Seasonal Dynamics of Phytoplankton in Integrated Paddy-cum-Fish Culture

Background: An experimental study was conducted during June-November 2020 at Tungjoy village of Manipur, India, to assess the assemblage pattern, abundance and seasonal dynamics of phytoplankton in simultaneously integrated paddy-cum-fish culture (IPFC). Methods: The experimental IPFC fields were prepared by enhancing width and height of dykes and constructing central refuge pond. Rice saplings were manually transplanted into the prepared fields in June 2020 while the common carp fingerlings were introduced 30 days after rice-transplantation. Both rice and fish were harvested in November 2020. Assemblage pattern, abundance and dynamics of phytoplankton, soil nutrients and water quality were analysed for three seasons (monsoon, post-monsoon and winter) in paddy fields without fish (PF) compared with IPFC fields. Relevant fish growth parameters were analysed on monthly basis. Result: The study recorded 37 genera of phytoplankton belonging to 25 families and 18 orders falling under class Bacillariophyceae, Chlorophyceae and Cyanophyceae. Bacillariophyceae was the most diverse class. Phytoplankton density ranges from 14.00±1.57 × 103 to 33.25±3.60 × 103 µL-1 and 9.05±2.27 × 103 to 33.06±3.45 × 103 µL-1 in PF and IPFC, respectively, wherein Chlorophyceae dominated during monsoon and post-monsoon. Phytoplankton in IPFC was lower than PF, indicating effective utilisation by the reared fish. Fish production from IPFC fields was 326 kg ha-1 with 83% survival rate while rice production was enhanced by 7.4% as compared to rice monoculture.