The Impact of Nutrient Concentration (N:P) and Manure Type on Fish Polyculture

Abstract

Nutrient availability is considered to have a major role in controlling primary productivity. Therefore, an important aspect of successful aquaculture management in fish culture systems is making available basic nutrients, for example, phosphorous (P), nitrogen (N), and carbon (C) in optimal concentrations. The use of fertilizers in relation to pond productivity has been studied in order to develop better fertilization procedures under given environmental conditions. Many researchers from across the world have suggested different N:P ratios for optimizing fish production. The primary aim of this study was to understand the influence of nutrient quality and quantity on fish and primary productivity in terms of optimizing fish production. Two objectives of this study include evaluating the performance of pig and cow manures in terms of primary productivity and fish production; and understanding the influence of different N concentrations ranging from 1-2 ppm on fish production while P was maintained at 0.5 ppm. It was evident from this research that fish species nutrient-sensitivity to nitrogen concentrations ranging from 1-2 ppm was significantly different. The 1 ppm N:0.5 ppm P concentration was found to be the most suitable nutrient ratio for pond fertilization as significantly higher fish production and lower mortality were recorded in this treatment. In terms of plankton and fish production, pig manure was found to be significantly more effective than cow manure. Higher nutrient (>1 ppm N) concentrations negatively impacted zoo-plankton and zoo benthos development. Daily manure application would considerably reduce the organic load in the fish culture system, enabling more efficient use of nutrients for primary and secondary production.     

The Nutrient Profile in Organic Fertilizers

Abstract

In order to manage nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) through organic fertilization in aquaculture ponds, it is important to understand the nutrient profile of different animal manures at various concentrations and the respective biological response. The rate of nutrient released from animal manure over time is a key factor in deciding the frequency and quantity of manure required to fertilize ponds. This study was conducted to elucidate the nutrient profile, and its efficiency in terms of primary productivity, of pig, cow, and buffalo manure, at different N:P concentrations in tank. Appropriate concentrations were maintained by using the minimum amount of inorganic fertilizer supplement. This paper also investigated the impact of lime-treated manure, a traditional practice in Vietnam, on primary production (phytoplankton abundance). The average nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) content was higher in pig manure (0.54% N and 0.173% P) compared to cow (0.31% N and 0.028% P) and buffalo (0.34% N and 0.013% P). The ammonia release rate increased with increase in N concentration. The average ammonia release rate (all concentrations, 1-2 ppm N) in the pig manure treatment was significantly higher than cow and buffalo manure treatments. Cow and buffalo manures were found to be similar in terms of ammonia release rate. However, soluble phosphorus level was significantly lower in buffalo manure treatments compared with cow manure. The pig manure treatment produced maximum soluble phosphorus levels in the tanks. The primary productivity obtained at various concentrations (1-2 ppm N:0.5 ppm P) did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) in cow and buffalo manure treatments. The primary productivity performance of pig manure was highest amongst the manure types tested. The 1 ppm N:0.5 ppm P concentration from pig manure yielded the maximum average (1.64 mg C/L) net primary productivity. Based on the primary productivity pattern in the tank, which had a significant correlation with nutrient release rate for all manures tested, the frequency of fertilizer application appeared to be most suitable every 8-10 days. However, increasing the frequency of manure application based on the level of nutrient available in the water will provide more control on nutrient and water quality management for pond aquaculture systems. This level of monitoring may not be practical for regional farmers.     

Evaluation of nitrogen cycling and fish production in seasonal ponds (‘Fingerponds’) in Lake Victoria wetlands,East Africa using a dynamic simulation model

A dynamic model was developed to simulate nitrogen (N) flows and fish production in seasonal wetland fish ponds (Fingerponds) based on organic manuring and natural food production. The model incorporates pond water depth, food availability, fish stocking densities, fish and fingerling weights at stocking, reproduction rate, manure type and application rates. The ponds were fertilized fortnightly with 1042 kg ha⁻¹ chicken manure. The model captured the dynamics of hydrology, nutrients and fish and demonstrated that similar fundamental processes underlie fish production in these systems. The model predicted annual fish yields of up to 2800 kg ha⁻¹. Simulated fish production, chlorophyll a and dissolved inorganic N concentrations were comparable with field measurements. Using the model, N budgets and estimates of all N flows were made. Most of the N input into the ponds (60–70%) accumulated in the bottom detritus of the pond and only 8–10% was converted into fish biomass, of which about half consisted of small fish. Fish production in Fingerponds was limited by turbidity induced light limitation and by nutrient limitation. Reduction of variability of fish production should come from reduced turbidity and sufficient nutrient input to minimize light limitation and maximize fish growth.     

