Complex rice systems (CRSs) are integrated agricultural systems that combine azolla (aquatic ferns), fish, ducks and border plants into rice production systems to augment ecological processes of nutrient recycling, weed and pest suppression, and replace agrochemicals that are harmful to human, animals and environment. Moreover, CRSs could foster ecosystem services of diverse food and nutrition provisioning, reconciling the importance of safeguarding food and nutrition security while protecting the environment at the same time.

Benefits: The complex integrated rice-fish systems are expected to work as much as possible as an autonomous cycle to reduce external inputs. For example, growing azolla and border plants can also be used to fed fish and ducks. Fish and ducks can also suppress weeds and pests and enhance nutrient recycling.

How: Complex rice systems can be implemented in lowland rice agroecosystems by adding rice, fish, ducks and border crops to rice fields.