Aquaponics Vs Hydroponics: The Ultimate Comparison
Are you looking for a more efficient way to grow plants in space or on Earth? Are you interested in sustainable agriculture but don't know where to start? Two methods that are gaining popularity for these purposes are aquaponics and hydroponics. But which is better for you?
What Is Aquaponics And How Does It Work?
Aquaponics is a method of growing food that combines aquaculture - the raising of fish - with hydroponics - the growing of plants without soil. Fish are raised in a tank, and the food they eat creates waste in the form of ammonia. A bacteria called Nitrosomonas break down ammonia into Nitrite, another bacteria called Nitrobacter, then convert Nitrite to Nitrate, a form of fertilizer that plants can absorb. The water from the fish tank is pumped through the plant's growing bed, where the plants absorb the Nitrate and clean the water for the fish to cycle again.
What Is Hydroponics And How Does It Work?
Hydroponics is a method of growing plants in a soilless environment, where nutrients are supplied through water. The roots of the plants are suspended in a nutrient-rich solution and are not confined to a small area like soil. Hydroponics can be done in various ways, such as nutrient film technique (NFT), deep water culture (DWC), and ebb and flow.
Aquaponics Vs Hydroponics: Which One Is Better?
Both aquaponics and hydroponics have their advantages and disadvantages.
Water Usage
Aquaponics requires 90% less water than traditional farming, while hydroponics uses 70% less water than traditional farming.
Nutrient Management
Aquaponics requires fewer inputs to produce plants because the fish waste provides nutrients to plants, while hydroponics requires the grower to manage nutrient levels in the water solution.
Yield
Aquaponics can produce higher yields than hydroponics because of the symbiotic relationship between fish and plants in the closed-loop system. However, it is worth noting that the type of plant and the environment can affect the yield in both methods.
Fish
One added benefit of aquaponics is the ability to raise fish, which can be a source of food, fertilizer, and income. Hydroponic systems typically don’t involve live animals.
Which One To Choose?
In conclusion, the choice between aquaponics and hydroponics depends on your specific needs and resources. If you prefer a closed-loop system with a sustainable source of protein, aquaponics may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more straightforward method of soil-less farming and can manage nutrient levels, hydroponics might be the better option.
What do you think? Let us know in the comments!
References
- Hydroponic Society of America. (2018). Benefits of Hydroponics. oocs.org/benefits-of-hydroponics
- Murray Hallam. (2014). How Aquaponics Works. practicalaquaponics.com/aquaponics
- USDA. (2015). Aquaponics - Integration of Hydroponics with Aquaculture. nacaa.com/conference/proceedings/documents/2015/06/integration-of-hydroponics-with-aquaculture.pdf