Alternative Ag Ventures - Aquaponics

Aquaponics is dened as
the symbiotic cultivation
of plants and aquatic
animals in a recirculating
environment. Fish waste
accumulates in water as
a by-product of keeping
them in a closed system or
tank. Te water becomes
high in plant nutrients
and plants are grown in a
way that enables them to
utilize the nutrient-rich
water. Te plants uptake
the nutrients, reducing
or eliminating the waters
toxicity for the aquatic
animal.
- Taken from Wikipedia, Te Free
Encyclopedia; www.en.wikipedia.
org, search Aquaponics
Markets for the plant products could include a
variety of outlets such as direct on farm or farmers
markets, local restaurants, local retailers, natural
or organic food stores.
Hydroponic produce growers are located
worldwide. Of over 50,000 acres in hydroponic
production around the world, approximately
1,200 of those are US acres. Most of these facilities
in the US are small family-owned businesses that
produce on 1/8 - 1 acre. Tese farms produce
high-quality produce and sell it locally. Smaller
operations have an advantage of oering locally-
grown produce with minimal transportation
cost and damage. It is possible for a hydroponic
grower to yield an excellent prot in this niche
marketplace, oering premium local produce
on less than an acre of land. Smaller growers
can establish themselves near the marketplace,
eliminating the problems and costs of long-
distance transportation.
In addition to the smaller growers in the US,
there are several large hydroponic facilities that
cover as many as 60 or more acres and produce
large quantities of hydroponic tomatoes, peppers,
cucumbers and lettuce. (Aquaponics.com)
Introduction
Aquaponics is basically a combination of
hydroponics and aquaculture. With aquaponics,
you are growing sh and plants (usually vegetables
and herbs) in an integrated recirculating system,
together. Te waste from the sh provides nutrients
to feed the growing plants, while the plants act as
a natural water lter for the water that the sh
live in. Tis results in a sustainable ecosystem that
allows both plants and sh to thrive.
Hydroponics involves growing plants without
soil. Water and nutrients create a solution that is
fed directly to the plants roots. Most hydroponic
systems involve a growing medium where the plant
roots are kept moist and help support the plant.
In hydroponics the plant is provided optimum
growth conditions with ideal water and nutrient
ratios for growth.
In aquaculture, sh are grown in enclosed tanks or
ponds that can quickly become rich in nutrients
due to sh waste from digestion. If in enclosed
tanks, the waste water is ltered to keep the tank
water free of toxic buildups.
In aquaponics, the sh waste provides a food
source for the growing plants and the plants
provide a natural lter for the sh. Tis creates
a mini ecosystem where both plants and sh can
thrive. Aquaponics is the ideal answer to a sh
farmers problem of disposing of nutrient rich
water and a hydroponic growers need for nutrient
rich water.
Market Information
When considering the market for the products
from an aquaponics operation there are two
separate categories; sh and plants, most likely
leafy vegetables and/or herbs since these are best
suited for aquaponics.
For the sh in an aquaponic operation there are
two basic market segments, depending on which
species are incorporated; the rst is food. Edible
sh species that do well in aquaponic operations
include crappie, blue gill, tilapia, trout, perch,
Arctic char, and bass. However, tilapia is the
primary species used for recirculating aquaponic
systems in North America due to its hardiness and
ability to tolerate a wide variety of conditions.
Te second outlet for aquaponic sh could be
the ornamental market. Ornamental markets
include tropical and cool water sh for aquarium
and landscape ponds. A majority of the Midwest
ornamentals include sales of goldsh, and Koi
Carp.
Photo by: The Center for Innovative Food Technology on location at Rainfresh Harvests (www.rainfreshharvests.com)
Production
Considerations
Hydroponics:
It is important, when looking into an aquaponic
system, that you become educated and familiar
with hydroponic growing practices and systems.
Tere are two basic systems in use for hydroponic
produce today; liquid hydroponic systems, and
aggregate systems. Liquid systems have no other
supporting mediums for plant roots, while
aggregate uses a solid medium of some kind for
root support (sand, gravel, perlite, etc.) Tese
systems are further categorized as being either
open or closed. Open meaning that once the
nutrient solution is delivered to the plants it is not
reused, and closed being the practice of recovering,
replenishing, and recycling the solution.
Nutrients in Fish Waste:
Because nutrients to the plants in an aquaponic
system are delivered via sh waste, growers do
not have as much control over the precise mineral
element quantities as in a normal hydroponic
operation. However sh waste does contain
sucient amounts of ammonia, nitrate, nitrite,
phosphorus, potassium, and other micronutrients
necessary for hydroponic plants. Some plant
species are better adapted to this practice than
others so it is important to choose wisely.
Plants Best Suited for Aquaponics:
Plant selection is directly related to the amount
or density of sh utilized in an aquaponic system.
Te denser the sh, the more waste, which equals
higher concentrations of nutrients to grow crops.
Greens such as spinach, lettuces, herbs, chives,
and watercress have low to medium nutritional
requirements and are well adapted to growing in
aquaponic systems.
Plants that yield fruit, such as tomatoes, or
cucumbers have more nutritional requirements
to produce the fruiting bodies on the plant and
perform better in a heavily stocked (sh) system.
Also, greenhouse varieties are better suited to high
humidity and low light conditions compared to
eld varieties.
Fish Species:
As mentioned above the most common species
in an aquaponic system include crappie, blue gill,
tilapia, trout, perch, Arctic char, and bass in the
food grade category and ornamentals like goldsh,
and Koi Carp.
Water Quality:
Recirculating water systems used for aquaculture
and or aquaponics must be managed properly to
insure good quality water conditions. While the
aquaponic system is relatively self sucient for
lters and nutrients, it is still important to test
the water via water quality testing kits. Kits are
available from aquaculture supply companies.
Special attention must be given to dissolved oxygen,
carbon dioxide, ammonia, nitrates, nitrites, pH,
and chlorine levels to ensure a proper balance.
Te density of the sh, rate they are feeding, and
environmental changes or uctuations can eect
Economics
Aquaponics, like any business venture takes a
significant amount of investment in equipment, the
right system design, management and marketing
skills.
Nelson and Pade, Inc. offers aquaponic (organic
hydroponic) systems for all applications including:
hobby, home food production, education,
commercial and research. CropKing, Inc. also sells
a hobby, educational, or home production system
as well. These systems range in cost from $2,300
to over $45,000 without the greenhouse structures.
With greenhouse structures you are looking at
$6,300 to nearly $79,000.
The Nelson and Pade systems report having
generated anywhere from 864-57,600 heads of
lettuce from a single system per year depending on
the size.
Current market prices in March 2008 when this
report was written indicated hydroponic lettuce
prices at $1.25-1.38 per head. Thus resulting in
gross annual sales at $1,080 to $72,000.
Other commodities typically grown in hydroponic
or aquaponic systems reported the following market
trends:
Tomatoes - $1.06-1.10/lb.
Peppers - $1.09-1.64/lb.
Cucumbers - $1.20/lb.
Seedless - $7-8.50/12ct.
Eggplant (med.)- $2.36/lb.
(lge.) - $1.27/lb.
References and
More Information
References for this paper:
Aquaponics.com
www.aquaponics.com
USDA Ag Marketing Service
www.ams.usda.gov/fv/mncs/termveg.htm
Hydroponics Merle H. Jensen, Department
of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona
http://ag.arizona.edu/PLS/faculty/MERLE.
html
National Sustainable Agriculture Informa-
tion Service
www.attra.org/attra-pub/PDF/aquaponic.pdf
Wikipedia, Te Free Encyclopedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/aquaponics
CropKing Inc.
www.cropking.com
Other references:
Ohio Aquaculture Association
http://southcenters.osu.edu/oaa/
S&S Aqua Farm
www.townsqr.com/snsaqua/index.html
University of Virgin Islands Agriculture

Experiment Station
http://rps.uvi.edu/AES/Aquaculture/
aquaponics.html
Aquaculture International
www.Aquacultureinternational.org
Grow Power
www.growingpower.org
Cornell University Short Course
www.aben.cornell.edu/extension/
aquaculture/shortcourse.htm
Backyard Aquaponics
www.Backyardaquaponics
Aquaponics Journal
www.Aquaponicsjournal.com
Aquaculture Magazine
www.aquaculturemag.com
Te Growing Edge Magazine
www.growingedge.com
Rainfresh Harvests
www.rainfreshharvests.com

Center for Innovative Food Technology

5555 Airport Hwy. Suite 100,
Toledo, OH 43615
www.cift.eisc.org
P: 419.534.3710
F: 419.531.8412
water quality, causing things to change quickly.
Bioltration:
Tis is the process of incorporating intermediate
lters to collect suspended solids from sh waste,
thus allowing for facilitation of ammonia and
other waste conversion to forms more available
to plants. Bioltration could be a system of
cartridges or utilizing a gravel-cultured hydroponic
vegetable bed to deliver nutrient conversions. Te
bed system removes dissolved solids and provides
the nitrifying bacteria a habitat for nutrient
conversions.
Component Ratios:
It is important to maintain the proper component
ratio in an aquaponic system. Tis is the amount of
sh tank water to volume of hydroponic media. A
1:2 ratio, respectively, is most common, but tank:
bed ratios as high as 1:4 are being utilized. Tis
variation of ratio depends greatly on a number of
factors including, type of hydroponic system, sh
species and density, plant species, feeding rate,
etc.
Number of Fish:
Te number of sh that you put in your tanks
directly depends on the size of tank and type of
ltration system. A simple aquarium based system
does well with 1-inch of sh length per gallon of
water and commercial operations usually stock
tanks to 1/2 pound of sh per gallon, maximum.
24
Issue # 48 Aquaponics Journal www.aquaponicsjournal.com 1st Quarter, 2008
MorningStarFishermenInc.,atiny,diehard,non
profitorganizationisaboutfinishedconvertinga
40yearoldabandonedclownfishhatcheryintoa
moderndayaquaponicsfacilityandtrainingcen
ter.Afteranarduoussevenyearperiod,andthou
sandsofhoursofdedicatedvolunteerlabor,MSF
founderHansGeisslersdreamofanaquaponic
greenhousethatwouldserveasaresearchand
trainingcenterisfinallybecomingareality.
Thetransformationoftheold200feetlongby60
feetwidebuildinghasbeentrulyremarkable.
Moreamazingstillishowsuitabletheoriginalde
signisforanaquaponicsoperationconsideringno
bodyhadevenheardthetermaquaponicswhen
itwasbuiltbackinthe70sasasaltwateraquar
iumfishhatchery.

YouhavetogiveHansalotofcredit;firstforhav
ingthevisionandthetenacitytoinvestinacon
demnedfacilitythatlaidinruin,andthenforhav
ingtheingenuityandthedeterminationtorealize
atransformationlikethis.saidJavierColley,
MorningStarFishermensnewvolunteerExecutive
Director.
Withamissiontohelpinthefightagainstworld
hunger,sincetheearly90s,MorningStarFisher
menhasbeenproposingaquaponicsasafeasible
andreliablemeansofproducingmuchneededpro
teinforimpoverishedcommunitiesincountries
devastatedbyhungerandstarvation.Weallknow
thenumbers;onlyonethirdoftheworldiswell
fed,whiletherestisundernourishedorstarving
todeath.Sinceyoustartedreadingthisarticle,at
least500peoplehavediedofstarvationallover
theworld.

Ifyoueverwonderedwhatcouldbedoneaboutit,
teachingaquaponicsissomethingthatcanresultin
apermanentongoingsupplyofnutritiousfood
grownbyandforeachspecificcommunity.MSFs
HansandSigridGeissler,Founders,
MorningStartFishermen
Morning Star Fishermen, Inc.
Morning Star Fishermen, Inc.
Helps to Fight Hunger
Helps to Fight Hunger

with Aquaponics
with Aquaponics


By JavierColley
25
Issue # 48 Aquaponics Journal www.aquaponicsjournal.com 1st Quarter, 2008
mottois;Giveamanafish,heeatsforonedayteacha
mantogrowfishandvegetables,andthewholecommu
nityeats.

AtMorningStarFishermenwebelievethatsolutionsto
hungerandpovertycanbefoundatthegrassrootslevel.
Teachingpeopletogrowtheirownfood;assistingsmall
farmerstoimplementsimpleandeffectivetechnology,and
providingtheeducationandtrainingnecessaryforreplica
tion,maintenanceandsustainabilitycanbealongterm
solutiontohungerandpoverty.

Thekeytothesuccessofourhumanitarianprojectisto
learntoattainsustainabilityourselves,andthentrainoth
erstobecomesustainable.Capacitybuilding,education
andhandsontrainingarethefoundationforallMSFinitia
tives.

Sincetheyear2000,whenwemovedtoourcurrenthead
quartersinDadeCity,Florida,wehavebeenstrivingto
adoptthelatestaquacultureandaquaponicstechnologies,
whichcanlaterbeincorporatedintoourcurriculum.Last
summerweattendedDr.JamesRakocysAquaponicsShort
CourseattheUniversityoftheVirginIslandsinSt.Croix,
andweareteamingwithNelsonandPadetoexpandour
courseofferingtoincludecommercialorientedmodules
andcovermoresophisticatedintensivetechnologiesinour
curriculum.

Inadditiontothemainaquaponicproductionarea,our
mainbuildingalsohousesa9,000gal.capacityhatchery
andaclassroom.Ourmaingreenhouseaquaponicssystem
has36,000gal.offishgrowoutcapacityand900sq.ft.of
rafthydroponicssurfacearea.Wealsohaveavarietyof
smallerscaledemonstrationaquaponicsystemindoorsand
outdoors,andanoldertraditionalaquaculturefishtank
farmwithadditional40,000galcapacityinanotherpartof
our10acreproperty.

OurmainaquaponicsystemtriestoemulateDr.Rakocy's
UVIrecirculatingaquaponicsystemascloseaspossible.Wehaveproportionally25%morefishproduction
capacitythanplantproductionsurfacearea,comparedtotheUVIsystem.Thereisanadvantageinhaving
additionalfishspace,becauseyoucanproducethesameamountoffishusinglowerstockingdensities.
Thisgivesyouawidermarginforerrorthantryingtousehigherstockingdensities.Thefishseemtogrow
faster,plusitmakesiteasierforinexperiencedanduneducatedgrowerstobesuccessful.

