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In recent years, aquaponics has increasingly been chosen as a growing option for urban farmers, or those who practice agriculture in cities and must rely on vertical farming techniques when faced with less land area. Many of these aquaponics farmers choose to produce food for their communities, particularly in areas where economic inequalities threaten household food security.
Around the world, the environmental impacts of climate change are preventing low-income people from accessing sufficient, safe, and nutritious foods. To improve global food systems and decrease food insecurity, it is more important than ever for people to practice sustainable agricultural development.
Aquaponics is a sustainable food production system that combines aquaculture (raising fish or other aquatic animals) with hydroponics (growing plants in water without soil). It operates in a closed loop where fish waste provides organic nutrients for plants, and the plants filter the water for the fish.
How It Works
Aquaponics relies on a natural, symbiotic nitrogen cycle to turn fish waste into plant food:
- Fish Waste: Aquatic animals excrete waste rich in ammonia.
- Nitrification: Naturally occurring beneficial bacteria break down the toxic ammonia into nitrites, and then convert those into nitrates.
- Plant Absorption: The plants absorb the nitrates as vital nutrients, which act as a natural fertilizer.
- Water Filtration: The cleansed water is then recirculated back to the fish tanks.
Key Benefits
- Water Conservation: These systems use roughly 90% - 99% less water than traditional soil-based agriculture because the water is continuously recycled.
- Higher Yields: Plants often grow significantly faster and larger than in traditional soil or standard hydroponic setups, yielding more food per square foot.
- Zero Synthetic Fertilizer: Because the plants are fertilized entirely by the fish, there is no need for chemical fertilizers or pesticides.
Common Components
- Rearing Tank: Where the fish (commonly tilapia, trout, or catfish) live.
- Biofilter: A dedicated space for beneficial bacteria to thrive and convert ammonia into nitrates.
- Hydroponic Grow Beds: Containers or rafts where plants (such as lettuce, herbs, and tomatoes) are grown using the nutrient-rich water.
- Water Pump: Mechanism to circulate the water between the fish tank and the plant beds.
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