fertilizers in aquaponics?
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Vented seedling pots are placed into holes in the floating foam rafts.
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Question by : fertilizers in aquaponics?
An aquaponic system utilizes nitrogen from fish waste to feed plants. When looking at a normal fertilizer for plant growth there are 3 chemicals that are typically listed; nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium.
Is there any way to raise the phosphorous and potassium in the system without harming the fish?
Can you add blood/bone meal (or anything else) to the grow bed, or will it result in a poisonous environment for the fish?
What do you think? Answer below!
One Response to fertilizers in aquaponics?
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Most aquaponic systems are designed to utilize plants and fish that are productive under the conditions of the fish excrement alone without the need to add other things like phosphorous or potassium which would require more intensive filtration or monitoring methods. Some systems might allow for that and could be converted to grow plants or fish that can withstand higher levels or more expensive filtration or closer monitoring but for the most part, the systems are designed to grow limited types of plants and fish. You could check out this link which has number of sources listed for further information and some companies have workshops you can attend to learn more.
http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/aquaponic.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jV9CCxdkOng&feature=related
“Aquaponics is particularly successful for growing leafy crops like lettuce, herbs, chives, spinach, arugula etc. because of the high nitrogen content in the water.
Other food crops do well including tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, beans, peas, squash and melons, but these fruiting plants may not produce as high a yield as with hydroponics only systems where higher levels of phosphorous and potassium may be maintained. These minerals may be added to the water adequately to raise these crops within an aquaponic system providing its addition is monitored properly.”
http://diyaquaponics.com/veggies.php
http://shiningstarbuilders.com/Aqua_HydroPonics2.html
paul h
January 5, 2012 at 3:11 pm