The discovery of agriculture was the wisest step toward a civilized life. Hence, agriculture has been practised for millennia.
So, here we gladly present you with a new farming technique, “aquaponics cultivation”.
Cultivating Ideas for Growth!
What is Aquaponics Farming?
Aquaponics farming is a sustainable blend of aquaculture and hydroponics, i.e. raising both fish and vegetables.
Nitrifying bacteria convert fish waste and serve as a plant’s organic nutrient source. In return, the plant roots filter the water and aid fish to stay alive.
With this type of indoor farming (aquaponics farming), you can grow sustainable food with fewer inputs of water and labour. Therefore, an aquaponics farm is a great idea among urban growers to maximize food yield.
So, How Does Aquaponics Farming Work?
In aquaponics farming, plants are grown in a grow bed, and fish are placed in a fish tank. The nutrient-rich water of the fish tank feeds the grow bed. This is where billions of bacteria break the ammonia into nitrites and into nitrates.
Further, plants absorb these nitrates and grow. Finally, the plant’s roots filter out the water before refilling it to the fish tank. Hence, the clean and oxygenated water recirculates to the fish tank, and the cycle repeats.
Aquaponics Vertical Farming
Aquaponics offers a bunch of system designs for anyone with limited space. One such particular is the vertical aquaponics system.
Aquaponics Vertical Farming is a method that grows vertically above a fish tank. Moreover, this method is popular among farmers because it is water-efficient and saves space allowing maximum use of verticals to grow crops and raise fisheries.
Further, the Vertical aquaponics cultivation system uses the nutrient film technique (NFT), allowing plants to grow in long, narrow pipes.
What are The Benefits of Aquaponics Farming: Is Aquaponics Farm Really Sustainable?
Agrarian experts suggest that the benefits of aquaponics farming are immense, making them a unique and sustainable farming solution. Some of the benefits of aquaponics farming that we experience are:
- The yield is nearly six times more than traditional farming.
- Aquaponics accounts for 90% less water usage.
- It is practised in a controlled environment, so there are fewer chances of pests and diseases.
- No need for any artificial fertilizer, as fish waste acts as the natural fertilizer for plants.
- No need to own expensive land as aquaponics can be started even in your backyard.
- Efficient and reusable resources decrease the operating cost of the aquaponics farm.
Seeing all such benefits, we can agree that Aquaponics Farming is sustainable! Do you know Precision Farming could also lead to your sustainability goals? Find Out- What is Precision Farming? Technologies & Applications
Aquaponics VS Hydroponics
Well, urban growers have been practising sustainable solutions for years now. Both aquaponics and hydroponics are soilless methods of crop production. However, the primary difference we would highlight is aquaponics uses fish waste, while in hydroponics, we dilute nutrients in the water.
| Aquaponics | Hydroponics | |
| Definition | It clubs both aquaculture and hydroponics. That is growing both plants and fish. | Growing plants without soil, using the nutrient solution. |
| Nutrients Used | Fish waste | Artificial nutrients |
| Cost | Cost-effective | Less cost-effective |
| Start-up Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Productivity | Higher | Lower |
| Maintenance | It only requires a little maintenance because aquaponics mimics nature. | Requires more maintenance because of the chemical nutrients and regular water replacement. |
| PH | The ideal pH range is 6.8 to 7.0. | The ideal oH range is 5.5 to 6.0. |
Do you know about modern farming practices like Extensive Farming? Read now!
Everything You Need To Know About Extensive Farming In India
Requirements To Start An Aquaponic Farm
Doesn’t matter what technique you use to grow; the aquaponics farming system requires the following set of instruments:
1. Fish Tank
The tank is a primary instrument to raise the fish and feed them. The volume of the fish tank depends upon the farming goal. For example, a small tank would be a good kickstart for aquaponics farming at home. However, a big tank is durable for commercial purposes.
2. Air Pump
The air pump is the instrument to maintain the oxygen level of the fish tank. It is necessary to retain the balance of oxygen to maintain the health and growth of fish. However, the air pump is optional if you constantly change the water.
