Rice Genomics and Genetics 2025, Vol.16, No.3, 132-139 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/rgg 133 This study will evaluate the impacts of integrated rice-fish farming systems on rice yields, focusing on ecological benefits and economic returns. It will also explore best practices and strategies for optimizing the productivity and sustainability of these systems by studying various RFS models in different regions, including traditional rice-fish farming areas, as well as new areas where this approach is being introduced as a sustainable alternative to traditional agricultural methods, in order to promote a broader understanding of integrated farming systems and their role in achieving sustainable agricultural development. 2 Structure and Management Models of Rice-Fish Systems 2.1 Common integration models Rice-fish integrated farming systems (RFS) are diverse and can include various aquatic animals such as fish, shrimp, and crabs. These systems are designed to enhance productivity and sustainability by utilizing the ecological interactions between rice and aquatic species. For instance, the rice-fish-duck (RFD) system has been shown to improve weed control efficiency and increase productivity by utilizing ducks and fish as biological control agents for weeds and pests (Nayak et al., 2018; Nayak et al., 2020). Similarly, the rice-crayfish system has been noted for its impact on soil nutrients and carbon pools, although it may slightly reduce rice yields compared to monoculture systems (Wang et al., 2024). The integration of fish, such as yellow finless eel and loach, with rice has also been demonstrated to reduce pest abundance and improve economic returns (Wan et al., 2019). 2.2 Field design and water level regulation The design of rice fields in integrated systems is crucial for optimizing the interactions between rice and aquatic animals. Proper field configuration is necessary to ensure that both rice and fish can thrive without compromising each other's growth. This includes maintaining appropriate water levels that support fish survival while not adversely affecting rice growth. Studies have shown that maintaining water levels that support fish yields without reducing rice yields is essential for the success of intensive RFSs (Hu et al., 2016). Additionally, the presence of aquatic animals can enhance soil and water quality, contributing to the overall sustainability of the system (Nayak et al., 2018; Zhang et al., 2023). 2.3 Coordinated input, fertilization, and pest management Integrated rice-fish systems require coordinated management of inputs such as fertilizers and pest control measures. The presence of fish and other aquatic animals can reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides, as they contribute to nutrient cycling and pest control. For example, fish and ducks in the RFD system help in nutrient recycling and pest management, reducing the reliance on chemical inputs (Nayak et al., 2018; Ranjith et al., 2024). The use of organic and inorganic fertilizers in combination has been found to significantly improve rice yield and quality in co-culture systems (Li et al., 2022). Moreover, integrated systems like rice-fish and rice-duck have been shown to lower greenhouse gas emissions and improve soil fertility, further enhancing the ecological benefits of these systems (Zhang et al., 2023; Fu et al., 2024). 3 Effects on Rice Yield 3.1 Yield trends under rice-fish systems Rice-fish integrated farming systems have shown promising results in enhancing rice yield. Studies indicate that the co-culture of rice with aquatic species such as fish can significantly improve rice yield and quality. For instance, a meta-analysis revealed that rice yield increased by 7.77% in rice-animal co-culture systems compared to traditional monoculture systems (Liu et al., 2022). Similarly, the integration of fish and ducks in rice farming has been shown to enhance productivity and economic returns, with higher rice equivalent yields and improved agronomic characteristics (Nayak et al., 2020; Ranjith et al., 2024). These systems utilize the land and water resources more efficiently, leading to better growth and yield outcomes (Li et al., 2022). 3.2 Impact of aquatic species on weed and pest suppression The integration of aquatic species like fish and ducks in rice fields plays a crucial role in suppressing weeds and pests, which are significant challenges in rice cultivation. Fish and ducks act as biological control agents, reducing the abundance of herbivore insects and weeds. For example, fish in rice-fish systems have been shown to decrease
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