What Is Aquaponics? A More Sustainable Modern Farming!

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In an era that increasingly emphasizes the importance of sustainability, green jobs are one of the developing sectors. Among the jobs, aquaponics has become a sector with big chances.

Aquaponics is the modern agricultural system combining fish and plant cultivation in one sustainable ecosystem. In this system, your plants will absorb the nutrients from the fish pond under.

Not only is it eco-friendly, but aquaponics is advantageous. According to Jurnal Sosial Ekonomi dan Perikanan Universitas Halu Oleo, income from the aquaponic system can reach tens of millions of rupiah. Tempting, isn’t it?

With efficient use of land and resources, many people are interested in aquaponics as a future agricultural solution. This article will explain what an aquaponics system is, its components, and its benefits. Read more below!

What Is Aquaponics?

Aquaponics is a sustainable agricultural system leveraging symbiosis between fish and plants. The water in the fish pond, rich in ammonia, will flow to the planting medium. Then, it will be absorbed by the plants as nutrients.

The aquaponics system allows the ammonia-rich water to be filtered by the plants and returned to the pond. This process will be repeated, making both plants and fish benefit from each other.

Aquaponics is famous for its water efficiency. According to Jurnal Akuatika Indonesia Universitas Padjadjaran, this system can save water up to 97% compared to common fish cultivation. Interesting, right?

What Is the Difference Between Aquaponics and Hydroponics?

Many people are still confused about aquaponics and hydroponics. In brief, both systems are similar. Yet, if you learn more, both have different principles. Aquaponics uses fish, and hydroponics does not.

Next, aquaponics and hydroponics have different nutrient sources. Generally, hydroponics uses synthetic liquid nutrients as fertilizers. Various important nutrients, such as nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium, are provided externally by farmers.

On the other hand, aquaponics uses fish waste containing ammonia. It can turn into nitrite and nitrate compounds by the bacteria to provide nutrients.

Aquaponics Components

To build an optimal aquaponics system, there are several aquaponics components you should prepare. Every part has an important role in balancing the ecosystem between fish and plants. Read more below:

1. Water Tub

One of the primary components for aquaponics is a water tub for the fish. This tub is used to cultivate the fish, which later produce manure. The size and type of tank must be adjusted to the number of fish cultivated.

Later on, the water in the tub will flow to the planting system. That’s why you must pay attention to the condition and quality of the water. In an aquaponics system, the water flows using a water pump that cycles through the filtration by the plants.

2. Planting Medium

Planting medium works to support the roots and help with the water filtration process. Some planting media commonly used are expanded clay aggregate, gravel, and sand. The main function of the planting medium is to provide a place for bacteria to produce nitrogen from fish waste.

3. Water Pump

The water pump works to flow the water from the tub to the planting medium and back to the tub. This system must run continuously to make plants get enough nutrients, and the fish do not lack oxygen.

4. Filtration System

Filtration is an important component of aquaponics that maintains the water quality. This system contains a mechanical filter that strains fish waste and a biological filter that turns ammonia into nitrate. That way, the fish will be healthy and the plants will grow well.

5. Fitting Plants and Fish

Not all fish and plants can go well in an aquaponics system. The fish that is commonly used for aquaponics is easily maintained, stress-resistant, temperature-tolerant, and produces enough waste. Among them are tilapia, catfish, and carp.

Meanwhile, plants suitable for this system are leafy plants that do not require soil media and a wide space, such as lettuce, spinach, water spinach, onion, and tomato.

6. Nitrogen-Carrying Microorganism

The bacterial species, such as Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter, are involved in the aquaponics system. These two naturally occurring microorganisms help convert fish waste into compounds that plants can absorb. In fact, ammonia from fish waste can damage the system if these bacteria are absent.

Benefits of Aquaponics for Urban Farming

Aquaponics has great benefits for those who want to garden but do not have enough land, like those living in the city. By leveraging the limited land, aquaponics can be a solution for urban people who want to garden.

1. Double Cultivation

One of the most interesting benefits of aquaponics is that you can cultivate two products at once. Aside from getting fresh vegetables, you can harvest the fish for a protein source. This is more beneficial than hydroponics or conventional gardening.

2. Better Products

Because the plants get natural nutrients from fish waste, the products are considered healthier and free from additional chemicals. In addition, the fish has higher quality because it lives in a maintained ecosystem and clean water.

3. Saving Land

The next benefit is land efficiency. This system can be implemented in houses with limited yard, rooftop, corridor, or even inside the house with manmade light. However, you will have to install some lighting fixtures for a better experience.

4. Flexibility

One of the benefits of aquaponics is its flexibility in placement. With the aid of grow lights, aquaponics can be established indoors. Because of this, more people can begin farming even if they do not have a vast yard.

5. Getting Close to Sustainable Living

Aquaponics is in line with the concept of sustainable living. All sources are used efficiently, and the waste can be recycled. With this system, you can be independent in fulfilling your food needs without harming the environment.

Now, you already know one of the green jobs you can do, which is aquaponics. The aquaponics system is one of the applications of a more sustainable lifestyle in the agricultural sector.

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