Amélioration de la production d'Artemia dans les salines tunisiennes par fertilisation minérale : comparaison entre deux types de fertilisants minéraux

Abstract

To increase the mass production in Tunisian salt works of the local species Artemia tunisiana, we began to optimize the use of Nitrogen and Phosphorus mineral fertilizers. The first phase, presented here, allowed to choose between two strategies proposed in scientific papers, using (i) di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) and urea, or (ii) potassium nitrate and triple superphosphate (TSP). The experiment was carried out with 3 replicates by treatment during 44 days. The effect of each fertilization was significant compared to controls, on the development of the microalgale biomass (p < 0,10), as well as on the production of cysts and adults of Artemia, which was increased by a factor 2. The first strategy using ammonia and urea as sources of nitrogen was selected, giving results of Artemia production slightly superior, with an economic cost more reduced on the basis of the price of fertilizers in the Tunisian territory.