MorningStarFishermenTrainingCenter
Photos:Top:theclassroom;middle:the
wetlab;bottom:someofthefishtanks;
Leftpage,top:therafttanksinthegreen
housewithbasilgrowing
26
Issue # 48 Aquaponics Journal www.aquaponicsjournal.com 1st Quarter, 2008

WearegrowingtwodifferentTilapiahybrids,theRockyMountain
white,andaredstrainofNileTilapiacrossedwithOreochromis
mossambicus,aswellastheblueTilapiafoundlocallyinFlorida,
O.aureus.Wehavestartedtoplantbasilandotherherbs,aswell
asavarietyofvegetables,legumesandevengrassyplantsthat
canbeusedasforageforfarmanimalsinaridordesertregions.
UsingthesamecriteriaandproductionparametersthatUVIuses,
ourgreenhouseaquaponicsystemhasthecapacitytoproduce
approximately10,000lbofTilapiaandanadditional10,000lb.of
vegetablesandherbsperyear.

Wespecializeinofferinginteractivehandsontraining,whichis
keytothesuccessofanyaquaponicenterprise,whetheritisfor
communitydevelopmentpurposes,orcommercialinterest.Peo
pledontrealizehowvaluablethisisuntiltheycometooneofour
coursesandspendsometimeactuallyhelpingtorunandoperate
aworkingaquaponicfarmandfishhatchery.

Wehaveavarietyofcoursesandseminars,rangingfromoneday
introductoryseminarstomoreintensivethreemonthcourses,
withdormitoryfacilitiesthatcanhouseupto12peopleatatime.

Still,weareaverysmallorganizationandthetruthisthatwe
needhelptoturnMSFintotheworldclassorganizationitcould
become.Inthefifteenyearsthatwehavebeeninoperation,a
lotoftalented,qualifiedpeoplehavecomeandgonefromus.The
listisreallyimpressiveandweowealottoeachoftheseindividu
als.WithoutthemMSFwouldnotbewhatitistoday.Allofthem
broughtgoodthingstothetable,butwewerenotabletoprovide
thesupportthattheyrequiredtoremainworkingwithus.

Duringthistime,wehavebeenabletoimproveourorganiza
tionalstructureandourfinancialsituationisimprovingaswellso,
hopefully,wewillbeabletoattractandretainmorequalifiedin
dividualsinthenearfuture.

Wenowhaveafullyoperationalfacility,andwearestartingto
getalotofattentionfromtheacademicandresearchcommunity.
Wearestrategicallylocatedinthemiddleofthethreelargestuni
versitiesinFlorida,allthreeofwhichareinthelistofthetop10
ActivitiesatMorningStarFishermen:
toptobottom:transplantingbasil
seedlings;inspectingfishhealth;
maintainingtheaquaponicsystems;
harvestingtilapia.
www.aquaponics.com
27
Issue # 48 Aquaponics Journal www.aquaponicsjournal.com 1st Quarter, 2008
largestuniversitiesinthecountry,includingThe
UniversityofFlorida(UF)atGainesvillethatisthe
secondlargestuniversitycampusinthenationby
enrollment,andisFloridastopagricultural
school.Itisjustamatteroftimebeforewemove
tothenextlevel.
Inthemeantime,wearealsobuildingasisteraq
uaponicsandsustainablefarmingtrainingfacility
inNicaragua,oneofthepoorestcountriesinthe
WesternHemisphere.Wereceivedagrantfrom
TheRotaryFoundation,andthreeacresweredo
natedforthisprojectbySilvioEchaverry,apro
fessoremeritusfromthatcountrystopagricul
turaluniversity,UniversidadNacionalAgraria
(UNA)inManagua.Thisfacilitywillmakeourser
vicesmoreaccessibleforstudentsandcommu
nityleadersfromLatinAmerica,whowouldoth
erwisebeunabletocometotheUnitedStatesfor
training.

ItistrulyremarkablethatMorningStarFishermen
hasbeenabletogetsofaranddosomuchwith
solittle.Wecontinuetostrugglefinancially,we
continuetobeundermanned,butwehaveapas
sionthatsurpassesthoselimitations.Weare
buildingastrongfoundation,andareworkingto
haveeverythingweneedinplaceinorderto
achieveourmaximumpotential.Untilthen,we
remainacleancanvasuponwhichweexpecteven
greaterworktobedoneinthenottoodistantfu
ture.

AbouttheAuthor:JavierColleyhasbeenwith
MorningStarFishermensinceMay2007.Before
comingtoMorningStarFishermen,heworked16
yearsintheseafoodprocessingindustryasR&D
ManagerandProcessManagerforBumbleBee
Seafood,Inc.Hehasabachelorsdegreeinbiology
fromtheUniversityofNotreDame,andcompleted
fouryearsofgraduatestudiesattheUniversityof
PuertoRicosDepartmentofAquacultureandMa
rineScienceswherehealsoworkedasaResearch
Assistant.Javiercanbereachedbyemailat
msfmail@morningstarfishermen.org.
Mexican Hydroponic Association
Presents:
6th International Course and
Congress on Hydroponics
Toluca, Mexico
April 17-19, 2008




At the 6th International Course and Congress on Hydroponics, The Mexican Hydroponics As-
sociation, with industry scientists, professors and experts presenting information, will offer
the most comprehensive program on soilless culture in the western hemisphere. Those inter-
ested in soilless culture will find the program to offer innovation, new and sustainable tech-
nology and instruction on both low tech and the most advanced hydroponic methods.
Simultaneous to the course and congress, an exhibition area will provide participants the op-
portunity to meet suppliers of equipment, seeds, fertilizers and educational materials.
Presented in English and Spanish
www.hidroponia.org.mx
BIOCYCLE FEBRUARY 2009 27
A
CROSS the U.S., as small, local
groceries close in the face of
competition from large, distant
supercenters, more and more
impoverished inner city and ru-
ral residents live in food
deserts, without access to
fresh, affordable food. In 2007, USDA re-
ported that 7 percent of U.S. households suf-
fer from low food security while 4.1 percent
of U.S. households suffer from very low food
security. A project at Saginaw Valley State
University (SVSU) in Saginaw, Michigan,
set out to meet these challenges through
aquaponics (a combination of hydroponics
and aquaculture) and vermicomposting.
In 2003, a pair of experimental green-
houses was developed at SVSU by a multi-
disciplinary team of faculty, staff and stu-
dents. Funded by a grant from the Allen
Foundation, a Midland, Michigan-based
group, the project seeks to identify a cost-ef-
fective, year-round means to produce fruits
and vegetables locally and organically. The
SVSU system incorporates three basic fea-
tures: An economically designed aquaponics
system to efficiently grow fruits and vegeta-
bles with minimal horizontal space, fertiliz-
er and water; Vermiculture to efficiently
convert campus food waste and paper waste
into organic fertilizer for use in the system;
and, Renewable energy, such as passive so-
lar heat, to cut the costs of operating both
the vermiculture and hydroponic units.
Four criteria drove the project: Cost of
components and operations must not ex-
ceed what the global market can currently
bear; Scale of the project must be local, with
dimensions such that losses do not exceed
gains; Resource availability, with local con-
struction materials and alternative energy
sources used whenever possible; and Ease
of Implementation, with installation and
operation managed by the local labor force.
The aim was to develop a system that
could be widely replicated in economically
blighted regions, used as a cost-effective ve-
hicle to teach the public the importance of
growing the right fruits and vegetables to
ensure a healthy diet. The grand vision was
to ultimately establish regional production
systems in population centers worldwide.
STARTING WITH HYDROPONICS
Hydroponics is gaining widespread at-
tention because it can outperform soil-
based cropping, due to more efficient up-
take of nutrients, with faster plant growth
and higher yields per square foot of hori-
zontal area. In the first production year at
SVSU, three hundred pounds of tomatoes
were produced on a tiered hydroponic unit.
Project at
Saginaw Valley
State University
in Michigan
experiments with
aquaponics and
vermicomposting
to increase food
security.
Beth Jorgensen, Edward
Meisel, Chris Schilling,
David Swenson and
Brian Thomas
FISH AND WORMS
DEVELOPING
FOOD PRODUCTION
SYSTEMS IN
POPULATION CENTERS
Greenhouses integrate
hydroponics and
vermiculture for year-
round fruit and vegetable
production, such as tomato
plants (left).
The high cost for turnkey hy-
droponic systems can be pro-
hibitive, so the SVSU team
used a relatively primitive, do-
it-yourself system, with cheap
and readily available materials
from the local hardware store:
two-by-four lumber, plastic wa-
ter pipe and an ordinary foun-
tain pump. A provisional
patent application has been
filed on this system.
Other cost-intensive aspects of hydropon-
ics are electricity to operate pumps and ar-
tificial lighting, and heat for year-round
growing. Although alternative energy
sources like wind turbines, solar panels,
geothermal heat pumps and biomass fur-
naces have high capital costs, once opera-
tional these investments provide cheap,
clean energy.
One low-cost energy solution used at
SVSU is passive solar heating of the bench-
es that support potted plants. Benches were
constructed from recycled pickle barrels
filled with water and topped with durable,
recycled fencing material. The water bar-
rels provide a significant thermal buffering
capacity that allows solar heat, absorbed
during the day, to be released at night.
INTRODUCING FISH AND WORMS
Specialty chemicals that serve as plant
nutrients and herbicides pose another
costly problem with hydroponics, as they
are usually produced from nonsustainable
petroleum or natural gas. At SVSU, a com-
bination of vermicompost tea and the de-
velopment of aquaponics have replaced
these chemicals.
Aquaponics is essentially the same as hy-
droponics, except that plant nutrients are
provided by fish excrement instead of syn-
thetic chemicals. Also, plants filter the wa-
ter before it returns to the fish tanks. Using
simple plumbing and hardware, water in a
fish tank is circulated through a hydropon-
ic system where naturally occurring bacte-
ria produce powerful organic fertilizer. The
only chemical input is fish food.
At SVSU, a 150-gallon water tank con-
tains 12 Koi fish. A fountain aerates the wa-
ter for the Koi, and a pump circulates fish
tank water into two 50-gallon plastic tanks
that serve as hydroponic grow beds. The
water in each grow bed recirculates back
into the fish tank using a so-called ebb and
flow system, where an electric timer con-
trols a pump that intermittently floods and
drains each grow bed. The grow beds are
filled with Hydroton clay aggregate, a grav-
el-like material that is manufactured in
high-tech kilns in Germany, and supports
the roots of the growing plants. By simply
circulating fish tank water through each
grow bed, two types of bacteria, Nitro-
somonas and Nitrobacter, naturally begin
to grow on aggregate surfaces. In turn,
these bacteria convert ammonia, which is
excreted by the fish and dissolved in water,
to nitrate, a powerful organic fertilizer
(similar to the fertilizer used in large-scale
American agriculture, conventionally pro-
duced from natural gas).
SVSU is now incorporating a vermiculture
system into the university greenhouses. Af-
ter attending a short course from Will Allen
at Growing Power, Inc. (see Composting
And Local Food Merge At Urban Garden,
Biocycle November 2008), the following
waste recycling process was implemented,
with cooperation from Aramark Corpora-
tion, the manager of SVSU Dining Services.
Cooks in the university kitchen place
fruit and vegetable scraps into five-gallon
plastic buckets. A Starbucks caf located on
campus provides spent coffee grounds. On
any given school day, 10 to 15 buckets of
combined food scraps and coffee grounds
are hauled to the university greenhouses.
The weight and contents of each bucket are
recorded to monitor consumption rate. Dur-
ing the fall 2008 semester, 15,175 pounds of
combined food scraps and coffee grounds
were collected.
At the greenhouse, red wiggler worms
are cultivated in a series of eight vermicul-
ture beds, 4 feet wide by 8 feet long by 8
inches high, built from ordinary construc-
tion lumber. Worms are fed a mixture of 50
percent food scraps, including coffee
grounds, and 50 percent shredded office
photocopier paper donated by Veterans Af-
fairs Medical Center of Saginaw, Michigan.
Vermicompost is slowly generated and
periodically separated from the worm bin
using a simple sieve consisting of a galva-
nized wire screen (1/4 to 3/8-inch square
mesh). The screen is laid on top of a worm
bin, and raw material (worms plus com-
post) is gently spread onto the screens sur-
face. Fleeing from the overhead light, the
worms quickly migrate through the screen,
falling below into the bed.
Each bed is monitored by an inexpensive
handheld probe that simultaneously mea-
sures soil moisture and pH. Moisture con-
centration must be maintained between 50
and 60 percent, while pH must be main-
28 BIOCYCLE FEBRUARY 2009
Leachate is collected from the
vermicompost bins, and
aerated to produce compost
tea.
The schools aquaponics system
has a 150-gallon tank with 12
Koi fish.
tained between 6 and 8. By carefully controlling what the
worms eat, pH can be maintained without addition of chem-
icals. To aerate the mixture, the solid material in each worm
bed is occasionally turned by pitchfork, as needed.
To maintain the correct moisture concentration, water
mist is briefly sprayed on the surface of each worm bed dai-
ly, using a garden sprayer controlled by an electronic
timer. Excess water leaches through the vermicompost and
drains through a series of 1/2-inch diameter holes drilled
into the plywood bottom of each worm bed. The aqueous
leachate drips into a series of gutters fabricated from re-
cycled plastic drain pipe, and is collected in a series of 5-
gallon plastic buckets.
Leachate collected in each bucket is periodically poured
into 55-gallon recycled plastic barrels. These barrels are aer-
ated with a simple fish tank aerator, which reduces odor and
also keeps bacteria active, turning the leachate into a valu-
able vermicompost tea. The tea is then used in the universi-
ty greenhouse to fertilize plants grown hydroponically or in
topsoil, providing an economic alternative to commercial nu-
trient solutions. The solid compost that remains is used as a
soil amendment in potted plants in the greenhouse.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
In 2007, the Green Cardinal Initiative (GCI) was formed,
a consortium of students, faculty and staff interested in
defining SVSUs role in the green movement, both within
and outside the university. Initiated by sociologist Brian
Thomas, GCI originated around activities in the greenhouse
including developing methods for local food production and
distribution in urban settings, engaging student artists in
publicizing GCI and food production activities, and develop-
ing affordable energy and fertilizer options for both urban
and rural settings in the U.S.
The Greenhouse Project and GCI have coordinated with
three local nonprofits located in an economically depressed
part of Saginaw Houghton Jones Neighborhood Center,
the Good Neighbors Mission and the Mustard Seed to de-
velop the Saginaw Urban Food Initiative. The aim is to in-
crease the availability of fresh produce to the community
through the development of urban agriculture. Funding was
obtained from the Saginaw Community Foundation to install
hydroponics units in the Houghton-Jones Neighborhood
Center and the Good Neighbors Mission to explore the po-
tential of year-round food production. The projects goal is to
take systems that have been tested at SVSU and examine
their effectiveness in real-world circumstances.
With technical support and training by SVSU faculty and
staff, members of these two organizations recently began op-
erating hydroponics systems, monitoring productivity and la-
bor and energy requirements. Similar to the setup at SVSU,
vermiculture systems have been established at each site to
supplement the hydroponics systems. Staff members at each
site bring food waste and scrap paper from home to feed the
worms.
Using experimental data from the university greenhous-
es, a financial model is currently being built to calculate the
anticipated benefits that these community centers and oth-
er prospective organizations can anticipate. Input data in-
cludes labor requirements, installation and operating costs,
rates of worm reproduction and the rates of food waste and
paper waste delivered. Output data includes rates of waste
reduction and the yields of produce, worm tea and vermi-
compost.
Additional information on this and other projects un-
derway at the SVSU greenhouses can be found at
www.greencardinal.org.
Beth Jorgensen, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of English; Ed-
ward Meisel is a Chemistry Lecturer and University Greenhouse
Director; Chris Schilling, Ph.D., is the C.J. Strosacker Professor
and Chair of Engineering; David Swenson, Ph.D. is the Dow Pro-
fessor and Chair of Chemistry (retired); and Brian Thomas,
Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Sociology.
BIOCYCLE FEBRUARY 2009 29
ADVANCING COMPOSTING, ORGANICS RECYCLING
& RENEWABLE ENERGY
419 State Avenue, Emmaus, PA 18049-3097
610-967-4135 www.biocycle.net
Reprinted With Permission From:
February, 2009
1 2006 Agricultural Experiment Station Research Report
I
ts no surprise that sh and herbs go together on a dinner
plate, but at the University of Arizonas Environmental
Research Laboratory they also grow together quite well. In a
greenhouse aquaponics system that combines aquaculture with
hydroponics, Nile tilapia swim in 250-gallon tanks (about 950
liters) linked to hydroponic growing beds planted with Genovese
basil. The system conserves water and nutrients by circulating sh
waste to the plants, which in turn lter the water that goes back to
the sh.
While aquaponic methods have been studied before, the goal of
this project was to nd a minimal ratio of sh mass to plant mass
that would produce commercial grade basil. Graduate student
Jon Jordan and professor Joel Cuello, both from the Department
of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, and professor Kevin
Fitzsimmons, Department of Soil, Water and Environmental
Science, wanted to develop a simple system that could be
replicated by small or large growers anywhere in the world.
Expanding urban populations and shrinking farmland worldwide
have forced growers to develop intensive agriculture systems that
yield more food on less land.
In 2005 the team set up nine separate aquaponic units, stocked
them with sh, planted the basil, and began testing different sh
densities and feeding rates. The amount of basil planted for each
unit remained the same for all treatments, but the sh tanks were
stocked with 3, 6, and 9 kilograms of tilapia. The sh were fed
60, 90 and 120 grams of feed per day, respectively in the rst
experiment. In a second experiment 4, 6 and 8 kilos of sh were
fed 60, 90 and 120 grams of feed per day.
Sustainable aquaculture and hydroponics
By Susan McGinley
We varied the biomass and feed rates of the sh in different
replications of the trial while keeping the plant numbers the
same, Jordan says. We wanted acceptable market quality for the
sh and the basil. There was a notable difference in quality and
quantity of basil between treatments. The system was also very
water efcient, with a water loss of only 0.7 percent of the total
system volume per day due to evaporation. Additionally, no
extra fertilizers aside from sh feed were added.
The researchers selected the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus),
a native African sh, for its hardiness, preference for warm
water, wide availability, and worldwide popularity as a food sh,
according to Fitzsimmons.
Tilapia is the second most common farmed sh in the
world and now is the fth most popular seafood item for US
consumers, he says. Its ideal for aquaponic systems because its
hardy and disease resistant. It thrives in warm water, and large
schools of sh can be reared in small volumes of water.
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) was chosen as the complementary
plant crop for its commercial value, the simplicity of its culture,
and its preference for warm, high-light environments, according
to the research team. The plants were germinated separately and
Market
Grade
Fish
with a
Side
of
Basil
The UA aquaponic system links 250-gallon tanks of tilapia (foreground) with hydroponic beds of basil (background).
The system conserves water and nutrients by circulating sh waste to the plants, which in turn lter the water that
goes back to the sh.
J
o
n

