Abstract
Aquaponics is the integration of hydroponic system with recirculating aquaculture that removes waste and metabolites produced by farmed fish from the environment through nitrification and their absorption by plants. In the present study, the production of hybrid red tilapia and plants in two homegrown aquaponic systems was investigated at different salinities.
Aquaponics production plays a role in preserving water, soil, the environment, and food security. In the present study, the combined production of tilapia and edible plant products and fodder in two separate aquaponic systems with different salinities was investigated on a home scale, with a space of 1 m³ for fish farming and 3 m³ for plant cultivation, over a period of 7 months. The production rate of hybrid red tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) was 21.6 kg/m³ in Set 1 (salinity 2.3 ppt) and 20.9 kg/m³ in Set 2 (salinity 11 ppt). During the seven-month production period on 3 m² of cultivation area, in Set 1, peppermint (Mentha piperita), beet (Beta vulgaris), and arugula (Eruca sativa) had significant yields of 28.6 kg, 28 kg, and 13.7 kg, respectively, while in Set 2, glasswort (Salicornia sp.) had a good yield of 64.8 kg. Combined fish and plant production in home aquaponic systems, with the aim of constant access to fresh and healthy food, plays an important role in providing household food and contributing to the local economy, especially in small and rural communities.