Richard bray
Download 367.2 Kb.
|
|
Hydroponics
Nattawud Groodngoen/Shutterstock.com Many of the principles of a successful hydroponic system correlate to a successful aquaponic system. Hydroponics is a production method where plants are grown in water, either on floating rafts or in soilless media. The necessary nutrients are supplemented with fertilizers, and the water is aerated to provide enough oxygen for the roots to function properly. The most important factors when operating a hydroponic system are: • Temperature • Light • Nutrients
Hydroponic systems can yield up to twelve times the amount of produce as traditional agriculture, but they do take more energy to maintain. Consistent tracking of temperature, pH, and nutrient content are imperative for a healthy system. Pipes and fittings need to be examined on a regular basis to make sure algae growth has not clogged emitters and that there are no leaks. Ventilation and lighting need to be maintained to avoid pests and diseases, and the entire operation may need a greenhouse depending :n the climate zone. While hydroponic systems do take more work, the harvesting and slanting process is much easier than traditional agriculture. There is no need to weed, which means there’s also no need for harmful herbicides. Plants are grown at waist-height, which makes it much easier to physically monitor them. A closed system allows more control over the environment, and it’s possible to formulate the exact nutrient requirements of each crop for maximum yield. Overall, hydroponic systems are an incredibly high-yield production method, and it has made urban farming a viable source of fresh produce. However, hydroponic systems don't generate their own nutrients, which is what makes it a perfect pair with aquaculture. Aquaculture Mati Nitibhon/Shutterstock.com Aquaculture is simply the farming of aquatic animals for food. Marine aquaculture is the breeding and harvesting of marine animals; anything from oysters and seaweed to yellowtail and giant perch. Freshwater aquaculture farms catfish, bass, trout, and other fish in man-made ponds and lakes. Aquaculture is a large industry, and aquaponics is not truly a merging of hydroponics and aquaculture. Rather, it is a mixture of hydroponics and recirculating freshwater finfish aquaculture, although some systems incorporate crawfish and mussels. Salt kills plants, so this eliminates all marine aquaculture species from possible uses in aquaponics. The most important factors in freshwater finfish aquaculture systems
Hobby-sized aquaculture is quite simple; dig a pond, fill it with water, and add fish. There are some containment methods that make harvest easier, but most freshwater aquaculture systems use ponds for growing fish, and only use tanks for breeding purposes. Aquaponics combines the concepts of hydroponics and aquaculture, but not necessarily the methods. Practically speaking, aquaponics is adding fish into a hydroponic system. Fish replace the need for synthetic fertilizers, but also make the process more difficult to maintain. positive byproduct is harvesting the fish, but the rain focus is growing nutritious produce. Therefore, most aquaponic systems and research focuses on how to keep the fish happy enough to supply nutrition for plant growth. Konrad Mostert/Shutterstock.com Download 367.2 Kb. Do'stlaringiz bilan baham: 
|