Deshan Huang , Yuandong Hong , Qifu Zhang

Hier Rice Research Center, Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resources, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China
Author    Correspondence author
Field Crop, 2025, Vol. 8, No. 5   
Received: 07 Aug., 2025    Accepted: 18 Sep., 2025    Published: 09 Oct., 2025

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Integrated rice-fish farming has emerged as a sustainable alternative to conventional rice cultivation, addressing environmental degradation caused by excessive chemical inputs. This study investigates the eco-environmental benefits of integrated rice-fish systems, with a focus on reducing fertilizer and pesticide use. By examining mechanisms such as nutrient recycling through fish activity, reduced reliance on synthetic fertilizers, and improved soil conditions, we demonstrate how these systems contribute to more efficient nutrient management. Additionally, the study explores the role of fish in natural pest and weed control, thereby lowering pesticide and herbicide dependence while enhancing overall agroecosystem biodiversity. Broader ecological benefits, including water quality improvement, carbon sequestration, and habitat conservation, are also evaluated. A case study from the Mekong Delta, Vietnam, illustrates the real-world impacts and adoption process of this farming practice. Despite notable environmental advantages, challenges such as technical barriers and limited policy support remain. This research underscores the potential of integrated rice-fish systems in advancing sustainable agriculture and recommends strategic interventions for wider implementation and policy integration.

Integrated rice-fish farming; Fertilizer reduction; Pesticide reduction; Eco-environmental benefits; Sustainable agriculture