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.
Essentially then, aquaponics systems aim to create a symbiotic atmosphere, in which both fish and plants can exist.
Grown in containers filled with gravel, the plants are fed with the water from the fish tanks. The fish, in regular tanks of water; are simply fed standard and commercially available food.
Bacteria, which are already present in the plant trays, break down the waste products contained in the fish tank water, which is used by the plants to get all their nutrition. Having been purified, the water cycles back into the fish tanks.
It is a process that significantly benefits both the plants and the fish.
The fish are much healthier; with fewer instances of disease and infection. They are also a lot less stressed; than comparative fish in aquaculture systems.
Plants are healthier too; and return increased crops, for much the same reason.
The benefits are far greater than this alone however. The bottom line costs incurred by farmers are significantly reduced from traditional methods; with less food, less fertilizers and the like being necessary. With disease lessened, preventative and curative work is lessened too.
As the world's population rises, it is going to be necessary to increase food production on a huge scale. It is hoped that aquaponics systems could, at least in part, help with this. It is already being rolled out in the developing world, where food shortages are already increasingly common. Environmentally friendly too, it could be just the answer we have been looking for.
Essentially then, aquaponics systems aim to create a symbiotic atmosphere, in which both fish and plants can exist.
Grown in containers filled with gravel, the plants are fed with the water from the fish tanks. The fish, in regular tanks of water; are simply fed standard and commercially available food.
Bacteria, which are already present in the plant trays, break down the waste products contained in the fish tank water, which is used by the plants to get all their nutrition. Having been purified, the water cycles back into the fish tanks.
It is a process that significantly benefits both the plants and the fish.
The fish are much healthier; with fewer instances of disease and infection. They are also a lot less stressed; than comparative fish in aquaculture systems.
Plants are healthier too; and return increased crops, for much the same reason.
The benefits are far greater than this alone however. The bottom line costs incurred by farmers are significantly reduced from traditional methods; with less food, less fertilizers and the like being necessary. With disease lessened, preventative and curative work is lessened too.
As the world's population rises, it is going to be necessary to increase food production on a huge scale. It is hoped that aquaponics systems could, at least in part, help with this. It is already being rolled out in the developing world, where food shortages are already increasingly common. Environmentally friendly too, it could be just the answer we have been looking for.
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Want to find out more about Aquaponics Systems, then visit James Morley's site on how to choose the best Aquaponics Systems for your needs.
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