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Production performance of red hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus × O. mossambicus) and various plants in home-grown aquaponic system at different water salinities
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Nassrin Mashaii *   , Farhad Rajabipour |
| Agricultural, Research, Education and Extension Organization, Iranian Fisheries Research Organization, National Research Center of Saline Water Aquatics, Bafogh, Iran , nassrinmashaii@yahoo.com |
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Abstract: (479 Views) |
Introduction: Aquaponics is the integration of a hydroponic systems with recirculating aquaculture that removes waste and metabolites produced by farmed fish from the environment through nitrification and their absorption by plants. Production in an aquaponic system plays an important role in preserving water, soil, the environment, and food security.
Materials and methods: The combined production of tilapia and plants in two separate aquaponic systems on a home scale with a space of 1 m3 for fish farming and 3 m2 for plant cultivation was investigated over a 7-months period. Hybrid red tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus × O. mossambicus) were stocked at a density of 60 fish/m3 in set 1 (water salinity of 2.3 ppt) and set 2 (water salinity of 11 ppt) with an average weight of 45.6 and 51.7 g, respectively. Vegetables, medicinal plants, and fodder were grown in the troughs.
Results and discussion: The production rate of cultured tilapia was 21.6 kg/m3 in set 1 and 20.9 kg/m3 in set 2. During the 7-month production period on 3 m2 of the cultivation area, in set 1, peppermint (Mentha piperita), beet (Beta vulgaris) and argula (Argula eruca sativa) had yields of 28.6, 28 and 13.7 kg respectively, and in set 2, glasswort (Salicornia sp.) had a yield of 64.8 kg.
Conclusion: Combined production of fish and plants in home aquaponic systems aims to provide continuous access to fresh, healthy food, leading to household food security and contributing to local economies, especially in small and rural communities. |
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| Keywords: Aquaponic, home-grown, tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus × O. mossambicus), plant products, salinity |
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Full-Text [PDF 707 kb]
(54 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/02/12 | Accepted: 2025/03/8 | Published: 2025/07/1
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