Should farmers use aquaponics?

Aquaponics has many advantages that speak to a world becoming more and more aware of environmental degradation and the downsides of industrial-grade food production. Those downsides include an increasing dependency on chemicals and declining levels of critical nutrients, which leave even those who consume a well balanced diet the need to supplement with artificial vitamins. Aquaponics uses as much as 90% less water than traditional soil agriculture, and requires no fertilizer, pesticides, weedkillers or fungicides. Since aquaponics do not depend on depleted soils for their nutrients, the vegetables and fruits produced are far more nutritious. In addition, plants grown in aquaponic systems grow faster and spend less energy developing a root system to search for available water - they can concentrate their energy on producing abundant fruits, lush greens and plump tubers. The opportunity to produce a full spectrum food source that includes animal protein is an ideal solution to the need for efficiency in food production. Perhaps most importantly, as arable land becomes scarce and more expensive, aquaponics can be sited almost anywhere, indoors or out. Unused warehouses, abandoned city lots, even narrow alleyways can become productive spaces providing fresh food far from traditional farming districts.

Aquaponics won’t completely replace traditional farming in the foreseeable future, of course. Some crops that are staples in most diets, such as wheat, rice, and corn, don’t translate efficiently to hydroponics setups, especially in the mass amounts needed to fulfill worldwide consumption needs. The expense of initial aquaponics setups and difficulty in scaling to commercial production rates also limit entry into the technique. Availability of electricity can be a problem in remote or underdeveloped areas, although that’s a problem where alternative energy sources can be exploited. So some disadvantages exist, but none are unique to aquaponics. Cost-wise, the expense of cultivators, harvesters, and large irrigation setups is just as daunting. Chemicals, diseases and adverse weather events are significant risks that can be largely mitigated in the controlled environment of a hydroponics operation.


Liners by BTL

AquaArmor Pond Liner

The most versatile liner on the market today, AquaArmor maximizes protection from harmful UV rays, tear resistance and punctures that cause leaks. Simply the best liner on the market.

Newest Articles: