Integrated Agriculture Aquaculture Systems Research Articles

Effects of Protein Level on the Production and Growth Performance of Juvenile Chinese Mitten Crab (Eriocheir sinensis) and Environmental Parameters in Paddy Fields

Rice–crab co-culture systems represent integrated agriculture–aquaculture systems developed in China over the last 30 years. The rice–crab co-culture area comprised approximately 1.386 × 105 hm2 in 2019. However, there is no specific feed designed for Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) cultured in this system until now. In this study, we investigated feed formulae for the nutritional requirements of Chinese mitten crab in this mode. The control group was not fed with any artificial feed (Co), and the experimental groups were fed with three different feeds of 15% (T15), 30% (T30), or 45% (T45) protein content, respectively. Growth performance variations in E. sinensis were investigated along with water quality, phytoplankton, zooplankton, aquatic vascular plants, and benthic animals in the paddy fields to determine the effect of crabs and their diet on the paddy ecosystem. Dietary protein levels had no significant effect on water quality. The biomass and species of phytoplankton, zooplankton, aquatic vascular plants, and zoobenthos in the paddy field were affected by crabs and their diet. Morphological parameters of crabs were significantly more pronounced in the high-protein group than in the other groups. However, the T45 diet negatively affected production by increasing feed costs, causing precocious puberty and inducing water eutrophication. In conclusion, adding a 15% protein compound feed can meet the nutritional needs of crabs, reduce culture costs, and improve water quality. The discharged water had low ammonia nitrogen and nitrite content and no eutrophication occurred, so the water could be recycled. These findings provide a scientific reference for supporting rice and fish co-cultivation.

Integrated agriculture aquaculture systems (IAAS)

This datasheet on Integrated agriculture aquaculture systems (IAAS) covers Identity, Description, Further Information.

Efficiency of Different Integrated Agriculture Aquaculture Systems in the Red River Delta of Vietnam

Integrated Agriculture Aquaculture (IAA) is characteristic with diversity of small-scale production systems in the Red River Delta, Vietnam where most integrated aquaculture systems are closely associated to the VAC model, an ecosystem production that three components: garden (V), pond (A) and livestock pen (C) are integrated. These VAC systems effectively use all the available land, air, water and solar energy resources, and also effectively recycle by-products and waste for providing diversified agricultural products to meet the complex nutritional demands of rural communities. The IAA systems are dynamic, diverse and subject to economic and environmental changes. By investigating 167 aquaculture households, the traditional VAC, New VAC, Animal Fish (AF) and Commercial Fish (FS) systems are identified as four existing IAA systems. This paper presents the main characteristics and economic efficiency of these IAA systems. The study’s results indicate clear evidence that the traditional VAC system and New VAC system are the most efficient and effective models. The findings of this study have shed light on the important role of integrated aquaculture systems to food security and economic development of households and local communities. The VAC systems are likely to propose for improving household food security and developing the local economy.

New Freshwater Aquaculture Systems in the Red River Delta of Vietnam: Evolution of a Key Role in Food Systems and Rural Development

Freshwater aquaculture production systems are closely related to Integrated Agriculture Aquaculture systems. The systems are traditionally integrated with crop production, horticulture, and livestock husbandry. Improved aquaculture systems are currently able to not only improve the nutrients of local farmers' diets and economic conditions, but are also able to create employment opportunities and lead to better resource‐utilization and rural development. This paper aims to present the changes in food systems affected by the rapidly developing freshwater aquaculture in northern Vietnam. It will shed light on how the aquaculture system plays various roles in supporting agrarian livelihoods, their relationships to well‐being, and food security using a clear example of small‐scale aquaculture in a province of the Red River Delta. The challenges and opportunities presented to small‐scale producers and culture systems are assessed, and the likely future of small‐scale freshwater production systems is discussed and forecast.Combining historical, adaptive, and systematic approaches, the study revealed the features and characteristics of inland aquaculture systems at the household level over a decade of the evolutionary process (1997–2015). By investigating 151 aquaculture households in two representative districts of the region, the three existing systems are identified: VAC system (23%) (whereby V=vuon‐gardens (horticulture), A=Ao‐ponds (aquaculture) and C=Chuong‐animal sheds/pens (livestock husbandry)); aquaculture/livestock (AF) system (43%); and the commercially intensive fish culture (FS) system (34%). Beyond the positive benefits to the food system and rural development, potential considerably exists for further aquaculture integration within VAC systems in the region, which will contribute to poverty reduction and improvement of the livelihoods of small‐scale rural farmers.

