Project title: Productivity and Nutrient Accumulation in Integrated-Aquaculture Ponds in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam
PhD student: Dang Kieu Nhan
Short description of the proposed research:
The overall objective of this study is to analyse the role of fish ponds in integrated farming systems in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta, in terms of nutrient dynamics, and to increase the overall nutrient efficiency of the farming systems by applying alternative management strategies. The specific objectives of the study are to:
1. describe different existing fish production systems integrated within crop-animal-aquaculture farming systems,
2. investigate nutrient budgets in ponds, considering organic carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P),
3. identify principal variables that influence water quality and bottom soil nutrient accumulation in ponds, and
4. evaluate impacts of proposed technological interventions on fish production and pond nutrient use efficiency.
The field work of the study consists of two parts: (1) participatory rural appraisals to address the specific objective 1, and (2) participatory on-farm monitoring to address the specific objective 2 to 4.
Composition of the scientific support project group:
Prof. Dr. J.A.J. Verreth, Supervisor, WUR / Aquaculture & Fisheries
Dr. M.C.J. Verdegem, Co-Supervisor, WUR / Aquaculture & Fisheries
Dr. ir. J.J. Stoorvogel, Co-Supervisor, WUR / Soil Science & Geology
Dr. Le Thanh Duong, Advisor, Can Tho University/Farming Systems