Coculturing rice with aquatic animals promotes ecological intensification of paddy ecosystem: a review

Abstract Species coculture can increase agro-biodiversity and therefore constitutes an ecological intensification measure for agriculture. Rice-aquatic animal coculture, one type of species has been practiced researched widely. Here, we review recent studies present results a quantitative analysis literature on rice–aquatic systems. We address three questions: (i) rice yield soil fertility be maintained or increased with less chemical input through rice-aquatic coculture? (ii) how do aquatic animals benefit the paddy ecosystem? (iii) implemented intensification? Meta-analysis based published papers showed that cocultures yield, organic carbon, total nitrogen decreased insect pests weeds compared to monocultures. Studies also reduced pesticide fertilizer application Rice plants provide beneficial environment animals, leading high activities in field. Aquatic turn, help remove act as engineers affect conditions, which favor growth plants. promote nutrient cycling complementary use nutrients between enhances nutrient-use efficiency coculture. To generate outcomes, develop compatible partnerships culturing strategies systems are key points. Investigating traits varieties could best match create productive sustainable future focuses.