Efficiency of Different Integrated Agriculture Aquaculture Systems in the Red River Delta of Vietnam

Freshwater aquaculture production systems are closely related to Integrated Agriculture Aquaculture systems (IAA). Four systems were identified from freshwater aquaculture farming in the Red River Delta of Vietnam. There was prevalently VAC system existence both inside and outside the residential area. The system was defined as farming diversifications and nutrient linkages among V (orchard), A (pond) and C (animal) components relying on the on-farm resources and off-farm integrations and linkages with other human activities. The development of the freshwater aquaculture systems was very diverse and dynamic. The paper presented the economic efficiency and effectiveness on four freshwater fish production systems. Clear evidence was found to provide evidence that the traditional VAC system was sustainable food supply model for the developing countries. Farms operated the VAC systems could easily diversify their farming activities, foods, foodstuffs, redundant employment, and income. Especially, income diversification was a practical strategy for rural farms to reduce the vulnerability on their agricultural practices both on production and market risks. The advantages were likely to ensure that VAC systems would still be more and more important role in northern Vietnam for food security and rural development under the context of agricultural land loss by transforming progressively into urbanisation and industrialisation.

Environmental comparison of intensive and integrated agriculture–aquaculture systems for striped catfish production in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam, based on two existing case studies using life cycle assessment

AbstractVietnam is the largest producer for the export of striped catfish. Traditionally striped catfish production in the Mekong Delta took place in integrated agriculture–aquaculture systems, but has shifted recently to intensive systems to meet increasing export demands. A recent study quantified the environmental impact of intensive striped catfish production in Vietnam. Another did the same for integrated systems. Both studies used life cycle assessment, covered similar environmental impact categories, and were roughly matched in the production stages included. However, an environmental comparison of both systems has not been made so far. The objective of this paper is to make a comparative life cycle assessment of striped catfish production in intensive and integrated systems. The comparison was based on existing life cycle assessments on these systems, but their methodological choices and data had to be aligned. The results show that striped catfish production in intensive systems contributes considerably more to seven of the nine assessed impact categories (global warming, ozone depletion, acidification, eutrophication, photochemical oxidation, human toxicity, freshwater ecotoxicity, marine aquatic ecotoxicity, fossil depletion). Only contributions to eutrophication and freshwater ecotoxicity were higher for the integrated systems than for the intensive systems. In both systems, grow‐out fish farming contributes most to eutrophication and freshwater ecotoxicity, whereas feed production contributes most to all other impact categories. The environmental performance of integrated striped catfish production is convincingly better in most impact categories. This raises questions about whether (elements of) these systems can be used to mitigate the environmental impact of intensive striped catfish production.

Life cycle assessment of food production in integrated agriculture–aquaculture systems of the Mekong Delta

This study evaluated the environmental impact of integrated agriculture–aquaculture (IAA) farming systems in the Mekong Delta that differ in types of aquaculture intensification. Daily inputs and outputs for rice, fruits, vegetables, pigs, poultry, and fish were collected on 11 farms over a period of two years: three farms in a rice-based and high input fish system (R-HF); four in a rice-based and medium input fish system (R-MF); and four in an orchard-based and low input fish system (O-LF). For each farm, a detailed cradle-to-farm-gate life cycle assessment was performed. Kcal as functional unit (FU) enabled a comparison of the integral environmental impact among farming systems, and identification of major processes influencing the outcome of an impact category. kg product as FU enabled evaluation of impacts for the individual products of IAA farms. The environmental impact was also quantified for each farm as a whole to identify which farm components explained the majority of the environmental impact in absolute terms. Land use per kcal farm product did not differ among the three farming systems. Global warming potential (GWP), energy use and eutrophication potential (EP) per kcal farm product tended to be higher, whereas acidification potential (AP) was higher, in O-LF than in R-HF and R-MF, mainly due to the low calorie content of the two main products, fruits and vegetables, and the small fish yield in O-LF. One kg of fish produced in O-LF farms showed 28% higher land use, 35% higher energy use, 54% higher GWP, 45% higher EP, and 52% higher AP than the average kg of fish produced in the other two systems, due to the pond management system and small fish yield in O-LF. For each impact category, the impact per kg pig and poultry protein were on average 1.6–1.8 times higher than the impacts per kg fish protein. Overall, rice and pigs were the main contributors to the environmental impact of food production in the MD. Excessive and inefficient use of fertilizers, and CH 4 emission from the paddy fields contributed most to the environmental impact in rice production, whereas the use of external feeds contributed most to the impact in pigs.