J
o
r
d
a
n
The system conserves water and nutrients by
circulating sh waste to the plants, which in
turn lter the water that goes back to the sh.
Market Grade Fish with a Side of Basil
The University of Arizona College of Agriculture and Life Sciences 2
transplanted into each of the .9 square
meter hydroponic modules at the rate of
34 plants per module.
There were six treatments, with
differing amounts of sh, Cuello says.
Pairing aquaculture with hydroponics
has been done before, but mainly
as demonstrations. Weve actually
established the minimal amount of sh
for our 1400-liter system. If you want to
increase production, you just increase the
size of the project, keeping the same ratio
of sh to plants.
Our minimum sh stocking density
and feed rate to obtain commercially
acceptable basil plants was found to be
six kilograms of sh receiving 60 grams
of feed per day for the 34 basil plants,
spread over a 0.9 square-meter growing
area, Jordan explains. He notes that he
would recommend a design ratio closer
to 100 grams of feed per square meter
of crop growing space, but that wasnt
strictly supported by the statistics.
The yield depends entirely on the scale
of the system and the way its managed.
In my particular case I was yielding two
to three kilograms of basil per square
meter per 40-day growing cycle, Jordan
says. Fish growth was a lot more variable
between experiments and I cant really
generalize about what was yielded.
Over the past hundred years, as
the worlds population has expanded
exponentially, modern agriculture has
developed ways to keep up with the food
demand by producing more food on less
land. This major accomplishment has
proved Malthus predictions of human
demise wrong, according to Cuello.
Malthus wrote that human populations
increase geometrically (if unchecked),
while food production can only increase
arithmetically, leading eventually to mass
starvation.
Instead, agricultural science and
agricultural engineering have helped
realize large-scale food production and
have increased the carrying capacity of
the earth, Cuello says. Yet some of these
farming techniques have contributed
Nile tilapia serve as an ideal sh in an aquaponic sytem that combines aquaculture and
hydroponically-grown plants. Tilapia are hardy and disease-resistant, widely available
and popular worldwide as a food sh.
J
o
n

