Understanding Aquaponics: The Basics
Aquaponics is a revolutionary farming technique that has been gaining popularity among urban farmers and home gardeners alike. Simply put, aquaponics is a combination of hydroponics and aquaculture. In this method, plants and fish are grown together in a closed-loop system, where the fish waste is used as a natural fertilizer for the plants, and the plants help clean the water for the fish.
How Does Aquaponics Work?
In an aquaponic system, fish are kept in a tank or pond, and their waste is collected and processed by bacteria that convert it into nitrates. The nutrient-rich water is then pumped into a grow bed where plants are grown. The plants absorb the nutrients and filter the water, which is then returned to the fish tank, creating a closed-loop system. This process mimics the natural ecosystem, where waste from one organism becomes food for another, creating a sustainable and efficient system.
Benefits of Aquaponics
Aquaponics has several benefits over traditional farming and gardening methods. Here are a few:
- Water Efficiency: Aquaponics uses 90% less water than traditional farming methods, making it an ideal solution for areas with water scarcity.
- Space Efficient: Aquaponics systems can be designed to fit in small spaces, making it a viable option for urban gardening.
- Sustainable: Aquaponics creates a closed-loop system, which means it requires very little external inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides.
- Healthier Produce: Aquaponically grown produce is free from harmful chemicals, and the plants have access to all the necessary nutrients, resulting in healthier and tastier produce.
The Best Aquaponics in the World: A Tour
Now that we’ve established the basics of aquaponics let’s take a tour of some of the best aquaponic farms in the world.
Ouroboros Farms
Located in California, Ouroboros Farms is one of the largest commercial aquaponic farms in the United States. Their 24,000 sq. ft. greenhouse is home to over 100,000 fish and produces over 100,000 lbs. of leafy greens annually. They have developed a unique system called “ebb and flow” that allows them to recycle the water used in their system, making them one of the most sustainable aquaponic farms in the world.
Urban Organics
Urban Organics is a commercial aquaponic farm located in St. Paul, Minnesota. They grow a variety of leafy greens and herbs, using a vertical aquaponic system that maximizes space efficiency. Their system also includes a fish hatchery, allowing them to raise their own fish, which helps reduce their carbon footprint.
Growing Underground
Growing Underground is a unique aquaponic farm located in London, England. They have converted an abandoned WWII air raid shelter into an underground farm that uses hydroponics and aquaponics to grow a variety of herbs and microgreens. Their closed-loop system uses LED lights instead of natural light, making it possible to grow fresh produce year-round.
ECF Farmsystems
ECF Farmsystems is a commercial aquaponic farm located in Berlin, Germany. They operate one of the largest aquaponic farms in Europe and supply fresh produce to supermarkets, restaurants, and food service companies. They have developed a unique modular system that allows them to scale their operation quickly and efficiently.
Conclusion
Aquaponics is a sustainable and efficient farming method that has the potential to revolutionize the way we grow and consume produce. The farms we’ve toured are just a few examples of the innovative and creative ways aquaponics can be used to produce fresh and healthy produce. As our world becomes more urbanized, and our resources become scarcer, aquaponics may be the solution we need to feed our growing population sustainably.