Combining elements from both fish farming, (aquaculture), and soil less farming (hydroponics), aquaponics systems aim to take the eco-benefits of both, whilst minimizing any negative aspects. With many benefits, it is a form of farming that is rapidly growing in popularity.
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.
And it is here that aquaponics comes into its own. Bacteria already in the gravel the plants sit in breaks down all the waste products in the fish tank water. This provides the essential nutrients to the plants, and the water, now filtered and pure, is pumped back into the fish tanks.
A beautifully simple system, it has many benefits to both the fish and the plants.
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 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.
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.
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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