THE EFFECT OF WATER QUALITY AND NUTRIENT ACCUMULATION ON RICE GROWTH IN INTEGRATED AQUACULTURE-AGRICULTURE

Abstract

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of Water Quality on rice growth performance in an integrated
aquaculture-agriculture surrounded by a trench which serves as culture for fish. Oryza sativa (FARO 49) was
planted in nursery bed and transplanting was done after 15 days at a spacing of 10cm by 10cm. Rice growths were
accessed by measuring morphometric variables: plant height and leaves as well as reproductive stage: yield
throughout productive period. Pond water quality and sediment nutrient accumulation were monitored. Rice plant
height measured after sixteen weeks was 146.98±11.65cm and yield recorded was 2666.7kg/ha. Water quality
parameters such as pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, NO3-N, NO2-N and NH3were within recommended range;
showed a significant difference through improved physical-chemical parameters and revealed NO3-N, NO2-N and
NH3 are strongly correlated positively and significant to rice growth. There was significant different (p> 0.05)
during production between rice plant and nitrogen content present in soil. Sediment accumulated showed high
nutrient received and manure with supplementary feed. The results showed that patterns of pond water and nutrient
flows were strongly influenced by fish farming activities. Hence, integrating fish pond with crop has strengthened
nutrient recycling which enhanced better farm outputs and safeguard the environment.