U8L7 Aquaponics Flashcards
What is aquaculture?
The growing of fish in a closed environment
What is hydroponics?
The growing of plants in a soil-less environment
What is aquaponics?
The combination of aquaculture and hydroponics
What does aquaponics rely on to grow plants?
This method relies on reusing fish effluent, or waste, to supply nutrients and grow plants.
In aquaponics how does fish waste provide nutrients for plants?
In an aquaponics system, bacteria and other microbes in the water break down the fish waste into a nutrient solution for the growing vegetables. The plants absorb the nutrients from the water, cleaning the water before being recirculated back into the fish tanks.
When did aquaponics start?
The practice has been used since the thirteenth century by both Aztec and Chinese civilizations.
Describe how aquaponics looked like in Aztec and Chinese civilizations?
The Aztecs created movable islands called chinampas, where they grew crops such as maize, beans, squash, and chilies. Several ancient Chinese texts provide references of combining rice and fish farming. The practice is still very common in Taiwan, Japan, and India.
What is aquaponics a solution to?
To the problem of large amounts of waste from fish farms. An aquatic environment with fish provides the moisture and nutrients plants require and eliminates soil-borne pests. The plants regulate the algae blooms and provide cover for fish.
What is the definition of aquaponics?
The farming of plants and aquatic animals in a recirculating environment
Describe the step on how a aquaponics system work.
- Fish are given food
- Uneaten fish food and fish waste turn into ammonia
- Ammonia-rich water from the fish tank is pumped to the grow bed
- Bacteria or microbes in the grow bed convert the ammonia in the water to nitrites and then nitrates
- Plants aerate the water and absorb the nitrates as food
- Ammonia-free water is pumped back in the fish tank, which provides a suitable living environment for the fish
How is aquaponics beneficial to the environment?
Fertilizers
Conventional farming practices can deplete the soil of important nutrients, especially nitrogen. Because of this, farmers must apply fertilizers. Fertilizers increase crop production, but can get washed away in runoff. They pollute waterways and are responsible for creating overgrowth of algae, called algal blooms, which can kill other aquatic life. In aquaponics systems, fish waste (ammonia) is converted to fertilizer (nitrate) by microbes.
What is aquaponics beneficial when it comes to farming in different habitats?
Aquaponics systems can be located anywhere. They can produce crops exactly where they’re needed, such as cold northern climates, in deserts, and even in the middle of large cities.
Currently, much of the produce consumed in the United States is grown in Central and South America. This requires fossil fuel and causes air pollution. How can aquaponics help this problem?
Producing food locally could cut down on that pollution.
What is the disadvantage of aquaponics?
Cost
One disadvantage is that the initial set-up costs of aquaponics are higher than traditional growing costs. Aquaponics is often more profitable when implemented on a large scale.
What is the advantage when it comes to aquaponics?
growing seasons
Conventional farms have limited growing seasons, which limit the harvest. Aquaponics systems are often inside greenhouses or artificially lit grow houses. Growing plants indoors allows planting and harvesting to occur year-round. This increased productivity allows smaller plots of land to produce more food. Using less land for agriculture reduces energy use and pollution.
