Chen Lixin's Transformation Journey in Ecological Soft-Shelled Turtle Farming

Chen Lixin has been operating traditional earthen pond soft-shelled turtle farming in Zhejiang for over fifteen years. In recent years, he has faced multiple pressures, including stricter environmental regulations, tighter land use policies, and frequent outbreaks of farming diseases. To seek a breakthrough, in 2022, he piloted the introduction of canvas pond farming, and his transformation process clearly demonstrates the unique advantages of canvas ponds.

I. Addressing Land and Environmental Constraints: The "Light Asset" Advantage Compared to Traditional Earthen Ponds

Chen Lixin's original earthen ponds required a large amount of land, and the treatment of dredging wastewater was increasingly subject to environmental regulations. He utilized an unused concrete-hardened site in the village and directly laid out several circular canvas ponds with a diameter of 8 meters. Compared to traditional earthen ponds, which require deep excavation, embankment reinforcement, and anti-seepage treatment, canvas ponds require almost "zero civil engineering," do not damage the cultivated layer, and comply with facility agriculture land use policies. Most importantly, canvas ponds achieve physical isolation of the aquaculture water body from the soil, fundamentally avoiding soil-borne diseases and heavy metal pollution risks.  Soft-shelled turtle quality is easier to control, and aquaculture wastewater is easily collected and treated, easily meeting environmental discharge requirements.

II. Rapid Adjustment and Risk Control: The "Flexibility" Advantage Compared to Fixed Facilities

Previously, one of Chen Lixin's earthen ponds experienced an outbreak of acute disease, forcing him to empty and dry the pond, leaving it idle for nearly half a year. The modular design of the canvas ponds demonstrated immense value here. When a pond needs thorough disinfection or repair, he can quickly transfer the soft-shelled turtles to other disinfected and ready-to-use ponds. After draining the water from the pond body, it can be cleaned with a high-pressure water gun in half a day, and after one or two days of sun drying and disinfection, it can be refilled with water and reused, shortening the months of downtime of traditional earthen ponds to just a few days, greatly improving risk resistance and facility turnover rate. In addition, he can flexibly adjust the farming area for different sizes of soft-shelled turtles according to market demand, and can even quickly set up small-scale, high-quality temporary holding ponds for VIP customers.

III. Achieving Refined Management: The "Precision" Advantage Compared to Traditional Methods

Traditional earthen ponds have complex water depth and bottom conditions, and feeding and observation rely on experience, resulting in extensive management. The canvas fish ponds have flat and smooth bottoms and are equipped with independent water intake, oxygenation, and central drainage systems. Chen Lixin can precisely control the water level, water quality, and feed quantity in each pond. Turtle waste and leftover feed can be easily discharged through the conical design at the bottom, keeping the water clearer for longer periods and significantly improving dissolved oxygen management efficiency. This not only reduces the feed conversion ratio but also significantly improves the uniformity and health of the turtles, laying the foundation for him to develop a high-end brand of turtles.

Summary and Implications:

Chen Lixin's transformation proves that canvas fish ponds are not only a low-cost option for newcomers to the industry but also an effective tool for traditional farmers to upgrade their technology, address environmental challenges, and achieve refined management. Through "space for land," "flexibility for fixed structures," and "precision for extensive methods," it helps farmers build a more controllable, efficient, and sustainable modern aquaculture system under limited resources. His success provides a clear path for transformation and upgrading for many traditional aquaculture farmers facing similar difficulties.