不同施肥方法对鱼蚌综合养殖池塘浮游植物群落结构的影响

通过155 d围隔实验检验了不同施肥条件下鱼蚌综合养殖水体中的浮游植物群落结构。实验设3个处理:施鸭粪、施化肥、兼施鸭粪和化肥。放养种类为三角帆蚌、草鱼、鲫、鲢和鳙,放养量分别为每围隔20、15、5、5和5个。结果发现,围隔内浮游植物生物量平均值为(2.1~6.0)×108个/L。不同施肥方法对浮游植物种类组成和优势种、叶绿素a(Chl.a)、生物量以及蓝藻在浮游植物生物量中的比例无显著影响。浮游植物群落变化表现出较明显的季节性特点,影响围隔浮游植物群落的理化因子为TN、NH3-N和DO。研究表明,采用不同施肥方法的围隔内浮游植物群落结构未表现出显著差异,难以从浮游植物角度解释兼施鸭粪和化肥的围隔珍珠产量高于施鸭粪或施化肥的围隔的事实,也难以确定珍珠产量与浮游植物群落结构之间存在必然的联系。     

Optimization of fertilization rate for maximizing periphyton production on artificial substrates and the implications for periphyton-based aquaculture

The effects of four rates of application of fertilizer, with cow manure (3000 kg ha⁻¹), urea (100 (kg ha⁻¹) and triple super phosphate (TSP) (100 kg ha⁻¹) (treatment F)), treatment F × 0.5 (treatment 0.5F), treatment F × 1.5 (treatment 1.5F) and treatment F × 2 (treatment 2F), on periphyton, plankton and water quality in tropical freshwater ponds were studied. The highest periphyton biomass in terms of dry matter (3.27 mg cm⁻² substrate), ash-free dry matter (2.06 mg cm⁻² substrate) and chlorophyll a (7.49 µg cm⁻² substrate) developed in treatment 1.5F. The ash content of periphyton was lower in treatment 1.5F (38% of dry matter) than in other treatments (57–66% of dry matter). Total ammonia and chlorophyll a of water increased with fertilization rate. Treatment 1.5F (cow manure, urea and TSP at rates of 4500, 150 and 150 kg ha⁻¹ respectively) appears to be the optimum, yielding high quantity and quality periphyton. By supplying a substrate area for periphyton equivalent to the pond surface, it was estimated that this level of fertilization could support a fish production of around 5000 kg ha⁻¹ y⁻¹, without recourse to supplementary food.     

Food inputs, water quality and nutrient accumulation in integrated pond systems: A multivariate approach

A participatory on-farm study was conducted to explore the effects of food input patterns on water quality and sediment nutrient accumulation in ponds, and to identify different types of integrated pond systems. Ten integrated agriculture-aquaculture (IAA) farms, in which ponds associate with fruit orchards, livestock and rice fields were monitored in the Mekong delta of Vietnam. Pond mass balances for nitrogen (N), organic carbon (OC) and phosphorus (P) were determined, and pond water quality and sediment nutrient accumulation were monitored. Data were analyzed using multivariate canonical correlation analysis, cluster analysis and discriminant analysis. The main variability in pond water quality and sediment nutrients was related with food inputs and water exchange rates. Water exchange rate, agro-ecological factors, pond physical properties and human waste input were major variables used to classify ponds. Classification was into: (1) low water exchange rate ponds in the fruit-dominated area, (2) low water exchange rate ponds in the rice-dominated area receiving homemade feed, and (3) high water exchange rate ponds in the rice-dominated areas receiving wastes. Pond water exchange rate was human-controlled and a function of food input patterns, which were determined by livelihood strategies of IAA-households. In the rice-dominated area with deep ponds, higher livestock and human wastes were found together with high water exchange rates. In these ponds, large organic matter loads reduced dissolved oxygen and increased total phosphorus concentrations in the water and increased nutrient (N, OC and P) accumulation in the sediments. In the rice-dominated area with wide ponds, higher homemade feed amounts were added to the ponds with low water exchange rate. This resulted in high phytoplankton biomass and high primary productivity. The contrary occurred in the fruit-dominated area, where fish were grown in shallow and narrow ponds, receiving more plant residue which resulted in lower phytoplankton biomass and lower sediment nutrient accumulation.     

