Analysis of the Suitability of Land for Vannamei Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) Cultivation in Mootilango Village, Duhiadaa District, Pohuwato Regency, Indonesia

Abstract

Background: Vannamei shrimp aquaculture in Indonesia has significant economic potential but requires careful land suitability analysis and environmental management to ensure sustainable production and minimize ecological risks. Aims: To analyze the land suitability level for vannamei shrimp cultivation (Litopenaeus vannamei) in Mootilango Village, Duhiadaa District, Pohuwato Regency, Indonesia, based on water and soil quality parameters. Study Design: This study employed a survey and direct field observation design. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in shrimp pond areas of Mootilango Village, Duhiadaa District, Pohuwato Regency, Indonesia, from December 2025 to February 2026. Methodology: Water and pond soil quality observations were carried out at four sampling stations. Parameters measured included temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), salinity, nitrite, nitrate, ammonia, phosphate, brightness, total dissolved solids (TDS), soil pH, and sediment substrate. Data were analyzed using a scoring method based on land suitability classifications consisting of highly suitable (S1), suitable (S2), conditionally suitable (S3), and unsuitable (N). Each parameter was assigned a score according to established suitability criteria for vannamei shrimp aquaculture. Results: The results showed that water and soil quality conditions were generally still supportive of vannamei shrimp cultivation. Station 1 obtained a total suitability score of 160 and Station 2 obtained 156, both categorized as highly suitable (S1). Meanwhile, Station 3 obtained a score of 152 and Station 4 obtained 144, categorized as suitable (S2). Water temperature ranged from 31.4–34.8°C, pH ranged from 8.2–8.7, salinity ranged from 25–26 ppt, and dissolved oxygen ranged from 4.7–12.1 mg/L. Nitrite concentrations ranged from 0.044–0.058 mg/L, nitrate from 0.063–0.083 mg/L, and ammonia from 0.102–0.18 mg/L. The main limiting factors identified were low dissolved oxygen values at certain stations, acidic soil pH conditions, and uncontrolled water quality management and fertilizer application. Conclusion: The pond areas in Mootilango Village are generally feasible for the development of vannamei shrimp aquaculture, with most stations classified as highly suitable and suitable categories. However, environmental management improvements, particularly in water quality control, soil condition management, and fertilizer use, are necessary to support sustainable shrimp farming development.