What Is Aquaponics?
Aquaponics is the production of plants and aquatic animals in a recirculating environment, according to a joint report from the Food and Agriculture Organization and SmartFish.
Aquaponics is a name derived from the words aquaculture (the cultivation of fish in a closed environment) and hydroponics (the cultivation of plants in a soil-free environment).
How Aquaponics Design Works – In Detail
Aquaponics is a production system that combines aquaculture and hydroponics. It is reliant on the fish food given as an input to the system. As fish consume and metabolize this material, urine and faeces are produced, both of which are high in ammonia and can be harmful to plants and fish in large quantities. After that, the water (now ammonia-rich) passes from the fish tank into a biofilter, together with un-eaten food and decomposing plant materials. Bacteria then break everything down into organic nutrient solutions (nitrogen-rich) for growing vegetables inside the biofilter.
As we can see, freshwater aquaponics systems rely on three primary components: freshwater aquatic animals (fish), nitrifying bacteria, and plants – all of which are interdependent to live. Plants wouldn’t have a viable form of nutrients if bacteria didn’t devour the fish waste, which is why biological filtration is so important. Plant development also removes nutrients from the water, leaving it clean for the fish.
Aquaponics’ Benefits
- Aquaponics encompasses two agricultural products (fish and vegetables) being produced from one nitrogen source (fish food);
- An extremely water-efficient system. In fact, it only needs 1/6th of the water to grow 8 times more food per acre compared to traditional agriculture;
- Doesn’t require soil and therefore it’s not susceptible to soil-borne diseases and doesn’t require using fertilizers or chemical pesticides;
- Aquaponics is a synonym of higher yields and qualitative production;
- It allows a higher control (as it’s easier than soil control) on production leading to lower losses;
- Creates little waste, as it mimics nature’s circular approach;
- Requires daily tasks, harvesting, and planting which are labor-saving and therefore can include all genders and ages;
- Creates fish protein – a valuable addition to the dietary needs of many people;
- From a nutritional standpoint, aquaponics provides food in the form of both protein (from the fish) and vegetables
Aquaponics’ Weaknesses
There are two sides to every coin. We can also uncover certain flaws in implementing an aquaponics system, based on the FAO report once again. So, what are some of aquaponics’ flaws?
- The very high initial start-up costs (compared with both hydroponics or soil production systems) of aquaponics is one of its weaknesses;
- Aquaponics requires deep expertise in the natural world. In order to be successful, farmers need to have knowledge not only on growing vegetables but also on how fish and bacteria work. And technical skills regarding plumbing or wiring are also needed;
- Mistakes managing the system can quickly cause its collapse;
- Daily management is needed, which means the organization is crucial;
- Fish feed needs to be purchased on a regular basis;
- The products of aquaponics alone aren’t enough to ensure a balanced diet.
Author’s Thoughts
Our resources are being depleted by agriculture. Monoculture food production and excessive fertilizer and pesticide use are wreaking havoc on our soils and biodiversity, putting entire ecosystems in jeopardy. Food production accounts for nearly one-fifth of all greenhouse gas emissions worldwide, excluding transportation.
Global food cultivation is responsible for about one-fifth of all greenhouse gas emissions — not including transportation. Meanwhile, agriculture consumes 70% of the world’s drinking water, despite half of the world’s population experiencing severe water shortages for at least a month of the year.
When compared to conventional farming, its food production approach consumes 90% less water. So I believe Aquaponics can play a significant role in the solution.