Impact of intensification of different types of livestock production in smallholder crop-livestock systems

Intensification of livestock production is widely advocated to meet the increasing demands for livestock products and to contribute to improving the livelihoods of rural households. This paper discusses the impact of livestock intensification on smallholder farms using village poultry, integrated agriculture–aquaculture systems, small ruminants, and dairying case-studies. Driving forces for intensification in crop-livestock systems act at international, national, regional, and agro-eco system levels. Whether or not individual households respond to these drivers depends on the availability of household resources, the family situation, and livelihood alternatives. As livestock systems intensify, the relative importance of the various functions of livestock changes. The case-studies confirmed that, in terms of ‘returns’, there is a livestock ladder with the smallest benefits accruing from village poultry and the largest benefits provided by dairy cattle. Small animals are an appreciated secondary activity, or an essential source of security and small income for the very poor. The potential of intensification of small animal systems to substantially increase incomes of rural households appears to be low. Nevertheless, small animals are more suitable for micro-credit and livestock loans-in-kind programmes than large ruminants. Innovations in livestock production will only be adopted by smallholders if they fit farming household priorities and resources.

Input management in integrated agriculture–aquaculture systems in Yucatan: Tree spinach leaves as a dietary supplement in tilapia culture

Integrated agricultural–aquaculture (IAA) systems involving tilapia culture have been promoted in Yucatan State, Mexico, as a way of producing fish protein and providing additional economic returns in poor rural areas. System productivity is sub-optimal due to lack of management skills, balanced feed (30% protein-content tilapia feed) shortages and deficient technical assistance. To overcome resource limitations, producers complement balanced feed with the leaves of tree spinach ( Cnidoscolus chayamansa), a plant found in Yucatan, other parts of Mexico, Central and South America, Africa, Asia and Oceania. Based on experimental data, a bioeconomic analysis was made to determine (1) the combination of balanced feed and tree spinach leaves which minimizes production costs and (2) the combination which maximizes economic returns. In a limited-resource scenario, a combination of 50% balanced feed at manufacturer-recommended ration plus tree spinach ad libitum reduced feeding costs and increased producer economic returns by 37.9% vs. a complete balanced feed diet, 48.4% vs. a half-complete diet, and 98.3% vs. satiety rations. Use of tree spinach leaves in tilapia diets as a part of IAA systems in Yucatan greatly improved feed management efficiency and the results suggest that this feed input may be used for the same purpose in other regions where it is grown.

Water and nutrient budgets of ponds in integrated agriculture-aquaculture systems in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam

A participatory on-farm study analysed water and nutrient budgets of six low and four high water-exchange ponds of integrated agriculture-aquaculture (IAA) farms in the Mekong delta. Water, nitrogen (N), organic carbon (OC) and phosphorus (P) flows through the ponds were monitored, and data on fish production and nutrient accumulation in sediments were collected during a fish culture cycle. Results showed that, on average, only 5-6% of total N, OC or P inputs introduced into ponds were recovered in the harvested fish. About 29% N, 81% OC and 51% P accumulated in the sediments. The remaining fractions were lost through pond water discharges into adjacent canals. Fish yields and nutrient accumulation rates in the sediments increased with increasing food inputs applied to the pond at the cost of increased nutrient discharges. High water-exchange ponds received two to three times more on-farm nutrients (N, OC and P) while requiring nine times more water and discharging 10-14 times more nutrients than the low water-exchange ponds. Water and nutrient flows between the pond and the other IAA-farm components need to be considered when optimizing productivity and profitability from IAA systems.

Integrated Agriculture-Aquaculture Systems in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam: An Analysis of Recent Trends

In order to explain the trends in the development and farm attributes of Integrated Agriculture-Aquaculture (IAA) systems in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam, a participatory community appraisal and two surveys are carried out in three districts with contrasting fish culture input systems. The first survey, undertaken in December 2002, covers 90 households; the second, held December 2004, covers 80 households. The factors driving changes in the farming systems are the introduction of modern rice varieties, the policy of economic liberalization, market demand, and natural disasters. The principal components of IAA systems in the Mekong Delta which the study examines are the land use intensity, market access, farm diversity, farm inputs, and household income. The study finds that the hard-to-change farm characteristics are the land use intensities of rice, orchard and cash crops. In contrast, the easy-to-change farm characteristics are the number of farm components, the land use intensity of fish ponds, on-farm family labor, off-farm and non-farm income, and farm inputs. The main drivers of the changes over the two years are market demand and a poultry disease outbreak (Avian Influenza). Well-off farmers with good farming practices and enough capital tend to intensify their farming practices, while the poorer farmers tend towards diversification in order to safeguard their livelihood and avoid risks.

