Aquaponics Program Nearing
How many of you are familiar with the term aquaponics? Many of us have likely heard the term but may not exactly clear on what it actually means. In short, aquaponics is an integrated aquaculture (growing fish) and hydroponic (growing plants) system that mutually benefits both environments. Aquaponics uses no chemicals, requires one tenth or 10% of the water needed for field plant production and only a fraction of the water that is used for fish culture.
So how does it work? The waste from fish tanks is treated with natural bacteria that converts the waste, largely ammonia, first to nitrite and then to nitrate. The fish waste absorbed by plants is pumped to a bio-filter system as a nutrient solution for the growing plants. The only external input to the system is food for the fish. Both systems complement each other as a single unit, not as separate units.
Once the system is initialized the water stays Ph balanced and remains crystal clear. The water is recycled with a small amount of water added weekly to compensate for what is lost by evaporation and transpiration by the vegetables. Aquaponics has been described as the future of home gardening and commercial fresh food production.
To learn more, join us for “Aquaponic Potential” on Saturday, May 9th from 10 a.m.-3:15 p.m. at the BCRAGD Office. Cost is $15 and lunch will be served. This will be a hands on workshop with the San Antonio Aquaponic and Transfarming Group. Don’t miss out on a great educational program opportunity! To register, contact the Extension Office at 830-796-7755.
Categories: Uncategorized
