Introduction to Aquaponics
What is Aquaponics ?
- Aquaponic food production combines soil-less vegetable growing (Hydroponics) and fish farming (Aquaculture) within a closed recirculating system.
- The concept of using fish waste to fertilise plants has existed for centuries, with early civilisations in both Asia and South America using this method.
- Aquaponics, in the forms we know it now, evolved into a modern viable food production system during the 1980s.
- Water passes from a tank or reservoir populated with fish to growing beds, rafts or pipes where crops are planted, and then returns to the fish tank.
- Through this process, fish waste is converted into an organic fertiliser by bacteria living in the system, which in turn is used to fertilise the plants.
- The plants absorb the nutrients, filtering the water before it returns to the fish tank.
- This system mimics natural waterway ecosystems and comprises a highly effective growing method for food production.
- One of the advantages of Aquaponics is that it also provides the grower with two products, fish and fresh fruit and veg produce, at the cost of one input.