THE FLOW OF NUTRIENTS AND ENERGY THROUGH A CHINESE FARMING SYSTEM

1. The flows of nutrients and energy through an integrated Chinese farming system were examined to determine how the structure of the integrated ecosystem affected its function. 2. Extending production into embankments, channels and fishponds and combining primary production with animal production resulted in increased primary production by almost a quarter the total amount, increased fish production by 4.7 times, and a reduction of input N fertilizer from outside by 46% the total amount, due to effective recycling of plant nutrients and recovery of them from adjacent running water. 3. Despite a dense population of 15 people ha-1 of the total area, 38 t of grain, 45 t of pork and 193 t of fish meat were sold outside in 1984 and the people in the village were well fed mainly with products from the area. 4. The results throw light on how agriculture can develop to meet the demands of increased population pressure while, at the same time, taking into consideration protection of the environment.