming based on structure. The sodic and saline-sodic rice field and mangrove soils, however, were mostly unstable and not suited for conversion. The chemical and physical properties of soils, therefore, have implications for management of existing farms and construction of new ponds.