| Combining elements from both fish farming, | | | | accordingly. For their part, the fish are healthier |
| (aquaculture), and soil less farming (hydroponics), | | | | and resistant to infections and disease. As a |
| aquaponics systems aim to take the eco-benefits | | | | result, they are also less stressed than those in |
| of both, whilst minimizing any negative aspects. | | | | aquaculture systems. It is thought that this is |
| With many benefits, it is a form of farming that is | | | | because of a lack of chemicals that leech into the |
| rapidly growing in popularity. | | | | water. |
| Aquaponics systems work, with a view to | | | | Plants are healthier too; and return increased |
| cultivating both plants and fish, in an environment | | | | crops, for much the same reason. The benefits |
| that hopes to offer be ideal for both.Grown in | | | | do not stop here. The process is more cost |
| containers filled with gravel, the plants are fed | | | | efficient to the farmer, with no chemicals to buy, |
| with the water from the fish tanks. The fish, in | | | | reduced plant food costs and no need for |
| regular tanks of water; are simply fed standard | | | | expensive treatments to combat infection. |
| and commercially available food. | | | | As the world's population rises, it is going to be |
| Bacteria, which are already present in the plant | | | | necessary to increase food production on a huge |
| trays, break down the waste products contained | | | | scale. It is hoped that aquaponics systems could, |
| in the fish tank water, which is used by the plants | | | | at least in part, help with this. It is already being |
| to get all their nutrition. Having been purified, the | | | | rolled out in the developing world, where food |
| water cycles back into the fish tanks. | | | | shortages are already increasingly common. |
| The process seems to be highly beneficial to both | | | | Environmentally friendly too, it could be just the |
| plants and the fish, and returns excellent results | | | | answer we have been looking for. |