Water and nutrient budgets of ponds in integrated agriculture–aquaculture systems in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam

A participatory on-farm study analysed water and nutrient budgets of six low and four high water-exchange ponds of integrated agriculture–aquaculture (IAA) farms in the Mekong delta. Water, nitrogen (N), organic carbon (OC) and phosphorus (P) flows through the ponds were monitored, and data on fish production and nutrient accumulation in sediments were collected during a fish culture cycle. Results showed that, on average, only 5–6% of total N, OC or P inputs introduced into ponds were recovered in the harvested fish. About 29% N, 81% OC and 51% P accumulated in the sediments. The remaining fractions were lost through pond water discharges into adjacent canals. Fish yields and nutrient accumulation rates in the sediments increased with increasing food inputs applied to the pond at the cost of increased nutrient discharges. High water-exchange ponds received two to three times more on-farm nutrients (N, OC and P) while requiring nine times more water and discharging 10–14 times more nutrients than the low water-exchange ponds. Water and nutrient flows between the pond and the other IAA-farm components need to be considered when optimizing productivity and profitability from IAA systems.     

Liming and Fertilization of Brackishwater Shrimp Ponds

Agricultural limestone and burnt lime are applied either to the water during shrimp production or to pond bottoms between shrimp crops. However, unless the total alkalinity and total hardness of pond water is below 50 mg/L as equivalent CaC0₃ or the pond soils are acidic (pH < 7), liming is of little or no value. The use of burnt lime should be avoided because this material can cause high pH in water and soil. Chemical fertilizers or manures are used to fertilize brackishwater ponds. Fertilization programs for brackishwater ponds usually require more nitrogen (N) than those for freshwater ponds. Phosphorus (P) fertilization is important both in brackishwater and freshwater ponds. Because water is exchanged often in brackishwater ponds, fertilizer should be applied in small doses and at frequent intervals. Most managers of brackishwater ponds prefer a large proportion of diatoms in the phytoplankton community. An N:P application ratio of 20:l in ponds favors diatoms; in fiberglass tanks with water of low silica concentration, fertilization with silica encouraged an abundance of diatoms.     

Comparative evaluation of the fertilizer value of human urine, cow manure and their mix for the production of carp fingerlings in small holding tanks

Advanced fry of Indian carps and post-larvae of freshwater prawn were reared for 120?days in 18 small holding tanks using each treatment in triplicate as: (a) non-aerated and (b) aerated fresh human urine (0.01%), (c) cow manure (1.8?kg tank^?1), mixed treatment with cow manure and human urine under (d) iso-phosphorus and (e) iso-nitrogenous conditions and (f) control. Examination of water quality, primary productivity of phytoplankton, plankton and fish growth from different treatments revealed that the total fish yield was maximum in the cow manure treatment (621.5?g?tank^?1) followed by the mixed treatments under iso-nitrogenous (428?g?tank^?1) and iso-phosphorus (333?g?tank^?1) conditions. Fish yield in different treatments was the direct function of the gross and net primary productivity of phytoplankton which, in turn, were directly related to the concentrations of nitrate and phosphate levels of water as well as their ratios in different treatments employed.     

Effects of modified pond management on limnological parameters in small‐scale aquaculture ponds in mountainous Northern Vietnam

In mountainous Northern Vietnam, traditional pond aquaculture is part of the integrated farming activity contributing to food safety and to income generation for small‐scale farmers of ethnic minorities. Traditional pond management consists of a polyculture of macro‐herbivorous grass carp with 3–5 other fish species that are cultured in small ponds with constant water flow through. The main limitations to production are species‐specific mass mortalities of grass carp, a poor feed base especially for all species but grass carp, and poor water quality. In this study, we compared the traditional pond management to a semi‐intensive pond management that was based on the traditional management system but included changes designed by researchers to increase fish production. The modifications consisted of water inflow control, supplemental fertilization and feeding, and a polyculture dominated by common carp. The changes in management significantly reduced the turbidity and increased oxygen supply, as well as the natural food base within the pond. These changes in pond management provide farmers with the possibility to improve their pond aquaculture scheme and overcome previous limitations.     

