Aquaponics introduction and benefits.pptx

What is Aquaponics?

1. Growing Vegetables with Fish: Strategies for Successful Aquaponics Production Dr. Teng Yang Teaching Assistant Professor Kansas State University- Olathe September 13, 2024

2. Overview What is Aquaponics? Different Types of Aquaponics What Can You Grow in Aquaponics? How to Manage Aquaponics System? Current and future research in my CEA lab 2

3. Advantages: At least 3-8 times lower food conversion ratio than livestock Culture in high density with RAS Disadvantages: 10-20 % waste water discharged daily with excess nutrients (fish feed & wastes) Advantages: 20% less space for growing; 90% water-saving than field production . Disadvantages: Nutrient solution is discharged into the surrounding environments after crop cultivation Aquaculture Hydroponics 3 What is Aquaponics?

4. 4 Fish produce waste that can become toxic if not filtered. Bacteria convert waste to fertilizer by nitrification. Plants absorb the nutrients and clean the water for the fish. 1 3 2 Aquaponics is the management of a complete ecosystem that includes three major groups of organisms: Fish, Plants and Bacteria. (FAO, 2014)

5. At around 1000 AD, the Aztec Indians 5 History of Aquaponics

6. In the 1970s by Dr. James Rakocy of the University of the Virgin Islands 6 History of Aquaponics Mari’s Gardens, HI (commercial system; organic certification) Green Sky Growers, FL Urban Organics, MN

7. Aquaponics is sustainable and eco-friendly 90% less water ¼ space needed Faster growth speed Aquaponics helps us to reduce negative impact on environment No herbicides No chemical pesticides No fungicides Improve food safety Highly flexible 7 Commercial Home Use Aquaponics v.s . Traditional Soil Farming

8. Disadvantages of Aquaponics Fish feeds are not designed for plants. (Fe, K, Ca, Mg, etc.) Expensive initial start-up costs than soil farming or hydroponics. Knowledge of fish and plant production and bacteria is needed. 8 Proximate Composition (%) of the commercial-used Fish Feed Composition (%FW) Protein 46 Fat 13 Ash 13 Fiber 2.5 Phosphorous 1.5 Moisture 11

9. Questions? Question? [email protected]