semiintensive

Semintensive is a term used in agriculture to describe production systems that lie between extensive and intensive in terms of inputs, management, and yields. It aims to balance productivity with lower capital costs and environmental impact compared with intensive systems, while achieving higher outputs than extensive systems.

In aquaculture, semi-intensive culture involves stocking ponds at moderate densities and providing some external inputs, such as formulated feeds, fertilizers, and aeration, alongside relying on natural productivity. Management focuses on water quality, feeding efficiency, and disease prevention. Yields are typically higher than in extensive pond culture but lower than in fully intensive systems.

In livestock and poultry, semi-intensive production combines access to pasture or range with shelter and supplemental feeding or concentrates. This approach reduces feed costs relative to full confinement systems while increasing output and income stability for smallholders.

Advantages include higher productivity than extensive systems, greater flexibility for farmers, and lower capital intensity than intensive systems. Disadvantages include higher management needs, risk of disease and environmental impacts if inputs are poorly managed, and sensitivity to weather and market fluctuations.

The term is used differently across countries and sectors, and there is no universal standard for stocking density or input levels. See also extensive farming and intensive farming.