Binhai County in Jiangsu Province has recently introduced the American frog farming technology in paddy fields, implemented in townships such as Canna, Zhenghong, Caiqiao, and Wuyi. This innovative method has led to a successful dual harvest of rice and frogs. Farmers have reported that each mu of paddy field can save nearly 100 yuan on pesticide costs while generating an additional income of about 1,000 yuan from raising beautiful frogs.
The paddy fields selected for this system need to have gentle topography, a safe water source, good water quality, and efficient drainage and irrigation systems. In general, any paddy field suitable for fish farming can also be used for raising American frogs.
One key facility is the widening and reinforcement of the field ridges. Trenches with a depth and width of 60 cm are dug, and the base needs to be deepened to 40 cm for better stability. Another important step is the installation of escape barriers. These fences are typically made of polyethylene mesh, which allows water and air to pass through easily and is resistant to damage from wind and rain.
Frog stocking usually takes place about 10 days after transplanting. Farmers typically introduce 1,500 to 2,000 young frogs per acre, each weighing between 40 to 50 grams. To prevent larger frogs from eating smaller ones, it's important to maintain similar sizes when stocking. It’s also advised not to raise American frog crickets, as they may become prey for natural predators like snakes or other small animals in the rice fields.
Once the frogs are stocked, feeding and management become crucial. They can be fed fresh fish, shrimp, chopped pig lungs, or specially formulated feed. The feeding should be regular, measured, and done at fixed locations. Bait can be scattered on the surface of the ditch or placed on a bamboo-made feeding station covered with mesh. Some duckweed can also be added to the ditches to serve as additional food for the frogs. Regular monitoring of the fields is essential to detect and address any issues promptly.
In terms of fertilization, the focus should be on base fertilizers with minimal top-dressing. Since rice frogs face fewer pests and diseases, pesticides are rarely needed. If necessary, high-efficiency, low-toxicity pesticides like insecticides for leafhoppers should be used. Before applying any chemicals, the water level should be kept above 10 cm. Powdered pesticides should be applied in the morning, while liquid-based ones should be sprayed after the dew has dried. Avoid spraying on rainy days, and try to minimize the amount of pesticide that enters the water to protect the ecosystem.
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