Effect of fertilization frequency on pond productivity and fish biomass in still water ponds stocked with Cirrhinus mrigala (Ham.)

Four different fertilization frequencies, namely twice per week, once per week, twice a month and once a month, were used in ponds to assess their effects on nutrient release, pond productivity and fish biomass. All ponds received the same total fertilizer inputs during the experimental period of 60 days (cow dung 208.3 kg ha^?1 week^?1, TSP 9.8 kg ha^?1 week^?1, urea 6.0 kg ha^?1 week^?1). Studies have revealed that the highest values of fish biomass, specific growth rate (SGR), net primary productivity (NPP), plankton population and nutrients were observed in the ponds that were fertilized twice a month. A strong and significant correlation of fertilization frequency was observed with dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), alkalinity, nutrient release, NPP, plankton density (no. L^?1), fish biomass and SGR. The linear relationship between NPP and fish biomass/SGR for all the ponds was strong (r²= 0.88). Sediment chemistry revealed that O‐PO₄, NO₃‐N, organic carbon and electrical conductivity (EC) increased significantly (P<0.05) with a decrease in the frequency of fertilization, while alkalinity and calcium were high in ponds that were fertilized twice a month.     

生物渔肥对水泥池浮游生物种群的影响

试验探讨了施用生物渔肥(绿源生)后水体中浮游植物和浮游动物的变化。试验取2个水泥养殖池,其中一个为试验池,施入生物渔肥量为4 g/L,另一个为不施肥的对照池。试验结果表明:施用生物渔肥后试验池中的浮游植物在第2天开始迅速增长,第4天达到生长高峰,比对照池同期增长116.25%,硅藻门取代绿藻门成为优势种群;试验池中的原生动物在第4天达到最大值,比对照池增长16.18%,轮虫、枝角类,桡足类在第6天大量增长,比对照池分别增长30.40%、20.59%和17.46%;试验池浮游生物总量在施入渔肥后的第12天仍高于对照池。本试验条件下,生物渔肥对浮游植物和浮游动物的种类影响不大,但对浮游植物和浮游动物的密度影响较大。     

Nutrient budget of a marine fish pond in Eilat,Israel

Monthly budgets for nitrogen and phosphorus for a marine fish pond in Eilat were determined for the period September 1983 to June 1984. The ponds are operated as a semi-open system, 41% of the pond water being replaced each day by water from a nearby seawater well. Only 29% of the phosphorus and 36% of the nitrogen are incorporated into harvestable fish flesh (Sparus aurata or Mugil sp.). The remainder reaches the pond as uneaten food, fish faeces or excreted matter, and it is then available to support high levels of phytoplankton and heterotrophic activity. The total input of nutrients supplied to the ponds showed a seasonal trend, with the lowest amount being supplied at the beginning of the sampling period (October) (5.2 moles N/day, 0.25 moles P/day), and increasing in June to 10.6 moles N/day, 0.57 moles P/day. All the increase was due to the amount of food fed. A large proportion (70–80%) of the excess nutrients was exported from the system as dissolved or particulate matter in the overflow. Because of this the water quality of the ponds has remained at levels which have enabled 6.5–12 tons fish/ha to be cultured without regular drying of the ponds. Oysters have been grown on the plankton carried out with the overflow. The ponds have a surplus of nutrient inflow in October/November (1.9 moles N/day, 0.06 moles P/day), a small deficit of N (0.4 moles/day), and surplus of P (0.01 moles/day) in spring, and a large surplus again in May and June of 1.3 moles N/day, 0.11 moles P/day. In all, 60–120% of the nutrient inputs are directly accounted for.     

Effect of organic fertilizer on heterotrophs and autotrophs: implications for water quality management

Alfalfa meal as a source of organic fertilizer was used in a series of pond, enclosure and laboratory experiments to determine its effect on bacteria, algae and water quality. Bacteria and flagellate algae were increased, whereas nonflagellate algae were not significantly affected by organic loadings. Bacterial and algal turnover rates we re 1.9-2.7 times daily and 0.18-0.22 times daily at 20-25^oC, respectively. Oxygen consumption rates were enhanced by increasing organic input or temperature. Dissolved oxygen in ponds with organic fertilizer was significantly lower than that in ponds without organic input. Because of low N and P content and high oxygen consumption, organic fertilizer alone is unlikely to provide adequate nutrients for algae and sufficient oxygen for fish. To stimulate the growth of food organisms for fish in aquaculture ponds, a combined use of inorganic and organic fertilizer is recommended, but the amount of organic fertilizer should be determined with care to avoid water quality deterioration. The amount of 10mg alfalfa 1^?1 wk^?1 is considered the upper safety limit for organic fertilization. The nitrogen and phosphorus ratio should be kept weekly at 20:1 by weight to promote the development of food organisms in ponds.     

