Xingzhu Feng

Author    Correspondence author
Rice Genomics and Genetics, 2025, Vol. 16, No.   
Received: 01 Jan., 1970    Accepted: 01 Jan., 1970    Published: 23 Oct., 2025

Rice-duck symbiosis is an ecological agricultural technology that combines traditional and modern farming by raising ducks in rice fields. In recent years, this model has attracted much attention due to its outstanding advantages in controlling pests, diseases and weeds, optimizing soil nutrient cycles, and improving farmland ecological service functions. This study systematically sorted out the historical evolution and modern value of rice-duck symbiosis, and analyzed the mechanism of improving rice field ecological service functions, including ducks eating rice field pests and weeds to reduce pesticide application, duck manure as organic fertilizer to optimize soil nutrients, and indirect improvement of rice yield and quality. At the same time, through practical cases such as Xingqing Family Farm in Deqing County, the effectiveness of rice-duck symbiosis in reducing fertilizer and pesticide input, reducing environmental pollution and increasing the added value of agricultural products was evaluated. On this basis, the current promotion of rice-duck symbiosis faced problems such as high labor input, insufficient mechanization, and limited market recognition, and countermeasures and suggestions such as strengthening technology research and development and policy support, improving the standard system and brand building were proposed. The rice-duck symbiosis system helps to achieve synergistic effects between food production and ecological protection. This study hopes to promote the green and sustainable development of agriculture and the continuous improvement of the service functions of rice field ecosystems.