The sustainability of rice?crayfish coculture systems: a mini review of evidence from Jianghan plain in China

BACKGROUND Rice-crayfish coculture (RC) uses 10% of the paddy field area for crayfish ditches, with rice cultivated in remaining area, providing staple carbohydrates alongside fish rich protein and essential oils. These systems rely on complex interactions, involving nutrient cycling, feeding, soil physicochemical modification, insect-pest predation, have important socio-economic effects. Past studies considered only one or a few these aspects pertinent to food system sustainability, there remains need an integrated assessment RC systems. In this mini-review, we collate data from two experiments three surveys published across eight papers synthesize overall sustainability Jianghan Plain China. RESULTS deep groundwater fields, yield was 30–55% lower than typical rice-rapeseed (RR) rotations, while CH4 emission pesticide use were 41–96% 50% lower, respectively. shallow similar monoculture (RM) cultivation, 28–41% 17% cultivation. Field survey indicated that can improve organic matter content significantly compared RM also increase diversity fauna flora whilst reducing incidence chilo suppressalis (a major pest). Feed inputs increased by 31–71% reduced fraction N lost environment 71% 41%. CONCLUSION We conclude feed areas deliver improved security, resilience through ecological intensification. © 2020 Society Chemical Industry