Effect of pig dung on water quality and polyculture of carp species during winter and summer

Theeffect of pig dung, as pond manure [at 18 and 36 tha^–1 yr^–1] and as fish feed ingredient[replacing traditional diet composed of solvent extracted rice bran and mustardcake (1:1) at 25, 50, 75 and 100% levels], was observed on water quality, pondproductivity and survival and growth of carp in polyculture system during winter(12–18 °C) and summer (18–36 °C)months. The studies on water quality parameters viz pH, dissolved oxygen andalkalinity revealed that pig dung even at higher levels (both as manure and /oras feed ingredient) did not deteriorate the quality of water, as all the waterparameters remained within the optimum ranges required for carps. The nutrient(phosphates and nitrates) status of water was significantly better in pondsreceiving pig dung as pond manure at 36 tha^–1 yr^–1. Pond productivity in terms ofplankton production (phyto and zooplankton) was also significantly higher innutrient rich water (36 tha^–1 yr^–1) both during winter andsummer. Further, in all the ponds (including control) phytoplankton levels weresignificantly higher during winter and zooplankton was higher during summer. Thestudies revealed 100% survival of all the fish species in all the treatments.During winter, the growth of carp was higher in treatments where pig dung wasused as feed ingredient (at 25% level), whereas during summer growth was higherwhere pig dung was used either as pond manure and/or as feed ingredient (athigher levels). Further, among carps, the growth of Indian major carps vizCatla catla, Labeo rohita and Cirrhinamrigala was higher during summer and that of exotic carps vizCyprinus carpio and Ctenophayrengodonidella was higher during winter.     

Natural food intake by juvenile Arapaima gigas during the grow‐out phase in earthen ponds

In carnivorous fish species, zooplankton is one of the main food items in the early life stages and some fish species continue feeding on such food items further along the life stages even in the farming environment. In this study, the intake of natural food items was assessed in juvenile pirarucu Arapaima gigas reared in earthen ponds. Juvenile pirarucu (12.2 ± 4.32 g and 12.1 ± 1.13 cm) were stocked in fertilized earthen ponds (240 m²). For the analysis of the fish stomach content and plankton in the pond water, the fish and pond water were sampled weekly for 75 days and biweekly until the fish reached a mean weight of 750 g. Although artificial feed was used, pirarucu also ingested the natural food available in the pond water. Among the zooplankton, pirarucu demonstrated feeding preference for cladocerans despite the abundance of rotifers and copepods. Cladocerans were present in more than 80% of the stomach contents of fish up to 300 g and in 65%, 45% and 17% of fish of 301–500 g, 501–700 g and 701–900 g respectively. Copepods were present only in fish up to 500 g at low abundance. High ingestion of insects and plant material was observed in the stomach content of fish of all size classes. The results demonstrate that juvenile pirarucu ingest natural food available in the farming pond and suggests that the adoption of pond fertilization practices may have positive effects on fish growth performance.     

Production of Oreochromis niloticus (L.) and ecosystem dynamics in manured ponds of three depths

Abstract. During three 5-month experiments in Thailand, earthen ponds of approximately 370m2 surface area were stocked with male Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.), fingerlings of 4–12g weight at densities of 0·5 to l·6fish/m². Stocking and fertilization (with chicken manure, urea and TSP) in triplicated depth treatments of 0·6,1·0 and 1·5m were proportional to pond volume in two experiments (wet and dry seasons) and to pond area in the other (dry season).
Depth showed no direct effect on fish yields of 0·9–6·3t/ha/year, on survival rates of 66 to 98%, nor on final individual weights of 96–313 g/fish. Greater yields were obtained from deeper ponds when they received proportionally greater stocking and fertilizer inputs. Inputs per unit area were the most important factor accounting for yield variation.
Temperature, dissolved N and P, and suspended solids showed little or no relation to depth treatments. Time-averaged chlorophyll concentrations and photosynthetic production of dissolved oxygen were greater in treatments receiving greater inputs of nitrogen per unit pond volume.
Deeper ponds produced the greatest areal yields of fish, when fertilized in proportion to their volumes. Shallow ponds produced fish and dissolved oxygen at least as efficiently per unit input as did deep ponds, which is consistent with models of photosynthesis-depth relations.     

