Guidelines for constructing and maintaining aquaculture ...

Alkaline soils
Alkaline soils can harm culture production by causing the pond water pH to increase. The desirable
range of soil as well as water pH for aquaculture is 6.5 to 8.5. pH. Greater than 9 is considered too
alkaline for most aquatic animals. Alkaline soils are usually found in the driest parts (central and
west) of the state, and are therefore generally not considered an issue in coastal areas where the
majority of aquaculture farms are located. However, alkaline soils may arise in coastal areas if lands
have been exposed to certain types of industrial contamination. These soils should be avoided as
they are likely to be also affected by other contaminants associated with industrial activity.
Acid sulfate soils
Acid sulfate soils in pond construction can harm culture production by causing pond water pH to
decrease. The desirable range of soil as well as water pH for aquaculture is 6.5 to 8.5. pH. Lower
than 6 is considered too acidic for most aquatic animals, and acid sulfate soil leachate is commonly
less than pH 4. Acid sulfate soils are usually found in low lying coastal areas, and are therefore
considered an important issue for the majority of aquaculture farms. The topic is dealt with in
Section 2.5
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