Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Analysis Of Plant Biomass Production Comparing Decoupled Aquaponics Against Equivalent Single-Loop Aquaponic And Hydroponic Systems Growing Lactuca Sativa, Haley Luise Lucas

Theses and Dissertations

Aquaponics is an emerging method of agriculture in which fish and plants are grown in an enclosed and recirculating environment. The method mimics a relationship found in nature where fish waste provides nutrients for plants and plants cleanse the water for the benefit of the fish. This symbiotic relationship has proven to be a sustainable method of agriculture in which there is less water use, no need for pesticides or herbicides, recycling of nutrient waste and a smaller spatial footprint. However, the production of both plants and fish in a recirculating aquaponics system has produced less yield and profit when …