J
o
r
d
a
n
The aquaponic system yields high quality basil.
J
o
n

J
o
r
d
a
n
to air, water and soil pollution, and the
depletion of fossil fuels.
Our problem now is how do we keep
up with the demand for agricultural
production without depleting our
natural resources and damaging our
environment? Americans are currently
the number one consumers in the world,
consuming at least one-fourth of every
natural resource while representing
only
1
/
20
th of the global population,
Cuello says. But in the decades to come,
hundreds of millions will be joining the
middle class in China, India and other
developing countries. Our challenge over
the next hundred years is sustainability.
The goal is to produce high quality
food and make a prot while preserving
the environment. By yielding market
grade sh and basil, conserving water
and using no pesticides or external
fertilizer aside from the sh feed, the
greenhouse aquaponics system tested at
the UA is a step toward this goal.
Were using what we have, combined
with new technology, Cuello says.
Contact
Joel Cuello
520-621-7757
jcuello@ag.arizona.edu
Kevin Fitzsimmons
520-626-3324
kevtz@cals.arizona.edu
sparked university interest, but the territory
had no aquaculture industry. Lacking an
established industry in search of immediate
answers to commercial questions, Rakocy
enjoyed, a luxury of a long, long period of
time to develop these systems.
Te system began as three and one-half oil
barrels, two dedicated to production, on the
back porch of Building E, the Agricultural
Experiment Station headquarters. Yet in a
little more than four months this small set
up generated more than 100 pounds of food:
30 pounds of fsh, 8 pounds of lettuce and 64
pounds of tomatoes.
Te basic design that we hit on then is the
design that weve followed ever since, said
Rakocy.
Following this early success, the team
experimented with adjustments in size and
ratio of fsh to plants. Early problems such
as nutrient accumulation, clogging from
incorrect pipe size and poor drainage were
corrected during these trials. Te implemen-
of UVI to learn frsthand about this long-
running and remarkably efcient program.
History and System Overview
Te globally recognized program began
in earnest 27 years ago when Rakocy, then
conducting aquaponics research with aquatic
plants at Auburn University in Alabama,
joined UVI charged with developing aqua-
ponic systems appropriate for the U.S. Virgin
Islands.
Like many island paradises in the Carib-
bean, St Croix has no lakes or rivers. It depen-
dends on stored rainwater for its freshwater
needs. Te island also has limited agricul-
tural land. In addition to the need to create
a system viable for an area with restricted
land and water, Rakocy wanted to be able to
recycle nutrients, since discharge of potential
pollutants is also a sensitive issue for island
ecosystems.
Specifc needs and burgeoning research
Te tiny, tranquil Caribbean island of St
Croix, part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, may
seem an unlikely place to fnd the worlds
most established aquaponics program. But
almost three decades of research have yielded
a nearly fawless production system and a
wealth of experience to share.
Dr. James Rakocy, director of the University
of the Virgin Islands Agricultural Experi-
ment Station, believes the efectiveness of
the aquaponics system illustrates the best
of both hydroponics and aquaculture but is
simpler to operate than either.
I like to call raf aquaponics the lazy mans
hydroponics, said Rakocy with a laugh.
Of course sloth has not been part of the
research process for the UVI aquaponics
team, which through trial and error devel-
oped a system that conserves both water and
land resources. Now the team is sharing its
successes with others. Academics, entrepre-
neurs and enthusiasts from across the globe
are making the trek to the St Croix campus
Heads of lettuce grown in a raft hydroponic system wait for harvest at the University of the Virgin Islands on St. Croix. The lettuce is fed from water from the systems aquaculture
tanks, which is then recirculated back to the sh.
Photos courtesy of Dr. James Rakocy, University of the Virgin Islands
Working
Together
BY GRETCHEN SHERRILL
24 THE GROWI NG EDGE March/Apr i l 2008 WWW. GROWI NGEDGE. COM
robust and simple to operate, especially in
comparison to hydroponics and aquaculture
systems.
System Advantages
Aquaponic systems retain water for long
periods of time, require less monitoring, and
provide free nutrients.
Rakocy believes UVIs aquaponic system
encounters fewer pest and disease problems
than traditional hydroponic systems due
to the amount of organic material in the
water. In contrast to the sought afer ster-
ile environment of hydroponics, the UVI
aquaponics system thrives on a diversity of
bacteria bacteria that can be antagonistic
to pathogens and bacteria that boost plants
immune systems. In fact, the UVI aquaponics
system has operated for several years without
changing the water.
We like to go dirty, chuckles Rakocy.
Other than pH tests, the UVI aquaponic
systems water is tested only once per year
when experiments are not being conducted.
Water pH must be monitored daily and base
added to maintain a neutral 7.0. Te base
added to maintain pH serves a dual purpose
as a nutrient supplement.
the water, cleaning it for the fsh.
Te water then passes back through
the system to the fsh. Fish produc-
tion is staggered with a harvest
every six weeks.
Te UVI system employs addi-
tional tilapia fngerlings to keep
the clarifer sides and drain lines
clean a job that would otherwise
have to be done manually.
Te ratio of fsh to plant pro-
duction has been calculated to
balance nutrient generation from
fish with nutrient removal by
plants. Te ratio is expressed as
the weight of feed given to fsh on
a daily basis relative to the plant
growing area. Te optimum ratio
is 60-100 grams per square meter
of plant growing area per day. By
applying this ratio and attending
to minor general maintenance the
system can operate uninterrupted
for years, another key to success.
A new aquaponics system requires
an establishment time of 6 weeks
for essential bacteria and 18 weeks
until all four fsh rearing tanks are
stocked.
Due to the required establishment time,
Rakocy warns, Once you start it, you never
want to stop the system.
Rakocy refers to the UVI aquaponic
system not as high tech but as appropriate
technology. He considers the system reliable,
tation of raf hydroponics resulted from prob-
lems with gravel which accumulated solids,
clogged and became a source of ammonia.
In addition, gravel requires construction of
heavy support structures to hold the extra
weight. Te raf system, comprised of foat-
ing sheets of polystyrene set with net pots,
solved the gravel problems and combined the
biofltration and hydroponic requirements.
During this research and development
period, Rakocy devoted his time to feld work
construction, digging holes and trenches.
Building an aquaponics system requires
construction skills and the work may be
of-putting to some. As Rakocy admits, the
building the system is much more advanced
than installing a home aquarium or backyard
garden.
Following several scale-ups and a half
dozen more iterations to work out the remain-
ing structural and organizational kinks, the
team developed the current commercial-size
system that Rakocy says leaves little room for
improvement.
Te system theyve hit on consists of four
aquaculture tanks in which tilapia are raised.
Tilapia are fast growing, can tolerate a wide
variety of environmental conditions and
have frm white meat. Te water from the
aquaculture tank then feeds through sump,
clarifer and degassing tanks that remove
most of the solids from the fsh waste. Te
water is then pumped into six hydroponic
tanks that are fed by efuent lines. Te crops
growing hydroponically take nutrients from
Dr. Rakocy with a sh from the aquaponics system he helped
design and build.
Working
Together
WWW. GROWI NGEDGE. COM March/Apr i l 2008 THE GROWI NG EDGE 25
organic could be worked out, Schultz said,
and the produce tastes so delicious and thats
a fact.
Of course not all plants grow well in the
UVI aquaponics system. Te raf system does
not accommodate root crops, and certain
crops, such as spinach, prefer a cooler, less
tropical climate than that of St Croix. Even
among the current crop of cantaloupe, the
vine variety thrived while the bush variety
did not. Research specialist Donald Bailey
sees this disappointing bush crop as a valu-
able lesson.
We teach with examples and with this
varietal diference, we can inform farmers
and save them production dollars, explains
Bailey.
In fact, a goal for the research team is to
increase profts for farmers. Tese fndings
will be shared as part of the UVI aquaponics
short course, developed and administered by
Rakocy and his staf. Te short course has
more than doubled in attendance and gained
global attention in just a few years.
Aquaponics Future
New technologies take time to be accepted
and implemented. However, global water
shortages have created a more urgent interest
in aquaponics, one of the most water-efcient
systems in the world, Rakocy said.
UVIs success and lengthy track record
of research has generated interest and led
to the implementation of similar systems
in several locations in the U.S. and abroad
including the New Jersey EcoComplex at
Rutgers University and the Crop Diversifca-
tion Center South in Alberta, Canada. Te
Canadian system has produced more than
60 types of vegetables.
Raocy cites planned multimillion-dollar
commercial projects in Australia and the U.S.
as evidence of recent investment growth in
the aquaponics industry.
When thinking back to beginning of his
career in the late 1970s, Rakocy said that
he and other aquaponic proponents were
considered on the lunatic fringe.
With the completion of the UVI com-
mercial-scale aquaponic system and the
implementation of the short course, Rakocy
has connected with a growing mainstream
commercial and academic interest in aqua-
ponics. An interest he fnds as an amazing
and personally gratifying acceptance of a lifes
work.
The sh-rearing tanks, foreground, and their related pumps and lters are under
cover, while the lettuce growing in a raft hydroponic system stretches out beyond
them in the sunlight.
Each summer since 1999 the University of the
Virgin Islands aquaponics short course draws
people from all around the world to the island
of St. Croix for an intensive one-week session
on aquaponics.
Tis year from June 15 through 21 aquapon-
ics enthusiasts will receive hands-on training,
detailed procedures manuals and advice on daily
operations.
Te UVI team has trained 271 students from
four U.S. territories, 35 states, 35 countries and
all seven continents.
No more than 64 students are accepted into
the course each year, the number capped to allow
for small groups during hands-on sessions.
Tey shared everything they did wrong.
Instead of burying mistakes they freely shared
them and probably saved me $30,000 in failed
experiments, said Tim Mann of Hawaii, who
participated in 2007.
Enrollment in the 2008 program is open. Te
course costs $920 for early registration (by May
16) and $1,020 for late registrations. Information
on the course and online registration can be
obtained at the programs Web site: http://rps.
uvi.edu/AES/Aquaculture/UVIShortCourse.
html.
Aquaponics short
course brings the world
to St. Croix
system water daily due to
excess nitrate accumula-
tion. UVIs system uses
nitrates and other nutrients
for plant growth, so it dis-
charges less than one per-
cent of system water daily,
alleviating the potential for
pollution related to water
discharge.
Te UVI system not only
recovers nutrients lost as
waste in traditional aquaculture systems but
also produces the valuable by-product of
plants, which typically generate more income
than the fsh. In contrast to aquaculture, the
plants serve as the bioflter, eliminating that
maintenance expense.
Aquaponics is the only system in the world
that has a bioflter that makes money, Rakocy
said.
On one-eighth of an acre of land the UVI
aquaponic system produces an estimated
25,000 pounds of food per year. One acre
would have the potential yield of 200,000
pounds of food per year.
In contrast to dirt-grown feld crops, plants
grown in aquaponic systems tend to grow
more rapidly, have ample water and nutrients,
and enjoy a weed-free environment, Rakocy
said. In experiments comparing the two, the
UVI aquaponics system yielded three times
more basil and seventeen times more okra
than feld crops.
However, vegetable production is never
foolproof: insect damage and disease occur.
Aquaponic growers cant use the pesticides
and insecticides that traditional agriculture
employs. In aquaponic systems of interde-
pendent fsh and plants, treatment of one
might harm the other. Aquaponics depends
on biologic control methods and is therefore
guaranteed to be pesticide free.
UVIs aquaponics team members Charlie
Schultz, a research analyst, and Jason Dana-
her say aquaponics might be the answer to
growers seeking to market organic produce.
Research specialist Danaher cites growing
aquaculture industry interest in developing
methods to certify products organic and sell
them as such. Schultz believes aquaponics
ofers a solution to the need for an organic-
based fertilizer for hydroponics production
and an antidote to the rising expense of
utilizing petroleum-based products.
Our system has the potential to be a very
big leader, if interest in certifying it to be
Unlike traditional hydroponic solutions
that require a complete nutrient mix, the
UVI systems tilapia provide adequate
amounts of 10 of the 13 nutrients essential
to plants. Only potassium, calcium and iron
must be supplemented. And to maintain the
proper pH level the operators add either
calcium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide,
which provide the missing potassium and
calcium nutrients. Iron is added separately.
Normal recirculating aquaculture systems
discharge an estimated fve to ten percent of
26 THE GROWI NG EDGE March/Apr i l 2008 WWW. GROWI NGEDGE. COM
AQUAPONICS - Combining hydroponics & aquaculture
36 Small FARMS
May 2009
By Helen Smith
There are a number of rea-
sons why a small farmer
might want to consider
aquaponics. One is shortage
of space and another is
shortage of water. A third
reason could be the desire to
become as self-sufficient as
possible while producing
fresh food, and a fourth
might be a lack of time or
interest to weed, water, fer-
tilise and tend a full sized
vegetable garden.
It may seem odd to think
that a farmer might be short
of space, but if your property
is, say, four hectares and you
want a reasonable orchard, a
good sized shed, a small
dam, to run a few sheep or
cattle and maybe a pony for
the children, it could be a
crush to provide enough
land for a decent sized veg-
etable patch. Added to that,
small farm or not, shortage
of water is a commonprob-
lem for many farmers.
As the name suggests,
aquaponics combines both
aquaculture and hydropon-
ics, with the combination
bringing greater benefits
than can be derived from
each of the components op-
erated separately. Put simply,
the water in a fish tank is
pumped through soil-less
growbeds before being re-
turned to the tank, purified
by bacteria in the growing
medium of the growbeds.
The plants benefit from the
water made nutrient-rich by
the fish, who benefit from
the cleaned and oxygenated
water returned from the
growbeds. With a basically
closed system, there is almost
no waste and both fish and
vegetables grow faster than if
they were produced conven-
tionally. Reports state that
both fish and vegetables taste
better too.
Joel Malcolm stumbled
upon aquaponics in 2000
while searching the internet
for different ways to grow
plants. Inspired by a pio-
neering American couple, he
began experimenting with a
small makeshift aquaponics
system in his own back-yard.
The possibilities soon be-
came evident and he contin-
ued to develop systems that
are now so successful his
hobby has turned into a
business and he has recently
opened a display centre at
Jandakot near Perth - the
only aquaponics shop in the
world, Joel claims.
There are three main ele-
ments essential for success,
he says, fish, plants and bac-
teria. Fish expel ammonia
through their gills, and while
plants have no use for am-
monia, two types of natu-
rally occurring bacteria
(Nitrosomonates and Ni-
trobacter) in the growing
medium break it down in
the water, first into nitrites
and then into nitrates which
the plants can use, at the
same time cleaning and aer-
ating the water before it is re-
turned to the fish tank.
Other nutrients essential for
plant growth such as potas-
sium, phosphorous and
magnesium, are supplied
from the food fed to the fish
and dissolved in the water. In
addition, fish faeces break
down to provide other essen-
tial nutrients for the plants.
In conventional aquacul-
ture, the problem of keeping
the water fresh would require
10 percent to be pumped
out daily to rid the tank of
solids. For a 2000 litre tank
that amounts to 200 litres of
water usage every 24 hours.
Even if it were pumped onto
Up to 100 fish can be raised from 50 gram finger-
lings to plate size (500 grams) over a six month pe-
riod in a 3000 litre tank.
These plants are growing in blue metal which is a
cheap growing medium but, because it is heavier
than most, needs strong support.
Becoming more
self-sufficient
a conventional garden, it is
more than many farmers
could afford to use. Water
usage in an aquaponics sys-
tem is far less and amounts
to no more than replacing
water lost through evapora-
tion and transpiration.
So what does an aquapon-
ics system look like? First of
all, it is surprisingly com-
pact. A system that can pro-
vide 50 kilogram of fish and
over 100 kilograms of veg-
etables in six months -
enough to feed a small fam-
ily - will easily fit under a
carport roof. The size of the
fish tank/pond/dam and
growbeds can suit individual
needs, with some options
small enough to fit onto a
balcony. However, a family-
sized system would need a
fish tank of 2000 - 3000
litres, plus three or four
growbeds. These need to sit
higher than the fish tank, ei-
ther by raising the growbeds
or sinking the tank, to allow
the water to gravity feed
back to a small drain tank
that can double as a finger-
ling nursery until the mature
fish are harvested. From
there the water is aerated and
pumped back to the fish
tank. Raising the growbeds
also reduces the risk of gar-
den pests such as snails. Fur-
ther refinements can include
a battery backup for the
pump or a worm farm to
consume vegetable scraps,
with worms fed to the fish. A
65 watt solar panel can re-
duce or even eliminate the
already reasonable power
costs
Once each hour the
growbeds are flooded with
water pumped up from the
fish tank. The pump stops
when the tank water drops
to a level determined by a
float switch and the water
drains back into the tank
within the hour before being
pumped up again.
The shape of growbeds is
usually circular or rectangu-
lar but should facilitate easy
harvesting. They are filled to
a depth of 30 centimetres
with a growing medium that
can be virtually any inert
material. Pea gravel, blue
metal, diatomite or ex-
panded clay pebbles are
commonly used.
Expanded clay is probably
the best medium, but it is
more expensive than the oth-
ers, Joel explains. Blue
metal is cheaper but heavy
and hard on the hands when
working in the growbeds.
Normal reticulation pipe
and fittings, a small 200 watt
pump and a couple of aera-
tors complete the system.
The tanks and growbeds
dont have to be purpose-
built, Joel explains. Old
baths or recycled food-grade
plastic barrels halved verti-
cally are quite suitable.
The type of fish chosen de-
pends on the climate and
AQUAPONICS - Combining hydroponics & aquaculture
Small FARMS 37 May 2009
The water is aerated as it is returned to the tank.
The level drops when the pump is operating, but is
raised when the water returns to the tank as the
growbed drains.
In a symbiotic relationship this rainbow trout has as-
sisted in the growth of the lettuces behind it, while
the lettuces have helped clean the water in the fish
tank. There is very little wastage from either prod-
uct.
38 Small FARMS May 2009
personal preference. Joel
grows trout in the cooler
months, but Perth is too hot
for them in the summer, so
he then switches to barra-
mundi.
Six months is all that is
needed to produce a 500
gram fish from a 50 gram
fingerling, says Joel. Fish
have a great food conversion
rate: because they are cold-
blooded, and because they
are suspended in water, they
dont have to support their
own weight. Trout have a
1.2:1 ratio.
A 3000 litre tank will carry
up to 100 fish in this system.
Some people prefer to keep
ornamentals, such as gold-
fish or koi, while others
choose silver perch, black
bream, yabbies or eels.
Ethel Creek Station near
Newman in the Pilbara re-
gion of WA have installed a
large aquaponics system,
Joel says. Its an ideal way for
them to have a constant sup-
ply of fresh vegetables during
the dry season. Overseas
there are aquaponics systems
in Alaska, as well as the
desert regions of the USA.
Apart from cleaning out the
reticulation before replanting
to remove roots that may
have grown into the
growbed pipes, Joel spends
just minutes each day to
keep his system working.
It takes less than five min-
utes to feed the fish and
check that its all working
OK, says Joel, and they can
last without food for a cou-
ple of days if I go away.
Commercial growers are
now beginning to see the
benefits of aquaponics on a
large scale and Joel has re-
cently installed a system of
perforated foam rafts float-
ing on two 20 metre x 2.5-
metre channels that will
bring to maturity a continual
harvest of 500 lettuces per
week. Grown conventionally
they would take more land,
water, labour, and time to
mature.
As Joel says, aquaponics just
makes so much sense. I
I Backyard Aquaponics,
telephone 08 9414 9334 or
www.backyardaquaponics.com
AQUAPONICS - Combining hydroponics & aquaculture
Black soldier flies occur naturally in the Perth re-
gion. Their larvae live in compost and are self-har-
vesting when appropriately housed. They make an
excellent organic food for the fish as do the casual-
ties of bug-zappers mounted over the tank.
This compact unit houses a complete aquaponics
system with fish in the bottom chamber (opening on
the other side) and a single growbed on the top. It
would easily fit on a balcony, patio or courtyard.
,I
Back-yard aquaculture refers to growout systems that are
larger than home aquariums but less than about 0.4 ha in area.
These systems are usually modeled after larger commercial gro-
wout systems. There is no limit to the variety of designs available
for back-yard systems. They range from something as simple as a
small stand-alone tank to very complex automated systems using
sophisticated water treatment equipment.
System Types, Species
Back-yard aquaculture can be generally classed according to
the water temperature. Coldwater aquaculture requires water
temperatures of 10 to 21
0
C with the optimum temperature
betlveen 12 and 1r c. The most popular species of fish grown
in coldwater back-yard systems are trout and salmon.
Warmwater aquaculture requires water temperatures betlveen
18 and 32C with the optimum temperature betlveen 27 and 30
C. The most popular species of fish grown in these conditions
are bass, sunfish, catfish, tilapia and carp. Additional species can
be considered in varied parts of the world.
Climatic conditions, geographic location and environmental
factors must be considered when selecting the best species of fish
for back-yard aquaculture. Tilapia, one of the easiest fish species
to raise, is growing in popularity around the globe where climatic
conditions and water temperature are right.
Tilapia can tolerate variable water quality, including fairly
low dissolved-oxygen levels. In addition, tilapia grow relatively
quickly on a low-protein diet and readily breed in captivity. They
are fairly easy to handle and are widely accepted as food fIsh. In
global aquaculture advocate September/October 2009 87
Summary:
With the downturn in the global economy, many new
culturists are becoming interested in back-yard aquacul-
ture systems. The level of sophistication required varies
widely. Systems can range from simple stand-alone tanks
to setups that require complex filtration, aeration and
monitoring equipment. Aquaponics, the combination of
aquaculture and hydroponics, is also of growing interest.
, ... .. .
Some back-yard systems are rather complex and use a recirculating setup with fliters, aerators and other equipment.
\
Interest Rises In Back-Yard Aquaculture
Options Range From Simple Organic Setups To ComplexAquaponics
Aquaculture has always interested hobbyists, and many have
tried small-scale growout of fish in an aquarium, small pond or
tank. Now, with the downturn in the global economy, there seems
to be an increased interest in back-yard aquaculture. Individuals all
)ver the world have demonstrated a renewed attention to growing
:heir own food to supplement their needs. There appears to be a
~ r t desire to be self-suffICient, and many are doing so by raising
~ l s h on a small scale to provide for individual needs.
Aquaponics
Anincreasinglypopulartype ofback-yardaquacultureis
aquaponics,acombinationofaquaculture and hydroponics
for the productionofbothaquaticanimalsand plants.Inaqua-
ponics, thewateris cycled from thefish tankinto trays orbeds
holdingplants.Theplants utilize thenutrients in thewater, and
the"treated"wateris returnedagain to the fish tank.
Greenhouseaquaponicscan be fairly complicated, requiringa
highlevelofmanagementand equipment.Manyoftheseback-
yard aquaponics systems use arecirculatingsetup.Thesesystems
includeadditionalequipmentlike filters orclarifiers to remove
solids, degassingcolumns, aerationsystems anddosingsystems
thataddchemicalsrequiredby the plants.
Someback-yard aquaponicssystems areverysimplebutcan
stillbe veryproductive.Thegoalofmanyofthese producersis
organicfood production.Theydesire anefficientsystem that
useslittlepowerwhileproducingbothfish andvegetables to eat.
Becausefish are livinginthewater, aquaponics systems are typi-
callyorganic, and no herbicides, insecticides orfungicides are
used.
Aquaponicscombinesaquacultureand hydroponics
Thesesystemscan combineavarietyof plantsandfish
fortheproductionofbothaquaticanimals and plants.
dependingonlocationandconditions.Tilapia,trout,catfishor
hybridstripedbasscanbegrownwithvegetablessuchas tomatoes,
lettuce, cabbage, beans, basil, peppersandcucumbers.
some areas, tilapiaare preserved bydryingorsalting, andmaybe
smokedorpickled. AdditionalConsiderations
Back-yardaquaculturesystems require specialpermitsin
SystemComponents
somelocations.It is theowners'responsibilityto becomefamil-
Mostback-yardaquacultureprojectsuse recirculatingsys-
iarwithlocaland nationallaws regardinghomeaquaculturesys-
tems, althoughothersystems have beendeveloped for growout
tems anddetermineifpermitsand/orregistration are required.
in cages, raceways andponds. Someofthe more popularwater
Theyshouldconsiderlawsregardingwatersources,wateruse
containmentapproachesinclude aquariums,linedand unlined
andwastewaterdischarge; permits required to hold, produceand
ponds, barrels, swimmingpools,watertroughs, and steelor
sellfish; andlaws regardingthelocationofback-yardaquacul-
fiberglass tanks.Waterdepths are usuallyabout0.75 to 1.00m,
ture facilities.
althoughshallowertanks can also be used. ------
Becausefish spendall oftheirlives inwater,itis veryimpor-
tantto maintaingoodwaterquality. Ifthewateris nottreated,
An increasingly populartypeofback-yard
verylittle production maybe expected. Aerationandfiltration
are required for increased production. Beginners oftenstartwith
aquacultureisaquaponics,acombination
lower densitiesof fish and increase productionas they gain con-
ofaquaculture and hydroponics
fidence in theirsystems andequipment. Itis also agoodideato
fortheproduction ofbothaquatic
have emergencyback-upsystems to insure thataerators and
pumpsrun duringblackouts. animalsandplants.
\ \ ~ WOODHOUSE SHANAHAN P.A. \ ~ ~ / /
\ '. \ A Florida Professional Service Corporation .// /
Attorneys-at-Law
Philadelphia,PAHaddonfield,NJ Washington,DC Gainesville,FL
LegalCounselto tbeSeafood,Aquaculture,Produce,andFloralProductsIndustries
USFDA, USDA, USCustoms(CBP),HACCP,PACA,CITES,and NationalOrganicRegulatoryCompliance
FoodLabelComplianceReviewfor US,Canada,andtbeEuropeanUnion
CivilLitigation,AdministrativeLaw,andCriminalDefensein FoodIndustryRegulatoryMatters
Borrower'sCounselforAquacultureandAgribusinessTradeandProjectFinance
Charles F. Woodhouse, Esq. *
224 N. E. 10
th
Ave.Gainesville,FL32601 Tel(352)371-0101
910 17
th
St.,N.W.- Suite800 Washington,DC20006 Tel(202) 293-0033
FAXCentral(202)478-0851
* AdmittedtothePracticeofLawattheBarsoftheCommonwealthofPennsylvania,theDistrictofColumbia,andtheStateofFlorida
* AdmittedtotheBarofthe UnitedStatesCourtofInternationalTradein theCityofNewYork
* Admitted to the Barofthe UnitedStatesConrtofAppeals fortheFederalCircuitill Washington,DC
E-mail cfwoodhouse@woodhouselaw.com
HablamosEspafiol www.seafood-and-produce-law.com FalamosPortugues
1999-2009TENYEARSOFSERVICETOTHESEAFOODANDPRODUCEINDUSTRIES
88 September/October2009 globalaquacultureadvocate
Wednesday 13th June 2007 Conference Session 2
Research Into An Energy From
Food Waste Scheme That Powers
An Aquaponics Sustainable Food
Production Business
Keywords: Algal Harvesting, Anaerobic
Digestion, Aquaponics, Bio fuel, Energy
from Waste, Gasification, Quintuple
Generation, Rainwater Harvesting.
Introduction
There are four main drivers that have
led to this current research topic:
Most UK Local Authorities current
attitude to the disposal of organic
food waste - is to continue to send
to landfill whilst space and cost
permits or to incinerate
Developments in technology are
now making feasible new systems
and methodologies for combining
waste and food production as an
integrated system
An increase in chaotic weather
systems is destabilising many parts
of the environmental ecosystem and
making controlled crop production
unpredictable
The aspiration to turn public
perception of organic waste as a
problem to one of a valuable
resource.
The larger the size of a community the
greater the problems it creates - such as
waste generation and disposal, energy
consumption, transport congestion and
providing constant food supplies to the
population. All produce pollution that
gradually degrades the quality of life for
the inhabitants.
So far, waste and energy generation plus
food production have been viewed as
separate areas with their own
specialisations. This has led to complete
stasis in planning frameworks for high
density living environments. London is a
good example demonstrating a lack of
joined-up thinking, with different
boroughs choosing very different
solutions to these problems. The net
result is that planning has not been
visionary enough to cope adequately with
waste disposal, onsite energy generation
or urban food production, resulting in
continuing unnecessary transport costs
and subsequent CO2 emissions.
Tackling the Food Waste Stream
Despite food waste being one of the
largest single components of the UK
waste stream, only 2% is collected
separately for composting or anaerobic
digestion [Burke, 2007]. UK food
manufacturers produce around 6.2
million tonnes of food waste per annum
and households 7.5 million tonnes
(approximately 216 kg per household)
[DEFRA, 2006]. At present 80% of this is
sent to landfill and with the average cost
of landfill at 65 per tonne (and rising)
this equates to 712 million per year.
The reasons are complex but stem all
the way from Local Authorities
inexperience in delivering a captivating
message to their householders on why
separating organic waste at source is
good for the environment and cuts their
council tax bills.
Apart from damage to the environment,
throwing away uneaten food also wastes
money. Current figures indicate that
each week a typical household throws
away between 4.80 and 7.70 of
uneaten food; this is equivalent to
250-400 a year or 15,000-24,000 in
a lifetime [DEFRA, 2006].
Food Supplies Under Threat
Ironically, whilst the UK and many other
western countries are throwing away
food they are concurrently facing an
Originally from Scotland, Liam Devany is a mature student who returned to
postgraduate education and obtained his MSc in Advanced Environmental and
Energy Studies at the Centre for Alternative Technology, Wales / University of
East London. His background working experience spans energy generation
systems, IT, wireless communications, horticulture, vermiculture and
environmental building.
He is currently in his last year of a PhD funded by the EPSRC at the University
of West England, specialising in urban food production systems within the Built
Environment - with a particular emphasis on apiculture. In the next stage of his
post-doctoral research Liam intends to concentrate on mainstream sustainable
urban food production systems which combine traditionally separate fields into
closed-loop systems that have scalable potential.
He has also founded two social enterprises since the turn of the decade and is
currently a director of HBC - an environmental charity that is involved with
green community building projects, urban food production systems and
recycling initiatives.
Liam Devany

