The excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides required by intensified agriculture has caused a significant damage to the environment. However, deploying effective measures to reduce fertilizer and pesticide use without decreasing grain yield has been challenging. This study reviews the history, benefits, and weaknesses of the classical farming technology in China. We explain how using animals to control and reduce pathogens, pests, and weeds is beneficial, and why the rice-fish/rice-duck (RF/RD) system requires less chemical fertilizer and pesticide. Finally, we present a new planting and br...
