Rice-fish rotation is an agricultural practice that combines rice cultivation in paddy fields with fish farming, typically for one season. This system can be implemented in two main ways, depending on the cropping schedule: either rice is grown first in the first half of the year, followed by fish farming in the second half, or fish are raised first in the first half, and rice is planted later. To extend the fish farming period, some farmers grow both rice and fish together as a first crop and then store the rice after harvesting. Both single-season and double-season rice fields can support this integrated system.
Single-season rice fields, such as upland, irrigated, or low-lying paddies, generally produce only one rice harvest per year. In contrast, double-season rice fields, which allow for two rice crops annually, often provide better conditions for fish growth due to warmer water temperatures and richer nutrients. As a result, fish yields in these systems can approach those of traditional fish ponds, making the overall economic return more favorable.
1. **Field Selection and Preparation**: During fish farming periods, rice is not cultivated in the paddy. Therefore, any existing fish ponds within the field must be cleaned and disinfected according to standard fish pond protocols. The field ridges should be reinforced, with a height of at least 70 cm. If possible, they should be over 1 meter high and at least 33 cm wide to prevent water loss and ensure proper water management.
2. **Stocking Fish**: Paddy fields can be used to raise adult fish, fingerlings, or even for breeding carp. Farmers may choose to raise one species alone or combine different species in a polyculture system.
3. **Stocking Time**: When rice is planted in the first half of the year and fish are raised in the second, stocking usually occurs during the first week after transplanting. For systems where fish are raised first and rice follows, it's best to stock early and use larger fish sizes to maximize growth potential.
4. **Species Selection and Stocking Density**: While single-species farming is common, polyculture can increase productivity. Typically, 1–2 fish species are raised together, with fish accounting for about 60% of the total stock. Polyculture can also involve the same species at different sizes, such as growing small fish and later raising them into larger ones. Stocking densities vary: for example, 10,000–15,000 fry (3–4 cm) per acre, or 5,000–7,000 larger fish, with some systems aiming for 7,000–8,000 large fish per acre. For grow-out systems, 500–1,000 large fish are stocked, producing 100–200 kg per acre.
5. **Feeding and Management**: With higher stocking densities, natural food sources may not be sufficient, so supplemental feeding and fertilization are necessary. Fertilizers should be applied in small amounts frequently rather than all at once, especially since paddy water is shallow. Regular monitoring of the field is essential, along with timely water changes and flood prevention measures. After the early rice harvest, the water level is increased to continue fish rearing without replanting rice.
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