Source: Campbell, Robert. 1996. Integrated farming: southern Chinese style. The Permaculture Edge. 15:4-8.

For centuries, the southern Chinese have used a permaculture system, known as the dike-pond system, which is virtually unparalleled in productivity or sustainability. It is based on nutrient recycling and resource management, centered on aquaculture (cultivating fish in outdoor pools surrounded by raised dikes). There are two keys to the success of the system: (1) diversity, which maximizes genetic resources and enriches the human diet, and (2) efficient nutrient management, which results in tremendous food returns on a relatively small input of work. The author, Robert Campbell, cites returns of up to 15 metric tons of fish per hectare per year, without plant crops or other livestock included. The process is very comprehensive. First, farm animals are raised for meat, milk, and eggs. Waste products are collected into special structures to harvest methane (which can be used for fuel in lieu of trees, dung, and fossil oils). Once fermentation has subsided, the leftover sludge is pumped into small holding pools to be consumed by algae, which are then either used as a nutritionally rich feed for the fish ponds or for other animals. The fish ponds contain six species of carp (in addition to occasional freshwater shrimp and mussels) and are amazingly productive under these conditions. The water is rich enough to support floating, hydroponic gardens on the surface, which may cover as much as half the surface area of the pond. Vegetables grown under these conditions require no fertilization or weeding, and provide a substantial addition to the diet. The dikes between these ponds also benefit from the rich source of nutrients as they are often covered with sludge removed annually from the ponds and watered with the pond water. Tree crops, vegetables, mushrooms, and small fruits as well as the fodder for the livestock can be grown on the dikes, completing the nutrient cycle of the farm. The farming method is both intensive and diverse, supporting rich agricultural ecosystems and providing protein, starch, fats, vitamins, and minerals in abundance. Coupling food value with the high productivity of the system with its nearly total independence from imported commercial chemicals makes it a model sustainable farm design. While the author admits the exact species used may need to vary from one place to another and that the system depends heavily on water, the concept is applicable to many regions of the earth that are in need of improved and efficient production methods. Clearly, the world should take a look at this ancient and unfailing agriculture from China.

Abstract Author: Stefan Lura, 12 December 1997.

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