Wednesday 13th June 2007 Conference Session 2
impending food supply shortage in the
next 25 years at current rates [Viner and
Wallace, 2005]. To comply with the
EECs Common Fisheries Policy (CFP)
European fishing fleets reduced by 30%
up to 2003 [Nautilus, 1997], which will
rise dramatically as fishing stocks
continue to decline. Pessimistic global
forecasts predict complete extinction of
our edible fish by around 2050. Stocks
have already collapsed in nearly one-
third of sea fisheries, and the rate of
decline is accelerating. See Figure 1
below. In 2003, 29% of open sea
fisheries were in a state of collapse, i.e.
producing less than 10% of their
original yield.
Agricultural farming also faces several
threats. UK farmers supply around 90%
of UK potato consumption, 70% of
other vegetables, but only 10% of fruit
[EAFL, 2006]. Urban population spill is
consuming increasing agricultural
acreage; with farmhouses becoming
attractive second property buys for
wealthy urbanites, making surrounding
farmland redundant.
The Worldwatch Institute paints a bleak
picture of erratic weather playing havoc
with crop production - rearranging
traditional planting and harvesting
times, longer drought periods creating
problems for watering crops sufficiently,
alongside the type and volume of insect
predation on crops [Deweerdt, 2007].
Such conditions make it difficult to
guarantee crop volumes and quality,
making smaller-scale arable farming
increasingly less viable financially.
Precision Food Production
To counter the forecast food shortages,
it will be necessary to take control of
food production so that cities can
adequately produce enough fish,
vegetables and fruit to a consistent
volume and schedule. This requires
moving fish farming inland and placing
vegetable crops undercover to be
grown hydroponically, whilst striving to
produce all food stocks organically
rather than chemically (inorganic).
Fortunately, there are already
established methods for doing this. In
the UK, aquaculture mainly uses open-
air methods to rear cold-water fish such
as salmon in lakes and trout in ponds.
Indoor aquaculture is rare because of
the high costs of utilities, but can
consistently produce large volumes of
fresh water fish that prefer warm water -
such as Tilapia and Barramundi.
Traditionally, aquaculture and hydroponics
have been seen as separate food
production processes and both have
serious drawbacks with high water
consumption and the toxic run-off
pollutants each process generates. The
most common chemical run-off
constituents are calcium, magnesium,
phosphates, nitrates, sulphate and
potassium [Winterborne, 2005]. The
reliance on these chemicals to ensure
constant production results in produce,
often described as bland tasting, that
conforms to supermarket standards that
cannot be sold at a premium price
because it cannot be classified as organic.
Aquaponics
The science of combining both
processes on a commercial scale is
relatively new and has only established
itself commercially since the 1990s.
Aquaponics is the name coined to
describe this combination: (Aqua) from
Aquaculture and (ponics) from
Hydroponics. It should be noted that
the aquaculture aspect of this project is
defined as the growing of fish in indoor
tanks as opposed to cages in outdoor
ponds or lakes. By combining both
processes the run-off pollutants are
neutralised and turned into a resource
as well as being contained within a
circular recycling process.
Data from areas where fishing has been
banned or heavily restricted shows that
protection brings back biodiversity within
a zone, and restores populations of fish
just outside it [Viner and Wallace, 2005].
Aquaponics can act as a respite from
extensive sea over-fishing and allow
alternative fish types to be introduced
into the market whilst traditional stocks
are allowed to build up.
Hence young fish (spry) are purchased
then grown over a period of several
months to optimum market size. The
preferred fish is Nile Tilapia
(Oreochromis niloticus) because of its
robustness in handling changing water
conditions and being able to exist
comfortably in high density as it does in
the wild. Tilapia is the most consumed
fish globally but is unknown in northern
climates as it thrives in water
temperatures between 80-90
0
F.
However, there is already an established
market in the UK servicing an ethnic
population accustomed to this fish -
with two of the major supermarket
chains (Sainsburys and Morrison)
already selling it at their fresh fish
counters. Consumption of Tilapia in the
Europe is expected to increase as it is
relatively neutral in taste and provides a
suitable substitute for traditional UK fish
stocks such as cod, plaice, sole and
herring as they decline over the next 20
years [Nautilus, 1997].
Tilapia is omnivorous and can be fed
plants such as Duckweed within the
operation [Sell, 1993]. Whether this
option would be chosen would depend
on the scale of the operation and the
premium price paid for organically
grown fish. Aquaponics requires space
at a ratio of 1:7 of fish to hydroponics
production [Rakocy and Hargreaves,
1993]. As the volume of space required
to feed the fish organically can probably
be used to grow more profitable food or
pharmaceutical crops hydroponically, it is
likely the farmer would directly feed fish.
The Process Cycle
In commercial aquaponics the waste
generated by the fish is extracted from
the bottom of the tank then held in
tanks as micro organisms break down
the high concentrations of nitrites to
nitrates [Naylor et al, 1999], then
pumped through a hydroponics growing
system providing a nutrient source for
vegetables and fruit. [Worthington,
2001] compared mineral levels between
organically and inorganically grown
crops and found the former contained
less nitrates and contained significantly
more vitamin C, iron, magnesium and
phosphorous than the latter. Precision
control of nutrients can develop new
types of marketable crops. A
hydroponic farmer in Virginia has
developed a calcium and potassium
enriched head of lettuce, scheduled for
sale Spring 2007 [Murphy, 2006].
After plants extract nutrients the water it
is mechanically and UV filtered then
recirculated back to the fish tanks that
are constantly aerated. Only 10% of
new water is added to the cycle weekly,
making it highly efficient in water
conservation [Bugbee, 2003]. A filtered
rainwater harvesting system from the
polytunnel roof can be fitted in areas
that have sufficient rainfall to remove
reliance on mains water supplies.
Figure 1: Global loss of seafood species