Comparison of Tilapia Monoculture and Carp Polyculture in Fertilized Earthen Ponds

A comparison of a monoculture of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus and a polyculture of carps (silver carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix; rohu Labeo rohita; and mrigal Cirrhinus mriga la; ratio 4:3:3) was carried out in 200-m² earthen ponds fertilized with cattle manure and supplemented with inorganic fertilizer at 3-kg nitrogen and 1.5-kg phosphorus/ha per day. A control treatment of a tilapia monoculture without fertilizer inputs was included to assess the effect of pond basal fertility. Net yields of 23.5 kg/pond per 112 d (3.8 t/ha per 1 yr) in the tilapia monoculture and 19.2 kg/pond per 112 d (3.1 t/ha per yr) in the carp polyculture were not significantly different; net yields from unfertilized tilapia monoculture ponds were negative. In the carp polyculture, silver carp was the dominant species at harvest contributing 73% of the total net fish production compared to 9% and 19% by rohu and mrigal, respectively. Water quality data suggested that tilapia yields could have been further improved by increasing fertilization rate but that critical dissolved oxygen concentration constrained this option for carp polyculture.     

不同肥料对池塘细菌种群的影响

运用PCR-DGGE技术分析有机肥(干鸡粪)和化肥(碳酸氢铵和磷酸一铵)对鱼苗池塘中的理化因子和细菌数量及其种群结构的影响,以探讨细菌种群结构对不同肥料的响应。结果显示:施肥后池塘中NH4+-N、PO43--P、NO 3--N和NO 2--N等浓度增加,透明度降低,细菌数量、种群多样性和丰富度指数均增加;化肥增加溶氧和升高pH,有机肥却降低溶氧和pH。施肥后蓝细菌门(Cyanobacteria)和拟杆菌门(Bacteroidetes)种群成为优势种群,有机肥能增加厚壁菌门(Firmicutes)种群的相对丰度,而化肥却降低其相对丰度;β-和γ-变形杆菌纲种群的相对丰度在施入化肥后增加,有机肥却限制γ-和δ-变形杆菌纲种群,化肥明显降低放线菌门种群的相对丰度。池塘中理化因子、细菌种群数量及其结构因施入不同肥料发生相应的变化。     

Environmental effects of common carp Cyprinus carpio (L.) and mrigal Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton) as bottom feeders in major Indian carp polycultures

A polyculture experiment with the large carp rohu, catla and either mrigal or common carp (as cash crop fish), and the small indigenous fish punti (as food for the farmer's family) was carried out at Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. The main objectives were to compare polycultures of large carp in which the bottom feeder is either the native mrigal or the exotic common carp, and to assess the effects of adding the small indigenous species punti to those polycultures. The results of fish–fish interactions and overall fish production have already been reported. The present paper presents the effects on the water quality, and discusses fish–environment interactions. The main conclusions are: time changes in the pond environment were stronger than fish composition effects. The main practice affecting water quality was liming, that incresed alkalinity, pH and water transparency and decreased ammonia. Rain affected photosynthesis and the match‐mismatch of the two steps of nitrification. The more that bottom feeding fish species disrupt the mud bottom, the stronger their effects on pond environment. Common carp produce the strongest disruption of the mud bottom, followed by punti and then by mrigal. Mud disruption produced by common carp leads to a stronger liming effect, nutrient release into the water, and provides more particles that rain‐floods wash out, facilitating the mismatch of the two steps of nitrification, and increased phosphorus adsorption into the mud bottom. Mud disruption by punti is only enough to improve the liming effect. Mud disruption by mrigal is the least, hence less particles are resuspended, nitrification is not affected during floods and relatively more phosphate remains in the water available for photosynthesis. The bottom feeder common carp can be seen not only as a target‐cultured fish but also as a management tool. Farmers can get double benefit in introducing common carp in the ponds as it enhances the effectiveness of lime application and increases the availability of nutrients to phytoplankton. Through the manipulation of species in the polyculture alone, farmers can maintain the environment better and also reduce input costs.