Global warming is an alarming threat to natural resources and it is very important to look for eco-friendly methods that help in sustaining the environment. Large-scale farming, use of chemicals and pesticides has not only degraded the quality of agricultural products but has also degraded the quality of the soil. That is why it becomes imperative to look for options that are environment-friendly and sustainable.
Aquaponics is one such method that is widely used by farmers and agriculturists to get better quality products without degrading quality and productivity of the land. Aquaponic in Australia is widely used by organic farmers to increase the productivity without harming the environment and increase the sustainable organic crop production.
What is Aquaponics?
Aquaponics combines the use of aquaculture (cultivating fish) and hydroponics (growing plants without using soil) this involves growing of plants and fish together in an integrated system. Aquaponics utilizes the symbiotic combination of fish and plants in which the plants utilize the waste excreted by the fish to grow and on the other hand the plants clean up the water that is used by the fish.
At the same time, microbial organisms (nitrifying bacteria) play a very important role in Aquaponics. They help in converting the ammonia from the waste discharged by the fish to nitrites and further into nitrates. Further, the converted nitrates are taken up by the plants for growth. Solid wastes can also be converted into vermicompost that can be used by the plants as food.
Aquaponic holds a strong presence in the future for sustainable organic crop production, water preservation and fish culture. Furthermore, this type of indoor farming can be widely used by individuals, farmers, entrepreneurs, and government to save the environment.
Why is Aquaponic a game changer for sustainable organic crop production?
• Aquaponics is based on an idea that involves recycling of water rich in nutrients without interruptions.
• Aquaponics uses less water for cultivation which is 1/10th of what is used in soil based gardening and also lesser than what is used in hydroponics.
• It effectively eliminates the growth of weed and unwanted insects.
• It is a natural method for cultivation of crops. It eliminates the use of harmful chemicals like petrochemicals, insecticides, pesticides etc.
• Crops cultivated through Aquaponics are organic, healthy, fresh and tastier.
• Since there is no soil used in cultivation it eliminates the chances of any kind of soil-borne diseases.
• You can put the Aquaponic system anywhere indoors, outdoors, in a greenhouse or in the basement depending on your choice.
• You can control the temperature to cultivate the fish as well as grow the plants.
What can be grown in an Aquaponic System?
It is very important to select the fish and the plants for your Aquaponic system that have the same requirement of ph and temperature. Generally, warm and freshwater fish alongside leafy green veggies like cabbage, lettuce, greens, and herbs are best for Aquaponic culture. That being said you can grow other vegetables like beans, cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach and the list goes on and on.
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