3. Fish Feed
No fish waste will be produced without fish feed. So, it is important to feed your fish on time. Also, if you plan to do more sustainable and organic farming, it is recommended to buy organic fish feed.
4. PH Balancer
The pH balancer is among those key elements you shouldn’t avoid in aquaponic farming. This is because the fish waste turns water acidic. And such an environment is neither suitable for fish, plants or bacteria. Therefore, maintaining the pH of the fish tank for the best results is very important.
5. Water
How would you forget the water? Nothing is possible without it. Always use normal tap water to initiate the process. Also, ensure the water is not acidic and check whether it is too filtered to lack some essential minerals.
Plants And Fishes Of Aquaponics Farming
You might wonder which fish and plants can be raised through Aquaponics farming.
So, friends, here is the list:
Fishes Of Aquaponics Farming
| Trout | Catfish |
| Bass | Salmon |
| Tilapia | Ornamental Fish |
Plants Of Aquaponics Farming
| Lettuce | Spinach |
| Herbs | Mint |
| Chives | Wheatgrass |
| Parsley | Oregano |
| Rosemary | Lavender |
| Thyme | Leafy Greens |
| Tomatoes | Cauliflower |
| Cabbage | Peppers |
| Strawberries | Radish Sprouts |
Consider Growing These – Top 10 Vegetables of Summer to Grow on Your Farm.
Aquaponics Advantages And Disadvantages
Aquaponics is a relatively modern concept and is still under trial. However, it is being tested out in places where the unfavourable weather doesn’t allow crop growth. Moreover, it has yet to become a universal solution.
We know that every system comes with both advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, aquaponics farming isn’t immune to it.
Advantages Of Aquaponics Farming
- Aquaponics farming is a more sustainable, intensive and carbon-neutral system.
- It offers a multi-channel income source for farmers comprising fish and plant production.
- Aquaponics is water efficient.
- Similarly, It does not require soil or large spaces of land.
- Aquaponics plants do not use fertilizer, pesticides, and other chemicals. Therefore, it is organic and chemical-free.
- Also, Aquaponics cultivation is soilless, removing debilitating tasks like weeding and digging.
- All-year-round cultivation is one of the biggest benefits of aquaponics farming.
Disadvantages Of Aquaponics Farming
- The Aquaponics farming system is expensive to set up.
- It requires daily maintenance.
- And, you need professionals in fish, bacteria, and aquaponics plant production.
- Moreover, it also requires a reliable electricity source.
Winding Up!
Aquaponics Farming in India is still evolving. One of the reasons for such a stagnant growth rate is the high capital requirement. However, the operational cost is lower than the initial cost.
Hence, with increasing urbanization, global food is rising at a high pace while, on the other hand, the land under cultivation is decreasing. In such a global scenario, there is a demand and supply gap!
It is just the factor of time when people will start growing their own food, and thus we expect a rising in innovative techniques like Aquaponics Farming in India.
So, to keep an uptick with new farming techniques, keep reading Tractor Junction Blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is aquaponics considered organic in India?
Experts have found Aquaponics farming as a more sustainable technique of organic agriculture and comprise a symbiotic combination of aquaculture and hydroponics.
2. What is the main objective of aquaponic farming?
The sustainable community believes that the main objective of aquaponic farming is to grow plants using aquatic animal waste.
3. What kills fish in aquaponics?
Unionized ammonia concentrations in a fish tank are fatal for fish.
4. How is an aquaponics system a sustainable solution?
Aquaponics farming provides the plant with everything it needs, nutrients, oxygen and water in perfect combination and sustainable through natural sources like a fish waste.
5. What is the pH level in aquaponics?
Experts recommend that the ideal pH level in aquaponics must be between 6.8 and 7.0.
6. What is difference between aquaponics vs hydroponics?
- Aquaponics is a process of growing fish and plants together through a sustainable process in the same environment.
- Hydroponics is a gardening type that allows you to grow crops without the use of soil.
Related Link –
Walnut Farming in India
Horticulture Farming in India