Bio-resource flow in integrated agriculture–aquaculture systems in a tropical monsoonal climate: a case study in Northeast Thailand

The degree of integration and intensification in integrated agriculture–aquaculture systems (IAAS) varies with the variation in the pattern of bio-resource flow among various enterprises. Bio-resource flow in IAAS in Northeast Thailand was studied across four different agroecologies, one irrigated and three rainfed (drought-prone, rainfed lowland and rolling land). Only the irrigated and one rainfed (drought-prone) agroecology had easy market accessibility. Patterns of bio-resource flow clearly varied between IAAS as most enterprises in the irrigated agroecology functioned independently with a low degree of integration based on bio-resource flow among the enterprises compared with a high degree of integration among enterprises in the rainfed agroecologies. However, market accessibility played a crucial role in intensification of IAAS regardless of agroecology. Households with integrated systems in irrigated and drought-prone agroecologies applied adequate chemical fertilisers to fruit and vegetables to realize high gross incomes from these enterprises. In contrast, households in rainfed lowland and rolling land agroecologies operated subsistence IAAS as they relied more on organic manure from on- or off-farm sources with corresponding low gross income. Fish culture in farm ponds was a low-input system in all agroecologies but resource-use efficiency based on assessment of total N in pond inputs and N removed in fish harvest appeared to be relatively high. A combination of resource base and market accessibility can be envisaged to play the key role in the development of viable IAAS in Northeast Thailand.

Assessment of the aquaculture subsystem in integrated agriculture-aquaculture systems in Northeast Thailand

A survey of integrated agriculture–aquaculture systems (IAAS) was carried out in four different agroecologies, an irrigated and three rainfed agroecologies (drought-prone, rainfed lowland and rolling land), in Northeast region of Thailand, of tropical wet:dry climate. Fish culture system of IAAS varied with agroecology but not with the length of farmers' experience in IAAS farming. The size of pond holdings in the rainfed lowland agroecology was estimated to be significantly smaller (P≤0.05) than in the three other agroecologies. The highest average extrapolated gross fish yield of 2.3 tonnes ha−1 was recorded in the irrigated agroecology and this was significantly higher (P≤0.01) than in the three rainfed agroecologies: drought-prone (1.1 tonnes ha−1), rainfed lowland (0.5 tonnes ha−1) and rolling land (0.4 tonnes ha−1). Higher fish yield in the irrigated agroecology was associated with longer stocking period and higher amount of pond inputs. Average income of IAAS households from fish also varied across agroecology in a fashion that was noted for yields. However, the farm pond played a pivotal role in the diversification of the farming system in rainfed agroecologies, as it was essentially the only source of water supply for fruit and vegetables production. While fish culture in all agroecologies was a low-input system, intensification through fertilization of ponds with chemical fertilizers can be envisaged to increase fish production in IAAS in Northeast Thailand.

Asian carp farming systems: towards a typology and increased resource use efficiency

Resource use efficiency in Asian carp farming systems is analysed based on a survey of 2493 farms of nine countries. Multivariate classification of farms by intensity and diversity identified six farm types: four types of specialized aquaculture farms at different levels of intensity, and two types of integrated agriculture–aquaculture systems. Pond-based, specialized semi-extensive systems (using mainly inorganic fertilizers and feeds of off-farm origin), and integrated semi-intensive systems (using feeds and fertilizer of both on and off-farm origin) are by far the most common types, accounting for 59% and 27% of all farms respectively. Specialized semi-extensive systems also show the highest protein and nutrient (N and P) use efficiencies, and among the highest labour use efficiency. Super-intensive cage farms are less efficient in nutrient and labour use, but provide very high returns to land and capital investment. On average, the aquaculture components of integrated agriculture– aquaculture systems are less nutrient, land, and labour efficient than specialized semi-extensive systems. Integrated semi-extensive systems (using organic fertilizers of on-farm origin) are particularly inefficient across all indicators. Hence in practice, gains in overall resource use efficiency through on-farm integration with agricultural production are constrained by the relative inefficiency of the aquaculture subsystems on integrated farms. Although such systems can likely be improved, integration as such is not a panacea to increasing resource use efficiency. Wide variation in resource use efficiency within all systems indicates potential for substantial efficiency gains through improved management regardless of the fundamental choice of system.

Integration of aquaculture into crop–animal systems in Asia

The status of integrated agriculture-aquaculture (IAA) in Asia is reviewed, with an emphasis on rural small-scale systems. Existing IAA systems within mixed farming systems are characterised and the economic and ecological role of aquaculture described. The importance of nutrient recycling of otherwise unused waste materials as an important element and a benefit of integration is emphasised. Approaches for new entrants to explore and plan integration on their farms are presented. In comparison to other enterprises, the pond offers relatively greater potential for integration on farms and for flows of nutrients to and from the new enterprise. Opportunities for integration are classified based on nutrient source and system. The role of IAA systems in rural livelihoods and the considerations for IAA under the specific conditions of nutrient-deficient smallholder farms are outlined. The present state of experience in dissemination, uptake and system evolution of IAA farms is reviewed as well as the achieved impacts in Asia, both on the poor and on commercial developments, based on examples from Bangladesh, China, India and Thailand. It is concluded that considerable potential exists for further aquaculture integration in Asia, with notable improvements in the livelihoods of rural small-scale farmers.