Wednesday 13th June 2007 Conference Session 2
A complimentary cycle is thus
established, fish use oxygen and give
off carbon dioxide when they breathe
and their waste contains nitrogen for
plants. Adding algae works in reverse as
they use carbon dioxide and give off
oxygen whilst using nitrogen in fish
waste with light and carbon dioxide to
grow. See figure 2 below.
Algal Biofuel
A proposed innovation is the integration
of a process utilising the particular
microscopic green algae -
Chlamydomonas reinhardtii - commonly
known as pond scum. Recent
breakthroughs in controlling and
increasing the algaes hydrogen yield
present the possibility of it being
harvested for bio diesel [Vertigro, 2006].
In this process, holding tanks are fed
with fish waste nitrates and air dosed
with CO2 into enclosed photo
bioreactor tanks containing light plates
to enhance thick algal growth. It has
been shown that the maximum
productivity for a bioreactor occurs
when the exchange rate (time to
exchange one volume) is equal to the
doubling time of algae growth [Sheehan
et al., 1998].
Excess culture overflows and is harvested
using micro screens. When algae is dried
it retains its oil content and can then be
machine-pressed to yield oil that can be
converted into bio diesel, with the
remaining dried fraction used as a
nutrient rich fertiliser [Walker et al, 2005].
Alternatively it could be directly burned
to produce heat and electricity.
The algal-oil feedstock used to produce
bio diesel can be used directly for fuel
as "Straight Vegetable Oil", (SVO).
Whilst using the oil directly does not
require the additional energy needed
for transesterification, (processing the oil
with an alcohol and a catalyst to
produce bio diesel), it does require
modifications to a diesel engine,
whereas bio diesel will run in modern
diesel engines unmodified. The per unit
area yield of oil from algae is estimated
to be from between 5,000 to 20,000
gallons per acre, per year - this is 7-31
times greater than the next best
yielding crop - palm oil (635 gallons)
[Sheehan et al., 1998].See figure 3
below. The system will be a continuous
closed loop, which allows for a greater
retention of water in the system, and
eliminates cross contamination by other
algae species.
Pollution Control
As much of the CO2 released into the
atmosphere comes from burning fossil
fuels, this method provides a thorough
and efficient capture by attaching a
photo bioreactor to any fuel burning
plant, the CO2 produced during
combustion can be fed into the algae
system. With plant nutrients being
sourced from fish sewage, two pollutants
are thus turned into resources for the
production of bio fuel, with a footprint
requirement far less than other crops.
Combining Traditionally Alien
Sectors
Although commercial aquaponics
operations (without the algae
component) can already be found in
warm climates such as the southern
USA, South America and Australia, they
have not been able to establish
themselves in northern climates
because of the additional large utility
costs incurred - such as electricity for
lights, pumps and heating - to keep
them operational. The main proposition
of this paper combines an energy from
waste (EFW) method with an
aquaponics food / algal fuel operation
to provide a "complete loop" recycling
process - whilst being viable financially.
Both processing plants should be
adjacent to each other to eliminate
transportation costs whilst obviously
retaining biosecurity standards and
conforming to AFBP regulations. The
feedstock is household organic food
waste that is combined with waste
derived from filleting fish and the
preparation of hydroponics
vegetable/fruit produce for sale. The
EFW method in conjunction with a
combined heating and power unit
would service the full energy
requirements (heat, cooling and
electricity) of the growing operation,
with excess electricity (depending on
size of operation) either powering
occupants homes or being sold to the
grid at a premium green price.
Quintuple Generation
Current technologies for EFW that are
applicable are gasification and
anaerobic digestion. The system can
utilise quintuple-generation (QG)
methods to produce biogas, heat,
refrigeration, electricity & bio fuel to
maximise energy and food output most
efficiently. QGs superior efficiencies
surpass state-of-the-art combined
cycle cogeneration power plants by up
to 50% [Goodell, 2007]. Coupled with a
4-pipe system, this process produces
hot water/steam and chilled water
simultaneously, for circulation
throughout a high-density building or
village. By integrating refrigeration into
the system fresh fish / vegetable stocks
can be chilled or frozen whilst awaiting
consumption.
Size is not an impediment, as any scale
will still remain at system efficiencies of
90% [Soderman, 2002]. A system
integrated into urban/commercial
buildings could pay for itself in just 2
years, depending on local electric rates,
natural gas (or other fuel) costs, and the
load profile of the building.
There follows a brief discourse outlining
the benefits and disadvantages of the
two main EFW processes for treating
food waste, although it must be noted
that very few plants currently in
operation are exclusively processing
food waste.
Figure 2: Schematic of Aquaponics food production process, 2007

