Evaluation of polyculture of Indian major carps in periphyton-based ponds

Production of three Indian major carps, catla Catla catla, rohu Labeo rohita and kalbaush L. calbasu, in a periphyton-based polyculture system was compared. Bamboo poles, approximating a submerged surface area equal to the total pond surface area, were used as substrates for periphyton and were planted vertically into the pond bottom. Ponds were fertilized fortnightly with 4500 kg cow manure, 150 kg urea and 150 kg triple super phosphate (TSP) per hectare. Four stocking combinations were applied: 60% rohu plus 40% catla with a total stocking density of 10000 ha(-1) (treatment CR), CR plus 15% kalbaush (C15), CR plus 30% kalbaush (C30) and CR plus 45% kalbaush (C45). A treatment with 60% rohu plus 40% catla without bamboo substrate was…