The benefits of aquaponics are slowly gaining popularity in the world of fish, plant cultivation and sustainable development. Aquaponics is the combination of hydroponics and aquaculture and it is now becoming a great alternative to traditional planting or farming.
Many are beginning to delve into aquaponics because it also seems to provide solutions to the usual issues people encounter in traditional soil-based planting.
Here you can easily create a reliable and controlled environment wherein you can successfully cultivate in-demand produce like vegetables and various herbs.
The great thing about an aquaponics system is that all components are functional and that all species existing in the system play vital roles where each and everyone in the food chain benefits.
Here, the plants rely greatly on waste produced by the fishes as their food source. The plants, on the other hand, serve as natural water filters, making the environment more liveable for the fishes.
In this kind of set-up, many planting concerns are addressed in more ways than one. Below, we will discuss all the great benefits of aquaponics that can make our lives easier and more efficient.
No more issues from traditional soil-based planting
Although gardening, planting, and farming are all rewarding tasks, they also have a few difficulties when it comes to maintenance and using up resources. There are also many uncontrolled variables that can affect, or worse, damage your plants and flowers.
In an aquaponic system, everything is controlled. Your tank can be placed indoors or in a secure area that can be easily monitored. You can protect your aquaponic system from being damaged by natural disasters; something that is usually a major problem especially in areas that are regularly-hit by typhoons.
Aquaponics tanks are also easier to maintain because there is no soil involved. There is no need to bend down, so there is little to no physical strain involved.
Your plants and vegetables are also protected against pesky animals, insects, weeds and pests that can be frustrating and time-consuming.
With aquaponics, gardening chores are mostly eliminated, and you can now enjoy the simple tasks of feeding your fish or harvesting and tending to your plants.
Aqauponics is a cost-effective alternative to traditional planting
Yes, you will still have to spend for materials such as air pumps, water pumps, plants, fishes and other materials, but these are only a few expenses compared to regular expenses you incur when maintaining plants the traditional way.
Traditionally, you have to buy garden soil, garden tools, pots, vases and fertilizer. You have to pay for the regular maintenance of your plants whereas in aquaponics, you only have to spend on a couple of items that you can use for a long period of time.
Resources are easily conserved and nothing is wasted
According to the Aquaponics Source website, aquaponics only uses 1/10 of the water used in traditional planting. This means we are also helping the environment by lessening our water consumption immensely.
Also, there is no such thing as over-watering your plants, as water is an integral part of an aquaponics system. No water or any other kind of resource is wasted here because everything is in a controlled environment.
The use of fertilizer and pesticides are not needed anymore, so there is no risk of water contamination or poisoning. Toxic run-off is avoided as well because no toxic chemicals are used here.
The best thing about aquaponics is that it is not only cost-effective; it is also safe for humans and the environment. You know whatever produce you grow is safe to consume.
It is a fail-safe and low-maintenance way to cultivate plants
Even if you are not an expert in gardening or raising fish, there is no problem. You are not required to devote lots of time to manage your aquaponics system as everything takes care of itself.
There is no specific time to water your plants. You just have to feed your fish regularly. There is also no need to clean the fish’s waste as plants rely on the fish waste to survive.
You also don’t have to replace the water in the tank on a regular basis. Aquaponics relies on the plants and media present to filter waste and dirt naturally. Water in the tank can be used indefinitely and can be replaced when some has been lost through either evaporation or transpiration.
Why Use Aquaponics
These days, so many changes are happening to our environment and more will come in the future. There may come a time when water becomes scarce and soil will not be viable for planting anymore. As early as now, we must find ways to prepare for that.
We must constantly find ways to promote sustainable development so that there will be resources readily available for whatever environmental challenge comes our way.
The benefits of aquaponics isn’t just about cutting costs and lessening labor from maintenance. It is also about learning new and smart ways to plant effectively to prepare for a greener future.