Performance evaluation of two different culture systems of Penaeus monodon namely modified extensive and semi-intensive farming in low saline water (>10 ppt saline soils) has been carried out in West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh during a winter crop season (August to November). Total production (t/ha/crop) was found to be three times higher in the semiintensive farm (4.2 ± 0.06) than the modified extensive farm (1.38 ± 0.02). However, growth rate of individual shrimps and final average body weight were more in the modified extensive farm. The average body weights at final harvest were 35 ± 1.62 g (105 days of culture) and 28 ± 2.18 g (112 days of culture) respectively for modified extensive and semi-intensive farms. Survival and FCR were similar in both the farming practices. Water quality parameters did not vary much among the two systems and were in conducive range throughout the culture period. However, certain environmental indices such as total organic matter content and total nitrogen levels of soil were higher in semi intensive farm indicating its potential impact on environment. Ammonia-nitrogen level in water also found to be higher in the semi-intensive farm.

shrimp, semi-intensive, modified extensive, organic matter, low saline soils