Aquaponics



The CASTLES class is excited to begin a new unit in aquaponics.

What is Aquaponics?

** Aquaponics or integrated hydroponic **s is the ** symbiotic cultivation of plants and aquatic animals in a re-circulating environment **. Aquatic animal waste matter (accumulates in water as a by-product of keeping them in a closed system or tank. The effluent-rich water becomes high in plant nutrients but this is also toxic to the aquatic animal. In this re-circulating system ** the plants are grown in a way that enables them to utilize the nutrient-rich water **. As the plants feed on the nutrients, the water's toxicity for the aquatic animal is reduced or eliminated. The water, now clean, is returned to the aquatic animal environment and the cycle continues. Aquaponic systems do not discharge or. ** The systems rely on the natural relationship between the aquatic animals and the plants to maintain the environment **. The only time that water is added, is to replace water loss from absorption by the plants or evaporation into the air. Aquaponic systems vary in size from small indoor units to large commercial units. They can use fresh or salt water depending on the aquatic animal and vegetation. ** There are unique advantages to Aquaponics. ** // Some of these include: // * Preservation through constant water reuse and recycling.  ** * Organic fertilization of plants with natural fish waste. **


 * The reduction of needed cropland to produce like crops.
 * * The overall reduction of environmental footprint for crop production. **

Information found at http://www.greenearthtraveler.org/aquaponic-gardening-what-aquaponics.html.
 * Small efficient commercial installations can be built close to markets therefore reducing the amount of miles food must travel.

 [|About aquaponics] [|More about Aquaponics]

 Mrs. Wotton along with 4 other teachers at Lura Libby School received a grant from the Georges River Education Fund to start aquaponics in their classrooms, the teachers attended training at the Herring Gut Learning Center in Port Clyde. It was a fun learning experience. The Herring Gut Learning Center has summer programs for children to learn more go to the link below.

 [|Herring Gut Learning Center]

