Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Aquaculture Hydroponics As The Solution To Urban Food Problems

By William Cole


The technology is not well understood across the world. There are several questions people are still asking, and most people are unsure if it is the way to go given the increasing campaigns for healthy food products. This can be described as a revolution I the way farming is done. It is unique in several aspects and gives 100% organic products. Aquaculture Hydroponics is simply a combination of hydroponics and aquaculture. It can easily be set up at home and works very well for highly congested places.

Aquaponics is a product of hydroponics and Aquaculture. Aquaculture is the word used to describe fish farming for consumption. The fish is kept in the ponds and all requirements are provided up to the point when the fish gains the desirable weight when they can be harvested for consumption. The challenge in this farming method is that the pond water has to be changed regularly to avoid accumulation of ammonia (fish excrement) that is toxic to fish when left to accumulate.

The second farming method involved is the Aquaculture which is a technique that has been used in fish farming for the purpose of consumption. The two farming techniques produce waste, and the waste produced can meet each other's food requirement.

Aquaculture on the other hands is not a new farming technology as per say> it has been in existence for decades. It involves growing fish in ponds for consumption purpose. The fish grown in ponds requires feeding. The main challenge associated with aquaculture is the need to frequently change the water to minimize the toxic effect of ammonia (fish excrement). When left to accumulate, it becomes poisonous and can wipe out all the fish in the pond in a matter of hours.

The fish excrement contains ammonia, and if left to accumulate unchecked, it becomes toxic and kills fish plus any other marine life in the pond. However, ammonia is known to decompose naturally in the presence of oxygen. All that is needed is two harmless bacteria strains which decompose it to nitrates. Nitrates are very beneficial to the plants, and are the main component of most organic and inorganic fertilizers.

This is the solution to the growing human challenges like climate change, increased human population and urbanization that have all contributed to dwindling food sources. It also offers a perfect solution to health conscious members of the population by providing 100% organic food products.

Rapid growth in population, climate change and expansion of urban centers has all contributed to a reduction farming activity. Vegetables, fruits and other agricultural products have become very expensive and almost out of reach to many middle income earners and low income households. Those who can afford the vegies are also demanding 100% organic products given the increase in chronic ailments linked to poor eating habits and consumption of chemicals like lead and other metals that are highly concentrated in some food products.

The popular plants in Aquaponics include the lettuce, the salad greens, and basil among others. In a commercial setting, the high fish population can support tomatoes, peppers, melons, cucumbers, strawberry, and others fruits. The system has a well-controlled temperature, moisture and light. Generally, the crops are considered the primary products while the fish is considered the secondary produce. The kits used in this technology are designed to support a large crop population in a area and the technique is therefore suitable for highly populated urban centers, deserts and other places with inadequate water and space.




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