Aquaponics is one integrated hydroponic (growing soil less plants) and aquaculture (growing fish) system which mutually benefits both the environments. Aquaponics is completely organic and uses no chemicals, requires just one tenth of the water used by field plant farming and again just a fraction of the water that is needed for fish farming.
Greenhouse farmers and growers across are the world taking note of aquaponics for several valid reasons stated below:
1. Fish farmers are of the view that hydroponics is a bio-filtration process required to facilitate intensive aquaculture of the re-circulating type.
2. Hydroponic growers are of the view that fish waste nutrient-rich irrigation water is a source of natural organic fertilizer which enables the growth of plants.
3. Greenhouse growers are of the view that aquaponics is an ideal way to introduce to the markets the organic hydroponic produce. The aquaponic produce is considered organic because the only input is fish feed and also all the nutrients undergo a biological process.
4. Aquaponics definitely enables the production of fish protein and fresh vegetables in water-limited farms and dry lands because if it’s “water re-use” concept.
5. Aquaponics is indeed a classic working model of self-sustainable food production in which animal and plant agriculture are integrated, and water filtration and recycling of nutrients are linked.
6. Food producing greenhouses that yield two products from a single production unit are naturally appealing when it comes to green labeling and niche marketing.
7. In addition to the commercial application of aquaponics, it has become a very popular training aid on integrated bio-systems having vocational agriculture programs and as well in high school biology classes.
The plant species adapted to hydroponic culture in aquaponic greenhouses include lettuce, specialty greens such as chives, spinach, watercress and basil, herbs, and fruits such as tomatoes, cucumbers and bell peppers.
The fish species adapted to aquaculture in aquaponic greenhouses include tilapia, bass, arctic char, perch, trout, barramundi and murray cod.
