HOW YOUR TYPES OF SOIL CAN AFFECT YOUR SNAILS
HOW YOUR TYPE OF SOIL CAN AFFECT YOUR SNAIL.
Soil is a major part of a snail's habitat. Soil composition,
water content and texture are important factors to consider in site selection.
The snail's shell is made up mainly of calcium derived from the soil and from
feed. Snails derive most of their water requirements from the soil. Snails dig
in the soil to lay their eggs and to rest during the dry season. For all these
reasons it is essential that the soil is loose and that its calcium and water
content is high. Heavy, clayey soil that becomes waterlogged in the rainy
season and compacts during the dry season is undesirable. Very sandy soil is
undesirable as well because of its low water-holding capacity. Acidic soils
should be avoided because acidity would interfere with the development of the
snail’s shell. Soils that are too acidic might be neutralized with lime to
about pH 7. Soils with high organic matter support the growth and development
of snails. In general, if a soil supports good growth of coco-yam, tomatoes and
leafy vegetables, it is suitable for snail farming. Before introducing snails
to the site, the soil should be loosened by tilling. Snails need damp, not wet,
environments. Although snails need moisture, you must drain wet or waterlogged
soil. Similarly, rainwater must run off promptly. Snails breathe air and may
drown in overly wet surroundings.
A soil moisture content of 80% of field
capacity is favorable. In the hours of darkness, air humidity over 80% will
promote good snail activity and growth. Most snail activity, including feeding,
occurs at night, with peak activity taking place 2 to 3 hours after the onset
of darkness. The cooler temperature stimulates activity, and the night-time dew
helps the snail move easily. Snails like to hide in sheltered places during
most of the day. Nigeria, shredded semi-dry banana leaves are put in the snail
pens for the snails to hide under during daytime. To maintain adequate humidity
and moisture levels in drier locations, misting sprayers can be used (like those
used for plant propagation) if technically and economically feasible. Snail
shells are 97-98% calcium carbonate, therefore calcium must be available to
them, either from the soil or from an external source (ground limestone, egg
shells and so on. Organic matter in the soil is as important as carbonates.
Soils that are rich in exchangeable calcium and magnesium stimulate growth
best. Calcium may also be set out in a feeding dish or trough so the snails can
eat it at will. Snails dig in soil and ingest it. Good soil favors snail
growth and provides some of their nutrition. Lack of access to good soil may
result in fragile shells even if the snails have well-balanced feed; the
snails’ growth may lag far behind the growth of other snails on good soil. Snails
often eat feed, then eat dirt. Sometimes, they eat only one or the other.
Eventually the soil in the snail pens will become fouled with mucus and
droppings. Chemical changes may also occur. The soil must, therefore, be
changed once every three months.
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