ECO-TOURISM: SHUNDE ECOLOGICAL PARK

Dike-pond farming

Implications

In recent years, the dike-pond system has undergone further changes to maximize the nutrient energy flow and take advantage of the three-dimensional characteristics of the three ecosystems (Land-based, amphibious and fresh water). Instead of monoculture, over three types of crops, usually fruit, flowers, and vegetables, are grown on the dike, in addition to raising poultry. While in the fish ponds, three vertical layers of fish are raised. Feces from poultry raised the organic content of soil in the dike and increased the source of food for the fish. Such a combination maximizes productivity because it makes the best use of the interaction of sunlight, temperature, water and soil by fitting into the niches of the three-dimensional ecosystems. This raises the technology and management of the dike-pond system to a much higher level, enabling it to compete in a market-oriented agricultural environment. The success of the integrated dike-pond system in the delta relies on the proper use of the following agricultural technologies: 1) dike building, 2) land reclamation, 3) pond fish culture, and 4) crop cultivation on dikes. Finally successful agricultural development in China reflects a delicate balance between land use and conservation owing to the immense size of China's population.