Aquaponics: what is it and why farm this way

Aquaponics is a sustainable food production system that combines aquaculture (raising aquatic animals in tanks) with hydroponics (growing plants in water). In this system, plants and fish are grown together in a recirculating environment, where the waste produced by the fish is used to fertilize the plants, and the plants, in turn, clean the water for the fish.

Key concepts

Here are some key points to understand the concept of aquaponics:

• Aquaponics is a combination of the words “aquaculture” and “hydroponics”
• The system is based on a symbiotic relationship between plants and fish, where the waste produced by the fish is used to fertilise the plants, and the plants clean the water for the fish
• Aquaponics is a closed-loop system, which means that water is recirculated and reused, reducing the need for water and minimising waste
• The system is environmentally friendly and sustainable, as it does not require the use of chemical fertilisers or pesticides
• Aquaponics can be used to grow a variety of crops, including vegetables, herbs, and fruits, as well as fish and other aquatic animals
• The system can be used in a variety of settings, including homes, schools, and commercial farms
• Aquaponics is a relatively new technology, but it has the potential to revolutionise the way we produce food, by providing a sustainable and efficient way to grow crops and raise fish.

Equipment required

Setting up a commercial aquaponics scheme requires specific equipment to ensure the system runs efficiently and effectively. Here is a list of some of the essential equipment needed to set up a commercial aquaponics system:

• Fish tanks: These tanks are used to house the fish in the aquaponics system.
• Grow beds: These are used to grow the plants in the aquaponics system.
• Grow media: This is the material used to support the plants in the grow beds.
• Water pump: This is used to circulate the water in the system.
• Air pump with air stones: This is used to provide oxygen to the fish and plants.
• PVC piping with fittings: This is used to connect the different components of the system.
• Uniseals and/or bulkheads: These are used to create watertight seals between the different components of the system.
• Siphon: This is used to drain water from the grow beds.
• Water testing kit: This is used to monitor the water quality in the system.
• EC or TDS meter: This is used to measure the electrical conductivity or total dissolved solids in the water.
• Other optional equipment that can be used in a commercial aquaponics system includes solar powered pumps, greenhouses, heaters, chillers, and lighting systems.

It is important to note that the specific equipment needed for a commercial aquaponics system may vary depending on the size and type of the system being set up.

Advantages over traditional farming methods

Aquaponics farming has several advantages over traditional farming methods. Here are some of the benefits of aquaponics farming:

Environmental Benefits:

• Aquaponics uses up to 90% less water than traditional agriculture.
• Water and nutrients are recycled in a closed-loop fashion, which conserves water.
• Aquaponics reduces pollutants coming from the use of tractors and field chemicals.
• Aquaponics mimics the natural symbiotic relationship between fish and plants, which is environmentally friendly.

Farming Technique Benefits:

• Aquaponics grows plants six times more per square foot than traditional farming.
• Aquaponics can grow crops any time of year, in any weather, anywhere on the planet.
• Aquaponics recycles the water in the system, allowing for growth in droughts and areas with little water.
• Plants grow twice as fast in aquaponics systems due to the naturally fortified water from the fish waste.
• There are fewer pests to deal with when growing indoors, and there is no weeding required.

Other benefits:

• Aquaponics allows growers to combine many different crops in the same system.
• Aquaponics is a solution for food security, as it is extremely efficient in water and nutrient utilization.
• Aquaponics provides jobs for local people, strengthening the local economy.
• Aquaponics is a big hope for sustainable organic crop production, aquaculture, and water consumption.
• Overall, aquaponics farming is a sustainable and efficient method of food production that has several advantages over traditional farming methods.

Where can I find out more information?

There are many resources available online to learn more about aquaponics. Here are some websites that provide information on aquaponics:

• Home Grown Practical Aquaponics: Practical Aquaponics SA aka HPA on Facebook, has spent nearly 10 years developing appropriate, risk averse, proven Aquaponics solutions for South Africa and Africa at large and they offer in-depth, hands-on, intensive training at different levels on all aspects of Aquaponics in South Africa. They sell Proven Aquaponics System kits of different sizes, components, consumables, and accessories.
• The Aquaponic Source: This website offers a wide range of aquaponic systems, supplies, and education for residential, school, community, government, non-profit, and international applications. The website also provides information on why aquaponic farming and gardening is important, and how it can benefit the environment and local communities.
• USDA National Agricultural Library: This website provides resources for small farmers, home hobbyists, and commercial businesses on aquaponics or aquaculture. The website offers links to resources, videos, government programs, research articles, and literature on aquaponics.
• University of Minnesota: This website provides aquaponics resources, including links to the National Agricultural Library and the FAO Fisheries Technical Paper. The website also offers information on integrated agriculture and aquaculture.

These websites offer a wealth of information on aquaponics, including how to get started, how to build a system, and how to maintain it. They also provide information on the benefits of aquaponics, and how it can be used to grow fresh, healthy food in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way.

Conclusion

Aquaponics farming is a sustainable and efficient method of food production that has several advantages over traditional farming methods. Here are some of the reasons why you should consider farming with aquaponics methods:

• Environmentally Friendly: Aquaponics uses up to 90% less water than traditional agriculture, and the plants grow much faster. Aquaponics also reduces pollutants coming from the use of tractors and field chemicals.
• Economically Viable: Aquaponics is not only productive, but it is also profitable. While the initial cost of set-up can be a bit steep, it is a worthwhile investment for growers who can now sell two different crops with the same amount of inputs.
• Chemical Free: Aquaponics does not require the use of harmful pesticides and fertilizers, making it a natural eco-system.
• Provides Fresh and Nutritious Food: Aquaponics allows growers to provide the freshest and most nutritious food for their families and communities. An aquaponic farm can be located near consumers and can virtually eliminate unnecessary “food miles” .
• Sustainable: Aquaponics is a solution for food security, as it is extremely efficient in water and nutrient utilisation. Aquaponics offers a diverse and stable polyculture system that allows farmers to grow vegetables and raise fish at the same time.

Overall, aquaponics farming is a promising tool for environmentally friendly food production that can provide fresh, healthy food in a sustainable and efficient way.