Figure 3: Oil yields NREL, 1998

Wednesday 13th June 2007 Conference Session 2
Anaerobic Digestion (AD)
AD is the preferred solution for smaller
operations on a cost basis. A
temperature-phased digester combines
two types of digestion technologies
(mesophilic and thermophilic) into a
two-stage reactor, increasing methane
yields. In general, operations servicing
more than 450 people (150 households)
are able to benefit from economies of
scale, with installation costs around
200 - 250 per head [Davidsson et al.,
2007]. Previously, systems without waste
heat recovery used around 30% of the
biogas they produced to heat their own
digestion process. The energy content
of the waste heat must be high enough
to be able to operate equipment
typically found in trigeneration power
and energy systems such as absorption
chillers, aerators, heat amplifiers,
dehumidifiers, hot water heat pumps,
turbine inlet air cooling and other
similar devices.
Although more expense in householder
education is required for separation of
organic waste at source, the capital set-
up costs are less compared to thermal
based methods. Such an installation
would be appropriate for small
communities or large tower blocks -
where integration into the building is the
preferred route. The food, algae and
rainwater harvesting is located on flat
roofs under lightweight polytunnel
structures to maximise sunlight exposure
and conserve energy requirements.
Meanwhile food waste moves down the
building in gravity chutes to the AD
plant located in the basement. The gas
produced powers turbines, and a CHP
unit utilises the heat generated for the
living quarters and the food growing
operation on the roof. Good sound
insulation (highest sound emissions
occur in the encapsulated generator
and amount to around 80 dB (A) at a
distance of 1 metre), efficient fraction
separation and odour control are the
technical challenges in this type of
installation.
Conversion of this biomass into
combustible gas also has all the
advantages associated with using
gaseous and liquid fuels such as: clean
combustion, compact burning
equipment, high thermal efficiency and
a reasonable degree of control.
AD harnesses and contains naturally
occurring process of decomposition to
treat the waste and produce biogas that
can be used to power electricity
generators, provide heat and produce
soil ammendments. A temperature-
phased digester combines two types of
digestion technologies (mesophilic and
thermophilic) into a two-stage reactor,
increasing methane yields. In the UK,
five plants were currently operational
and another six in various planning
stages at the end of 2006 [AD, 2006]
but none within buildings.
AD has three main applications for built
environments:
Its a proven waste disposal
technology which appeals to Waste
Authorities as they enter contracts to
build new waste management
facilities
Agricultural Waste Management and
production of fertiliser and on-farm
biogas
Renewable energy generation
assuming current (Spring 2007)
energy prices are maintained.
If the 5.5 million tonnes of UK municipal
food waste were targeted for separate
collection, then the total quantity of
electricity generated would be in the
region of 477-761 GWh per annum if
the material was digested. This is
equivalent to the electricity used by
between 103,000 - 164,000 households,
or 16-26% of the energy generated by
wind power in the UK in 2005 [Keay,
2005]. Composting the same amount of
material would utilise energy in the
process.
The net position in respect of
greenhouse gases is likely to be such
that routing the material through AD
rather than composting will improve the
position in respect of greenhouse gases
in the region of 0.22 - 0.35 million
tonnes CO2 equivalent (based on an
assumption that the displaced source is
gas fired electricity generation). If
equivalent biomass had been land
filled, savings increase to 1.6 - 3.6
million tonnes CO2 equivalent,
depending upon the performance of
the landfill and the digester.
Benefits of Anaerobic Digestion
Because the process is contained,
odour is controlled, which can help
meet permitted limits on emissions
AD destroys more volatile organic
compounds and produces more gas
than traditional composting
methods used e.g. for the treatment
of sludge
AD produces less solid waste, and
what is produced can be used
directly on fields as a mulch or soil
amendment
Biogas collected from the process
can be used to offset energy costs
by providing heat, running
refrigeration, supplying process
heating and producing electricity
and steam
Using biogas reduces fossil fuel
dependence thus reducing pollution
generated by drilling, mining,
transportation and emissions,
including methane and CO2.
Disadvantages of Anaerobic
Digestion
Purchase and installation is more
expensive than closed windrows
Additional plant, time and labour are
required at the front end to ensure
purity of the feedstock. Any plastic
or synthetic material contamination
can shut down the AD flow
Requires water supplies - although
some water costs can be mitigated
via a good rainwater harvesting
system
Although the plant requires a
relatively small footprint, labour and
space for separating incoming waste
can be considerable
Although not as foul as closed
windrows, the odour surrounding an
AD plant is still unpleasant to work
in.
Pyrolysis
The other route to utilising food waste
for EFW is a thermal conversion process
carried out in the absence of oxygen,
yielding solids, liquids and gases.
Within the context of electricity
generation, slow pyrolysis that yields a
carbonised product can be used as a
pre-treatment step before gasification.
The intermediate product has well
defined characteristics, offering several
options for power production.
Pyrolysis of waste is mainly carried out as
a pre-treatment for high temperature
combustion or gasification processes.
Due to the uniformity of the carbonised
product, better control of the thermal
conversion process is possible. As costs
drop for cleaner and/or precision
controlled systems in the medium to
long-term, the importance of pyrolysis as
a pre-treatment step is likely to increase.
Gasification
This occurs when a solid or liquid
substance is transformed into a gaseous
mixture by partial oxidation with the
application of heat (pyrolysis). The
process is optimised to generate the
maximum amount of gaseous
breakdown products, typically carbon
monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen,
methane, water, nitrogen and small
amounts of higher hydrocarbons. If all
the UKs food waste was processed
through pyrolysis/gasification methods it
Wednesday 13th June 2007 Conference Session 2
could generate up to 6 billion kW hrs of
energy - which equates to enough
energy to power 1.3 million houses per
year (based on UK average
consumption figures) [Atari, 2004].
Its prime advantage is it can flexibly
manage contaminated feedstock.
Packaging, along with various organic
fractions, can be directly fed into the
process without pre-separation. This
saves on labour costs and storage space
and makes collection an easier
proposition for local authorities, with
little education of the householder
required. It is also a more suitable EFW
method for large food
manufacturing/sales operations required
to dispose of out-of-date products from
supermarkets compared to the costs of
separating organic waste from
packaging using AD.
Disadvantages
Whilst gasification is a process optimised
for the maximum yield of gases, it still
generates solid and liquid by-products as
a result of the reduction of organic
matter, which may contain high levels of
toxic contaminants. A previous review of
pyrolysis systems by CADDET (1998)
raised concerns about residues from
these processes. Mohr et al. (1997) found
that dioxins and furans were formed in
the cycle producing high levels in liquid
process residues. Weber and Sakurai
(2001) examined the formation of dioxins
and furans under pyrolysis conditions
and concluded that they were definitely
formed from wastes containing chlorine
and copper. However, contemporary
thermal treatment process plants with
effective gas scrubbing can reduce the
emissions of acid gases, heavy metals
and dioxins and furans to levels well
below the EU Waste Incineration
Directive emission limits.
Capital costs are therefore significantly
higher at the backend, with extra plant
required to deal with NOX and toxic
wastewater. Its likely much of this
cleansing equipment may not be
required when supermarkets and food
suppliers move over to 100%
biodegradable point of sale packaging,
e.g. biodegradable cardboard with
cornstarch windows packaging. At that
point reduced costs of smaller-scale
gasification/CHP plants would allow
installation in the basements of large
municipal buildings and housing blocks.
Until then the costs for this process will
remain higher than AD.
Gasification stands or falls by how it
handles its waste by-products. It is
currently more appropriate as a large-
scale EFW technology that closely
follows the traditional centralised
collection model utilised by combustion
power stations for over fifty years. Allied
to a large-scale aquaponics operation
located alongside this plant,
economies-of-scale and productivity
benefits will be considerable. The
necessary plant distance from urban
centres means there are no savings on
transport fuel costs compared against
existing food and waste collection and
distribution methods.
Environmental Benefits
Aquaponics, AD and gasification
methods have the benefit of offsetting
the use of fossil fuels such as coal and
natural gas. As the waste materials
processed are organic matter, they can
be considered carbon neutral and their
diversion from landfill also reduces land
and water pollution and prevents the
release of methane - which is 22 times
more atmospherically damaging than
CO2. By using this process it is estimated
that landfill methane emissions could be
reduced by many metric tonnes of
carbon, equivalent to having planted (x)
acres of forest or removing the annual
emissions from (x) cars.
References
AGSTAR Handbook (2006) Questions that need to be asked and
answered before investing your money. UW-Extension, University of
Wisconsin-Madison -
http://www.epa.gov/agstar/resources/handbook.html
Anaerobic Digestion Plants in the UK (2007) -
http://www.anaerobic-digestion.com/html/ad_plants_in_the_uk.html
Animal By-Products Regulations (2005) -
http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/by-prods/default.htm
Atari, G. (2004). Food waste as a resource. In Biogas how to sustain
output from todays number one renewable. Renewable Power
Association Conference, London.
Bini, R. and Manciana, E. (1998) Organic Rankine Cycle Turbogenerators
for Combined Heat and Power Production from Biomass. In
Proceedings of the 3rd Munich Discussion Meeting, Munich, Germany.
Bugbee, B. (2003) Nutrient Management in Recirculating Hydroponic
Culture. South Pacific Soil-less Culture Conference Feb 11, Palmerston
North, New Zealand.
Burke, D.A. (2007) Dairy Waste Anaerobic Digestion Handbook. -
http://www.makingenergy.com
Davidsson, A., Jansen, J.L., Appleqvist, B., Gruvberger, C. and Hallmer,
M. (2007) Anaerobic digestion potential of urban organic waste: a case
study in Malm. Waste Management Research.; 25: pp. 162-169.
Deweerdt, S. (2007) Climate Change, Coming Home: Global warmings
effects on populations. World Watch Magazine, May/June, vol. 20, no. 3.
DEFRA UK Statistics (2006) -
http://statistics.defra.gov.uk/esg/publications/efs/default.asp
EAFL (2006) Fruit and Vegetable Production. Report for East Anglia
Food Link Network.
FAO (1994) Integrated energy systems in China - The cold Northeastern
region experience. Food And Agriculture Organization Of The United
Nations, Rome, 1994.
Goodell, M. (2007) Trigeneration Advantages For Commercial &
Industrial Clients. Trigeneration Technologies. -
http://www.trigeneration.com/
Grubb, M., Butler, L. and Twomey, P. (2006) Diversity and security in UK
electricity generation: The influence of low-carbon objectives. Faculty of
Economics, University of Cambridge.
Healthcare Without Harm (2007) Pyrolysis - a non-traditional thermal
treatment technology. -
http://beehive.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/default.asp?WCI=SiteHome&ID=89
0&PageID=7886
IEA CADDET (1998) Advanced Thermal Conversion Technologies for
Energy from Solid Waste. A joint report of the IEA Bioenergy
Programme and the IEA CADDET Renewable Energy Technologies
Programme.
Keay, M. (2005) Wind power in the UK: Has the Sustainable
Development Commission got it right? Oxford Energy Comment,
Oxford Institute for Energy Studies, May.
Mohr, K., Nonn, C.H. and Jager, J. (1997) Behaviour of PCDD/F under
pyrolysis conditions. Chemosphere 34, pp. 1053-1064.
Murphy, K. (2006) Farm Grows Hydroponic Lettuce. Observer Online.
Naylor, S.J., Moccia, R.D.and Durant, G.M. (1999) The Chemical
Composition of Settleable Solid Fish Waste (Manure) from Commercial
Rainbow Trout Farms in Ontario, Canada. North American Journal of
Aquaculture, vol. 61:pp. 2126.
Nautilus Consultants (1997) The Economic Evaluation of the Fishing
Vessels (Decommissioning) Schemes. Report on behalf of The UK
Fisheries Departments.
Oswald, J. I. & Oswald, A.J. (2006) The Spatial Requirements of
Renewable Energy
Rakocy, J.E. and Hargreaves, J.A. (1993) Integration of vegetable
hydroponics with fish culture: A review.
American Society of Agricultural Engineers, St Joseph, MI (USA), pp.
112-136.
Schultz, M.G., Diehl, T., Brasseur, G.P. and Zittel, W. (2003) Air pollution
and climate-forcing impacts of a global hydrogen economy. Science,
302, pp. 624-627.
Sell, R. (1993) Tilapia. Report for the Department of Agricultural
Economics, Alternative Agriculture Series, no. 2, NDSU.
Sheehan, J., Dunahay, T., Benemann, J. and Roessler, P. (1998) A Look
Back at the U.S. Department of Energys Aquatic Species Program:
Biodiesel from Algae. National Renewable Energy Laboratory Report
TP-580-24190.
Soderman, M.L. (2002) Including indirect environmental impacts in waste
management planning.
Department of Energy Conservation, Energy Systems Technology
Division, Chalmers University of Technology, Goteborg, Sweden
The Energy Blog (2006) Vertigro Algae Bio-Fuel Oil/C02 Sequestration
System. October 07 -
http://thefraserdomain.typepad.com/energy/2006/10/vertigro_algae_.ht
ml
Thankappan,S. (1999) From Fridge Mountains to Food Mountains?
Tackling the UK Food Waste Problem.
UNDP (1999) A Revolutionary Pyrolysis Process for turning Waste-to-
Energy. BIO ENERGY NEWS, vol. 3, no. 4.
Viner, D. and Wallace, C.(2005) The Impact of Climate Change on Crop
Production and Management - Now and in the Future. Climate Research
Unit Report, University of East Anglia, UK.
Walker, T.L., Purton, S. Becker, D.K., Collet, C. (2005) Microalgae as
bioreactors. Plant Cell Reports,
Springer-Verlag 2005.
Weber, R. and Sakurai, T. (2001) Formation characteristics of PCDD and
PCDF during pyrolysis processes. Chemosphere 45, pp. 1111-1117.
Weiland, P. (2000) Anaerobic waste digestion in Germany - status and
recent developments. Biodegradation. 11(6): pp. 415-21.
Winterborne, J. (2005) Hydroponics - Indoor Horticulture. Pukka Press,
Guildford, UK.
Worthington, V. (2001) Nutritional quality of organic versus conventional
fruits, vegetables and grains. Journal of alternative and complimentary
medicine, vol. 7, part 2.
Issue 21, June 2008
www.crcsalinity.com.au/spa
INSIDE:
NEWS FROM THE CHAIR 2
INDUSTRY NEWS AND EVENTS 3
FARMER CASE STUDY 4
John and Bernadette Cashmore,
East Hyden
RESEARCH
Aquaponics 6
Saltland Capability 8
CRC UPDATE 9
INFORMATION 10
Disclaimer:ViewsexpressedarenotnecessarilythoseoftheProjectManagerortheCommitteeoftheSaltlandPasturesAssociationInc.(SPA).All
informationisprovidedingoodfaith.Noliabilitywillbeacceptedby SPA foranylossordamagesufferedasaresultofapplyinginformationgiveninthe
SPAnewsletter.Mentionoftradenamesdoesnotimplyendorsementorpreferenceofanycompany'sproductby SPA andanyomissionoftradenameis
unintentional.
Thisnewsletterisproudly
sponsoredtheNational
LandcareProgrammes
Communitysupport
component.
Aquaponics new opportunity for saltland?
Page 4
SPA Update
Glenice Batchelor, SPA Chair
Itsbeenabusycoupleofmonthsinthechairwithanumberof
highlights.
International Salinity Forum in Adelaide
InAprilIattendedtheInternationalSalinityForuminAdelaide
topresentapaperandproudlylistenedtoSallyPhelan(Project
Manager) and Michael Lloyd copresent a paper on SPAs
behalf.ThepaperoutlinedtheSaltlandRevegetation Initiative
which encompasses the National Landcare Programme funded
Grower Support Network project in the Avon and South West
catchments,aswellasAvonCatchmentCouncilssaltbushand
salinepasturessubsidyproject.
The SPA committee were very pleased to source funding
throughLandWaterandWooltosponsorfourfarmermembers
from around the state to attend the Forum thanks to the
generosity of Land, Water and Wool. It was great to meet
Bernadette Cashmore (East Hyden), Andrew Lee
(Dumbleyung), John Pickford (Woodanilling) and of course to
allowMichaelLloydto attendandcopresent.Allhaveassured
me it was a valuable and enjoyable learning experience.
AndrewLeewillgiveagrowersperspectiveoftheconference
intheSeptembernewsletter.
TonyYorkfrom Tamminwasakey presenterandrounded out
theamazingfourdaysbysharinghisfamilysexperiencesusing
saline pastures in their farming system with the international
audience. WA was strongly represented at the conference and
reflected the amount of excellent research and researchers we
are so lucky to have here in the west such as Hayley Norman
(recently featured on Landline), Ed BarrettLennard, Di
MayberryandPhilNichols.
Pathways to Adoption Workshop
Last year a very successful Pathways to Adoption workshop
washeldatKatanninganditwaswonderfultobeabletobring
the workshop to the eastern wheatbelt and host it at
Tammin/Kellerberrin.CheckouttheJohnPowellupdateinthis
newsletter. For me, the workshop reinforced the role of
saltlandpasturesinourfarmingsystems.
SPA Staff Update
ProjectManagerSallyPhelanscontractwillbeendinginJune
andSallywillreturntotheDepartmentofAgricultureandFood
(DAFWA) based at the Bunbury office. Sally will still be
workingforSPAforthreedaysaweektotheendofSeptember,
which will help finalise current projects and assist with the
transition to new projects and handover to new staff. Our
thanksgotoDAFWAfortheirongoingassistanceandsupport.
The six Grower Support Network advisors will continue to
assist growers in the Avon and South West catchments to the
endoftheyear.
National Landcare Programme Sustainable Practices
funding
SPAhavesubmittedajointfundingsubmissionwithEvergreen
Farming and WA Lucerne Growers which looks at increasing
adoptionofperennialsacrossthelandscape,regionsandrainfall
zones.Ifsuccessful,theprojectwillevaluatethebenefitsofthe
three groups joining to form one WA perennialsfocussed
organisation. Whether or not an amalgamation occurs, the
projectwillstrengthenpartnershipsandprovidesomegreaton
ground outcomes for WA farmers. Member consultation and
supportwillbeanintegralpartofexploringfuturepartnerships.
Regional NRM groups
SPAhasbeenmaintainingregularcontactwithregionalgroups
tosee howthechangeofFederalgovernmentisaffectingtheir
futures. We remain committed to working within the regional
framework wherever possible and that the regional process is
important to ensure that local needs are recognised and where
possible supported.
SPA Committee
Wewillbemeetingthismonthandasalwayswewelcomeany
