I think the future of aquaponics is small, decentralized growing systems that will be set up in cities and towns throughout the world. I see that there will be large aquaponics facilities, like there is for say hydroponic tomatoes, but the major use will be small systems in urban areas.” |
Aquaponics: The Future of Self-Sustainability
Aquaponics is a fairly unheard of agricultural method that essentially combines the ease and control of hydroponics with the sustainability of aquaculture. The main input into the aquaponic system is cheap and readily available fish food. The resulting effluent provides plants with a constant stream of organic fertilizer that enables food to grow at an accelerated rate. The secret lies in a branch of ubiquitous bacteria known as the nitrifiers. These bacteria take in the ammonia from the fish effluent and convert it into nitrate, ready to be absorbed by plant roots. Simple monitoring of Calcium, Iron, and Potassium provides the basis for creating a resource efficient and affordable method of producing fresh fish, vegetables and fruit.
The Benefits
- Fish are cold-blooded and therefore cannot harbor E. coli.
- Aquaponics uses between 70-90% less water than traditional farming, depending on how often water is switched out.
- No pests nor weeds.
- Work level is at a comfortable height.
- Plants grow twice as fast and 2-3 times denser per square foot when compared to traditional farming.
- Fish produced are free of any mercury, Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) or hormones.
- No need to purchase, plow, or fertilize soil.
- Systems can be installed almost anywhere.
- Fish serve as the “canary in the coalmine”. Fish will die if toxic pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and heavy metals are accidentally introduced.
- Produce can be harvest at peak ripeness and lasts longer in the fridge if roots remain on the crop.
- Systems are easily expandable.
- Drastic decrease in the reliance on petroleum as there are no Transportation/Tilling/Harvesting costs nor petroleum-based additives.
- High level of control over your diet and variety of produce that you can consume.
- Virtually no pollution. There is no chemical runoff or seepage into the water shed nor soil degradation.
- Commercial food prices are inexorably tied to the price of oil, and the climate in which the food is produced.
- Aquaponics uses around 17% of the energy used by conventional farming since no trucks, tractors, or other machinery is necessary.
- Far less intensive manual labor is required in aquaponics.
- A diet full of fish, vegetables and fruit is a powerful way to prevent several chronic illnesses including heart disease, obesity and diabetes among many others.
- An aquaponically derived diet is among the healthiest, and will instill good eating habits for you and your family.
Why do Aquaponics?
It's no secret that the world is changing. As a whole, humanity must be able to produce 50% more food by 2050 while also drastically decreasing water consumption, land utilization, and pollution. Today, we stand at the fork in the road that forces us to choose between passive acceptance or action. Kodaponic's strives to enable those who chose to take matters into their own hands with the best systems designed to provide a sustainable and efficient means of food production. We strive to get to know our customers and design affordable hydroponic systems that best fit their needs. Furthermore we believe every customer has a green thumb and can become a gardening wizard. We'll stick by you to provide you with the knowledge and support you need to get there!
