Effect of fishpond input on pond mud nutrient levels in integrated crop-fish culture resource recycling

Abstract

The success of aquaculture among small holder farmers in Malawi, depends on the use of the available on-farm resources. Commercial fish feeds are currently not available. Fish ponds open possibility for recycling of waste products and nutrient when integrated with crop and/or animals on the farm. The inputs used for growing fish increase the nutrient content of water and sediments. Nutrient rich water can be used for irrigating crops, vegetables and fruits and pond sediments can be used as organic fertilizers.The objectives of the study were: (a) to investigate the effect of various on-farm fishpondinputs on tilapia (Tilapia rendalli and Oreochromis shiranus) growth, production andwater quality; (b) to investigate the effect of various fishpond inputs [napier grass, chickenmanure, and maize (corn) bran] on sediment nutrient [nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K)] build up; (c) to investigate the effect of pond mud (as organic fertilizer) on crop production.