Bringing together the fields of both hydroponics, and aquaculture, aquaponics systems are increasing in popularity at a rapid rate. Taking all the best elements from soil less farming and the cultivation of fish, it is hoped that any negatives can be stripped out.
Aquaponics systems essentially work to cultivate plants and fish in an atmosphere that is conducive to the healthy development of both.
As with many traditional hydroponics systems; plants are grown in trays filled with gravel, whilst the fish continue to grow in regular tanks; as in aquaculture farms, and are given a diet of regular food. The water in the fish tanks is cycled through the plant trays.
Bacteria in the trays break down any waste products from the fish, providing them with essential nutrients. This water, now purified, is cycled back into the fish tanks.
It is a process that significantly benefits both the plants and the fish.
For their part, the fish are healthier and resistant to infections and disease. As a result, they are also less stressed than those in aquaculture systems. It is thought that this is because of a lack of chemicals that leech into the water.
Plants are healthier too; and return increased crops, for much the same reason.
The benefits do not stop here. The process is more cost efficient to the farmer, with no chemicals to buy, reduced plant food costs and no need for expensive treatments to combat infection.
Aquaponics systems are a great solution to providing organic foods, but more than this; they could also be the answer to providing a lasting solution to food shortage in developing countries. They could also be a powerful way to ensuring that the increasing world population is provided for in the future; in an organic and environmentally friendly way. - 33393
Aquaponics systems essentially work to cultivate plants and fish in an atmosphere that is conducive to the healthy development of both.
As with many traditional hydroponics systems; plants are grown in trays filled with gravel, whilst the fish continue to grow in regular tanks; as in aquaculture farms, and are given a diet of regular food. The water in the fish tanks is cycled through the plant trays.
Bacteria in the trays break down any waste products from the fish, providing them with essential nutrients. This water, now purified, is cycled back into the fish tanks.
It is a process that significantly benefits both the plants and the fish.
For their part, the fish are healthier and resistant to infections and disease. As a result, they are also less stressed than those in aquaculture systems. It is thought that this is because of a lack of chemicals that leech into the water.
Plants are healthier too; and return increased crops, for much the same reason.
The benefits do not stop here. The process is more cost efficient to the farmer, with no chemicals to buy, reduced plant food costs and no need for expensive treatments to combat infection.
Aquaponics systems are a great solution to providing organic foods, but more than this; they could also be the answer to providing a lasting solution to food shortage in developing countries. They could also be a powerful way to ensuring that the increasing world population is provided for in the future; in an organic and environmentally friendly way. - 33393
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