Seventh Generation Solutions
Seventh Generation Solutions: Aquaponics
History of Aquaponics
Aquaponics has been around for centuries. There have been origins of aquaponics within the Aztec civilization. The Aztecs developed a system of agriculture that utilized little islands known as Chinampas. They would grow their crops on these islands, never having to water or fertilize the soil. This is known to be one of the first concepts of aquaponics. Aquaponics is the true secret technology behind the wonders of the world and the powerful times of the Aztecs, Tiwanaku, and the abundance of ancient China.
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What is Aquaponics?
Aquaponics is the combination of aquaculture (raising fish) and hydroponics (the soil-less growing of plants) that grows fish and plants together creating a symbiotic relationship. The organic food source for the plants comes from the fish waste, and the plant's roots act as a natural filter, in return cleaning the water for the fish. In combining aquaculture and hydroponic systems, aquaponics really utilizes their benefits; thus creating an organic, self-sustaining system. Growing your own fully mature greens can be as easy as just feeding your fish. Crops in an aquaponics system can be grown 365 days a year. No need for soil, pesticides, or any harmful chemicals. Aquaponics also saves 99% more water than traditional farming and produces a drastically larger yield per year.
Microgreens are young seedlings of edible vegetables and herbs harvested less than 14 days after germination. They are usually about 1-3 inches long and come in a rainbow of colors, a which has made them popular in recent years as garnishes with chefs. Microgreens are excellent to add to salads and other meals. Packed with antioxidants and very nutritional vitamins, its safe to say microgreens are better for you than their mature selves.
In an aquaponics system, the fish provide nutrients in the form of their "waste," or excrement. This waste contains nitrogen in the form of ammonia, along with a variety of nutrients like phosphorus and potassium, too much of which can be toxic to fish. In addition, decaying fish food particles in the water contain helpful bacteria and trace nutrients that can help plants thrive. In essences, the natural waste from fish is the organic fertilizer for the plants. There is a hidden keystone participant in an aquaponics system and its microbes (nitrifying bacteria). This bacteria will convert ammonia from the fish waste first into nitrites, and then into nitrates. The plant's roots will uptake nutrients such as nitrates. Nitrates are a form of nitrogen that helps the plant grow a high yield of the crop. Solid fish waste is turned into vermicompost that also acts as food for the plants.
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