Evaluating Shrimp Shells as a Natural Soil Conditioner

Authors : Ayşe Yenen, Burak Onur Ünal, Çağrı Kınık, Yasemin Kavdır

Pages : 209-215

Doi:10.33202/comuagri.1697523

View : 82 | Download : 72

Publication Date : 2025-07-07

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Shrimp shell waste, a byproduct of the rapidly growing seafood industry, poses environmental challenges but also presents opportunities for innovative agricultural applications and research. This waste, generated from shrimp consumption, is typically disposed of through methods such as burning and burial. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential use of shrimp shells in agriculture and to assess the impact of powdered shrimp shells as a cost-effective alternative to the expensive material chitosan on specific soil physical properties. Shrimp shells were obtained from Kocaman Fishery in Bandırma. The shells were cleaned, dried, ground, and sieved through a 4 mm mesh to remove unground parts. The sieved soil was then mixed with the shrimp shells at weight ratios of 0%, 2%, 4%, and 6%. Following the incubation period, the water-holding capacity, porosity, bulk density, moisture content, field capacity, organic carbon, organic matter, pH, and electrical conductivity (EC) values of the samples were measured. In soils where shrimp shell powder was applied at varying rates, it was observed that the pH, electrical conductivity (EC), aggregate stability, organic carbon, organic matter, CaCO₃, water holding capacity, porosity, and field capacity values significantly increased with higher application doses. Consequently, shrimp shells can be ground into a powder and utilized as a soil organic conditioner at rates of 4% and 6%, while considering the pH and EC values of the soil.
Keywords : Karides kabuğu, toprak, toprak ıslahı, toprak organik maddesi, agregat

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