Semi-intensive culture

Semi-intensive fish culture (SIC) is a means of producing low-cost fish, using natural food, through pond fertilization, or fertilization and supplemental feeding. SIC systems are adopted mainly in herbivorous and omnivorous fishes that feed low down in the food chain, such as tilapias and carps. Most of the global farmed tilapia production comes from SIC system; especially in Asia, Africa and South America. Pond fertilization is described in details with emphasis on the types of fertilizers applied, fertilization levels, regimes and frequencies and their relation with fish production and water quality. Tilapia monoculture and polyculture with other farmed aquatic animals are also described. The integration of tilapia with other farming systems including rice fields, livestock and wheat crops is highlighted. Since feed is the most expensive input in tilapia culture, the relationship between pond fertilization and supplemental feeding is emphasized.