Aquaponics System

Agriculture 4.0 New Techniques: Hydroponics, Aeroponics, Aquaponics

Hydroponics, Aquaponics, Aeroponics are examples of Agriculture 4.0 techniques that let farmers use the minimum quantities, ability to grow crops in arid areas and use abundant & clean sources such as the sun and seawater to grow food.

Hydroponics is growing plants in an environment where roots are ‘submerged’ in a continuous flow of nutrient based water, You can learn more about Hydroponics system on this article[Click Here].

Aeroponics: The plants roots hang in the air & a sprinkler system sprays them with nutrient based water rather than it being submerged.

Aquaponics is a hybrid system that combines the best of aquaculture [raising fish] and hydroponics. “According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Aquaculture is the farming of aquatic organisms including fish, molluscs, crustaceans and aquatic plants. Farming implies some form of intervention in the rearing process to enhance production, such as regular stocking, feeding, protection from predators, etc.”

Adding fish into the equation create a natural ecosystem in which fish, plants, and bacteria flourish off each other. The waste from fish and the living bacteria in an Aquaponics system delivers all of the nutrients that the plants need. This eliminates the need for a nutrient solution mixed with chemicals.

How does Aquaponics System work?

Aquaponics Cycle for producing Crops & Fishorganic Vegetables and Fish

In an Aquaponics setup, water from the fish tank is recirculated throughout the system passing through the grow beds, where crops are steadily being cultivated. The fish will naturally excrete waste. The waste mixes with the water, increasing the ammonia levels. The plants absorb dissolved nutrients in the water and process ammonia, which is highly toxic to fish in increased levels. Normally, fish tanks are regulated by biological that neutralize ammonia to reduce the impact of feces on the fish.

Exchanging the waste by-product from the fish as a food for the bacteria, to be converted into a perfect fertilizer for the plants, to return the water in a clean and safe form to the fish. Just like mother nature does in every aquatic ecosystem.

Aquaponics is an improvement of Hydroponics system

Aquaponics system like the Hydroponics system is a very suitable for small spaces and you will grow plants and raise fish in the same system.

Aquaponics is ZERO waste!, Water in hydroponics needs to be discharged periodically because of the salts and chemicals built up in it But Aquaponics systems achieve a natural nitrogen balance that is the hallmark of an established ecosystem.

Nutrients: Aquaponics relies on natural biological processes and is rewarded through better growth, less maintenance, and lower disease rates over time. If you can’t beat Mother Nature, you might as well join forces with her.

Aquaponics Market Growth

The growth in the global population has increased the pressure to boost the yield of crops especially fruits, vegetables and herbs and improvement in urban farming system. Rising awareness about the health benefits of fish consumption and organic food is supporting the growth of aquaponics market. Increasing use of aquaponics for research purpose is also driving the market growth. Growing popularity of aquaponics among farmers and individuals due to its cost advantages benefits and as a sustainable system is playing a key role in the growth of aquaponics market.

Global aquaponics market is expected to reach approximately USD 1.3 billion by 2024, growing at a CAGR of around 10% between 2018 and 2024 [Report source].

Although the initial Cost of aquaponics [as well hydroponics system], high Electricity consumption and well educated labor of farmers on Fishing, technology are challenges of Aquaponics system, but it is considered as a best technique with a great yield of organic food of crops and Fish. Also flexibility for commercial, individuals, and education.