input to any of our committee. This year we are focussed on
future planning and project development and continuing to
meettheneedsofourmembers.
On a personal note, I am very proud to have been
acknowledged as the WA Landcare Professional at the State
Landcare awards. The opportunity to work with likeminded
individuals and groups is something that all of us appreciate
and Id like to thank everyone who has worked with me over
theyears.
News from the Chair
Land Water and Wool sponsored SPA members to attend
the International Salinity forum. From left: John
Pickford (Woodanilling), Michael Lloyd (Pingaring),
Bernadette Cashmore (East Hyden), Mike Wagg (Land
Water and Wool), Glenice Batchelor (SPA chair) and
Hayley Norman (CSIRO Livestock Industries)
2
You are invited to the following:
Albany Seminar Developing commercial opportunities for tree and perennial crops on
saline lands in the Great Southern
Thursday 26
th
June 2008 8.30am 12.30am
At the Department of Agriculture and Food Seminar room, Albany Highway
Green Skills, in association with Timber 2020, South Coast NRM, Forest Products Commission and the CRC
for Future Farm Industries, is running a major seminar in the Albany region on Thursday 26th June 2008.
When: Thursday 26
th
June 8.30 12.30
Focus: Developing new tree and perennial plant commercial opportunities for saline lands. This seminar is
being run under the Green Skills Dryland Farm Forestry program funded through South Coast NRM. The
idea follows on from a regular annual program of seminars we have coordinated since 2001. This seminar
is aimed at farmers pioneering new approaches to tree cropping and adoption of perennials on saline
lands, agency and plantation sector reps, NRM reps, and interested members of the general public.
Morning Tea and Lunch provided
Cost: $30 Corporate and Organisational $20 individual $10 concession (includes GST)
For further information contact Basil Schur 9848 1019 Email BSchur@greenskills.org.au
Advertise in the SPA
Newsletter
Reach your target audience!
Full page $100.00
Half page $75.00
Quarter page $50.00
To advertise, contact Sally Phelan on 0427
902 126 or spa@agric.wa.gov.au.
Industry news and events
SPA Fact Sheets
Direct Seeding, Old man saltbush, River
saltbush, Wavy leaf saltbush.
For copies, contact Sally Phelan on 0427 902
126 or spa@agric.wa.gov.au.
3
Biodynamic farming helps saltland recovery
Biodynamic farming is about much more than just not applying chemicals. It is an involved process of feeding the
soil to increase soil biota and organic matter, thus producing rich humus. Conventional agriculture fertilizes to
directly feed plants, whereas in biodynamics, special preparations are applied to feed the soil, and healthy soil
produces healthy plants, which in turn grows healthy animals. Although biological farming techniques like organics
and biodynamics have become popular with health conscious consumers in recent times, John and Bernadette
Cashmore at Nyonger east of Hyden have been farming biologically since 1992. And the benefits have not just
been on their fresh soil. John and Bernadette have also noticed a significant improvement in their saline
landscapes.
JohnandBernadetteCashmorefarma4,800acreproperty40km
east of Hyden, just one property away from the rabbit proof
fence. John has always worked on the farm, gradually taking
over from his father during the 1980s. It was noticed that
conventional farming methods were degrading the property
resulting in the rapid expansion of salt pans and scalds. While
investigating biodynamics, John and Bernadette were advised
thatitmaytaketimetobringthefarmback,butwithpersistence
soil improvements have been excellent and the Cashmores
gained Demeter certification in 1995 just three years after
introducingthenatureenhancedorganicmethodonthefarm.
JohnandBernadettewillgrow900acresofbarleythisyear,with
the rest in pasture. When clovers reach a high level in the
pasture, the soil is ready for a cropping phase. If a crop is not
grown at this stage, grasses will predominate next season. The
level ofcloversinthepastureguidestherotation,asopposedto
specific phases. Paddocks are grazed hard before a crop to
reduce weeds, which are now not a big problem. John and
Bernadette have recently moved into growing and marketing
Cashmore Meats certified biodynamic lamb. With low wool
prices in recent years, the Cashmores have been slowly moving
toDorpersheepandarefindingthemtobemoreresilient.
In 2000, John and Bernadette compared DOLA aerial photos
taken of their saline land in late October in1994 and 1999. In
1994, the saline site had received three application of the
biodynamic spray BD 500, and in 1999 the same site had
received eight sprayings. What John and Bernadette observed
was a significant improvement in the condition of the saltland.
While two dry years preceded the 1994 photos, five wet years
preceded the 1999 photos. It would be expected that the wet
seasonswouldhaveincreasedthesalinityhowevertheopposite
wasobserved(photos1and2).Incomparison,theconventional
farm next door was showing an increase in the area of salinity
(photos3and4).
John and Bernadette believe the dramatic improvement on the
saline sites is due to the soil structure benefits of applying BD
500. Compacted soil tends to create capillary action, drawing
salts to the soil surface and creating scalds. Research from La
TrobeUniversityatthe Cashmoreshasshownan improvement
insoilstructureacrossthefarm,andfluffy,friablesoilswithrich
humushavebeenobserved.Thisrecreationofsoilstructureand
top soil has acted like mulch creating a freshening of the soils
surfaceandallowingplantgrowth.
JohnandBernadettearethisyearparticipatingintheSPAAvon
Saltbush planting scheme. They will be growing old man and
river saltbush seedlings, and are also keen to try some direct
seeding to see whether the biodynamic methods assist with a
successfulestablishment.Itishopedthatthewaterusefromthe
saltbushes will complement the soil structure improvements
observedfrombiodynamicmethods.
For more information visit http://members.bordernet.com.au/~cashmore3
Farmer Case Study Farmer Case Study
Before and After. Photo 1, left, saltland in 1994 after three BD 500 sprays. Photo 2, right, the same area of
saltland in 1999. The area of salinity is greatly reduced after eight sprays of BD 500.
4
Farmer Case Study
Photo 3
Conventional
versus
biodynamic,
1994. Area of
saltland circled
in red for
biodynamic, and
blue for
conventional.
Photo 4
Conventional
versus
biodynamic,
1999. Area of
saltland
increased in
conventional
paddocks (blue)
but decreased in
biodynamic
paddock (red).
Pink Conventional Yellow Biodynamic
5
Salt Water Aquaponics: growing fish and saltland pasture
together
A trial has begun in the wheatbelt on a property near
Goomalling that may totally change the way farmers view
their salt affected land. On this cereal/sheep property an
area that has been severely affected by salinity has been
allocatedtocarryoutthetrial.
The company Aqua Farms Research and Development
(AFRD) havedugseveraltrenches, each ofabouta million
litres into the watertable where thesalinity is twothirds to
fullseawater(2035ppt).AFRDaretrialingasystemto
farm marine fish such as Mulloway, Pink Snapper, Black
Bream and salt tolerant rainbow trout in intensive cage
systems. The system uses air to move water through the
cage (airlifts) and therefore greatly increases the stocking
density (seephotos3and4).
Thekeytogetthissystemtoworkinvolvestakingthesolid
waste (fish faeces and uneaten feed) and the dissolved
waste (Ammonia) and lift the water into a nutrient trench
that runs parallel to the trench where the fish are growing.
In the nutrient trench, salt tolerant plants that can also
tolerate waterlogging will be used to strip the excess
nutrients (mainly nitrogen and phosphate) before the water
flows back into the fish trench. The plants would be
croppedregularlyandthenfedtosheepandcattle.Thusthe
farmer is not only growing marine fish (which due to
overfishing world wide are becoming more valuable) but
alsogrowingfodderforstock.
Research
Photos 1 and 2. Above: excavating the trench, and
below the trench ready for cages.
Photo 3 (above) fish cages in trenches and photo 4
(below) airlifts that allow for increased stocking
densities.
6
The beauty of this system is that it is virtually drought
proof. As can be seen from the photos the trench has been
initially planted out with a salt sedge (Juncus krausii) but
other species will be trialed such as Tall wheat grass
(Thinopyrum ponticum) and Puccinellia (Puccinellia
ciliata).Itishopefulthatanewspeciesbeingtrialedbythe
University of WA, a highly palatable legume called Lotus
tenuis, will also be tested at Goomalling. By passing the
wastewaterthroughthenutrienttrenchtheeffluentwateris
scrubbed of the excess nitrogen and phosphorus before
returningtothefishtrench.
It is envisaged that the fish will take six months to get to
market size (greater than 500 grams) thus two crops per
yearwillbepossible.
Besides being a great example of farm diversification the
objectives of AFRD are to also produce a system that is
farmer friendly. The system is designed with the busy
schedule of growers in mind where there is little time
available to look after fish. The Goomalling project has
automatic feeders that would require the farmer to fill up
thefeeders onceaweek.The waterquality is monitoredby
electronicprobes so that if there is a power failure and the
oxygen levels fall below a critical point, then a diesel
generator kicks in and starts up a back up blower to aerate
the water in the fish cages. The air and water temperature
arealsobeingmonitoredandthesecanbecheckedfromthe
farmers home via a relay system connected to his
telephone line and home computer. The trial will continue
throughout the winter and the fish are expected to be
harvestedinlateOctober.
For more information contact Tony Bart on mob.
0430514069oremail tonyabalone@primusonline.com.au
Research
Photo 5: Planting Juncus krausii in the nutrient trench.
Photo 6: Salt tolerant plants in the nutrient trench
filter excess nitrogen and phosphorus.
Photo 7: The growing pond and nutrient trench.
Photo 8: Airlifted water entering the nutrient trench.
7
Comparing salt across the country
Need for a standardised system and terminology to
classify saltland has been apparent for many years, and
many different groups and geographical areas have their
own local versions. A new Australiawide system has
been proposed by Ed BarrettLennard from the
DepartmentofAgricultureandFoodandcolleaguesatthe
Future Farm Industries CRC, which was presented to the
InternationalSalinityForuminAdelaideinApril.
Ed said that use of a standardised classification system
would mean that any work on the salinity tolerance of
potential fodder plants could be easily incorporated into
thesaltlandcapabilityassessment,regardlessofwherethe
research was undertaken. Results could also be readily
extrapolated across States for use by extension workers
and land managers seeking the most profitable and
sustainableplantoptions.
Different terms are currently used in different States for
the same levels of salinity as measured by Electrical
Conductivity.Forexample,EC
e
levelsof816dS/m(WE
WOULD TEND TO USE 80160 MILLSIEMENS PER
METRE BUT ED PREFERS DECISIEMENS.
CONVERT IF YOU PREFER.) are often described as
verysalineinWAbuthighinSouthAustralia.Then
levels above 16 dS/m are called extreme in WA,
severeinSA,whilethesametermseverecanbeused
for 1435 dS/m in Victoria or more than 14 dS/m by the
MurrayDarlingBasinCommission.
In 2005, MaryJane Rogers from Victoria proposed a
standardised classification that ranged from nonsaline
(withECevaluesof02dS/m)tohighlysaline(morethan
8 dS/m) but this level has little appeal to halophyte
agronomists who deal with many soils with EC
e
greater
than16dS/m,Ednoted.
Land with salinity around 20 dS/m would be capable of
supporting halophyticgrassessuchastallwheatgrassand
puccinellia but other country at 60100 dS/m would only
manage samphire, he said. These were all well off the
Rogersscalewhichstoppedat8dS/m.
Ed,withcolleaguesSaritaJaneBennettand TimColmer,
arguesthatthereisneedforanAustraliawidesoilsalinity
classification that is easy to use, compatible with State
classifications where possible, and that links soil salinity
to plant indicators. Their proposal is summarised in the
table below. One of its great strengths is the
mathematical simplicity: each class has double the EC
e
value(ElectricalConductivityofsaturationextract)ofthe
one before it. This means that the range for moderate
salinity (48 dS/m) is twice that of low (24 dS/m) and
halfasmuchashigh(816dS/m).
Values are more complicated when EC
1:5
(Electrical
Conductivity in1:5extract) isusedand needtobevaried
depending on soil texture. EC
1:5
values are easy to
measureandarewidelyusedinthefield.
Dr BarrettLennard would welcome any comment or
debate about the merits of the proposed system. He can
be contacted on telephone (08) 6488 1506 or email
egbarrettlennard@agric.wa.gov.au
Table 1. Suggested Australian classification system for categorisation of soil salinity
EC
1:5
range (based on conversions of
George and Wren 1985)
Suggested term
EC
e
range
(dS/m)
For sands For loams For clays
Effect on plants
Nonsaline 02 00.14 00.18 00.25 Negligible
Low salinity
24 0.150.28 0.190.36 0.260.50
Decreased growth in sensitive
crops such as beans
Moderate salinity
48 0.290.57 0.370.72 0.511.00 Decreased growth in most crops
High salinity
816 0.581.14 0.731.45 1.012.00
Only tolerant nonhalophytes can
tolerate
Severe salinity
1632 1.152.28 1.462.90 2.014.00
Decreased growth of most
halophytes
Extreme salinity
>32 >2.29 >2.91 >4.01
Some halophytes die, most have
decreased growth
Research
8
Successful Pathways to Adoption workshop held at Tammin April 2
The recent Path to Adoption workshop at Tammin featured
headlinetechnologiesrefinedbyCRCSalinityforwholefarm
and landscape water management in the eastern wheatbelt of
WA,includinglucernephasefarming,saltlandpastures,andoil
mallees. Day one of the workshop started with excellent
presentations on the technologies from lead CRC researchers
Perry Dolling, John Bartle and Ed BarrettLennard.
Participants then learned more about the practical side of the
technologies on four farms. Growers Simon York, Gavin
Morgan,RodForsythandMurrayClementtalkedaboutwhy
theyadoptedthetechnologies,thechallengesinadoptingthem,
andwhethertheyactuallydeliveredanticipatedbenefits.
Therewaslivelydiscussionandnetworkingallday(andnight!)
amongstthediversegroupofparticipantswhohadbeeninvited
totheworkshop.Timewilltell,buttheTamminworkshopmay
have catalysed a regional advisers network for the eastern
wheatbelt.Tablegroupsessionsinsideondaytwosawgrowers,
CRCresearchersandnextusershavingindepth(andsometimes
loud!) discussions about the merits of the technologies. They
alsoputforwardtheirbigideasforwhatshouldhappennextto
increaseadoptionofthetechnologies.
ThetablegroupswerecapablychairedbySallyPhelan,Project
Manager with the Saltland Pastures Association, Dan
Ferguson, Project Delivery Manager with Avon Catchment
Council,andTimScanlon,DevelopmentOfficerwithDAFWA
Merredin.Big ideas to come out of the Tammin workshop
were:
o promote lucerne to croppers as a tool to preserve cropping
yieldsandlandvalue,insteadofpromotingitaspartoflucerne
livestocksystemstoaddresswaterloggingandsalinity
o promote saltbush as part of normal farm and landscape
management, rather than something you do when land is no
longerusefulforanythingelse
o establish regional partnerships between the Oil Mallee
Association, State agencies and Shires, for coordinated oil
malleeindustrydevelopment.
More specifically for Saltland Pastures, workshop
participants agreed that:
Advantagesofsaltlandpasturesarethatthey:
Are an option for 100% croppers in blocks and alleys for
agistment or sheep trading free up better quality land for
cerealsandcreatemoreefficientuseofstubblesallowdifferent
management of different classes of sheep provide more
resilience to climate change provide Vitamin E, especially in
northernareasarefullytaxdeductibleandincreasethecapital
valueoflandassetcanknockdownwoodyOldManSaltbush
(OMS) with rollers it will reshoot take advantage of sub
surface irrigation are productive with/without understorey
proper fit depends on design taking into account water, fences,
cropland,saltland.
Driversforadoptionofsaltlandpasturesare:
Favourable economics (on moderately saltaffected land) fear
oflostproductionandreducedaestheticslocalNRMpeople.
Barrierstoadoptionofsaltlandpasturesare:
Unfavourable economics (on severely saltaffected land) high
grainprices(evenBclasslandcanyield6bagsor1tonne/haof
wheat) need to be more flexible in applying our recipes not
beingatcropupdatesnotsurewheretogoforadvicelackof
NRM advisers with skills, knowledge and confidence lack of
education and training opportunities for NRMOs high staff
turnoveramongstNRMOsandagribusinessadviserssupplyof
seed/seedlings postplanting management lack of farmer
measurement they tend to be reactive, eg only acting after
observing scalds (when its too late to put more productive
optionsin).
Several members of the FFI CRC Adoption &
Commercialisation Consultative Panel also participated in the
workshop. Representatives of Qualdata, which is monitoring
and evaluating the impact of the CRCs adoption and
commercialisation activities, also attended. The workshop was
organised by John Powell, FFI CRC Adoption Manager, with
localongroundsupportfromJohnBorger,DAFWANortham,
and Glenice Batchelor, Project Manager of the Catchment
Demonstration Initiative at Doodlakine/Kellerberrin and SPA
Chairperson. For further information contact John Powell (02)
62265298jpowell@optimalicm.net.au
CRC Update
Grower Gavin Morgan used 2m deep soil pits to demonstrate
the effect of lucerne in preserving his future grain yields.
Gavins site at Kellerberrin is part of the Catchment
Demonstration Initiative in the Avon region.
Dan Mudford from North Central CMA in Victoria makes a point
during a table group session on day 2.
North Central CMA is a Partner in the FFI CRC.
9
Is there a place for saltbush in an allcropping situation?
Michael Lloyd, Bundilla, Lake Grace
High grain prices and recent dry seasons have seen some growers moving away from livestock to 100% cropping.
This begs the question of whether saltbush can play a role in a total cropping system, or whether other salinity
management options would be more beneficial. Lake Grace farmer and saltbush champion Michael Lloyd takes a
look at the pros and cons of saltbush for the 100% cropper.
This question was asked recently at a CRC workshop,
andthe initialresponsewastotalk aboutthepossibility
of using saltbush mixed with stubbles for agistment. It
is true thatthere may be an opportunity to use saltbush
and stubbles for agistment on some farms, but in many
situations where the farmer has decided to go out of
stock, the stock infrastructure may have deteriorated to
suchadegreethatagistmentisnotviable.Inadditionto
this, some farmers see more value in the stubble being
retained as mulch and they regard the returns from
agistmentasbeingprettyminor.
So it does beg the question above is there a place for
saltbush on a nonstock farm? To answer this, perhaps
weshouldfirstlookattheroleofsaltbushinthefarming
system and in particular, its current role in a stock or
mixedfarmenterprise.
In the past, saltbush has been seen as a good fodder
sourceandterms like living haystack haveoften been
used.Inadditiontothis,saltbushwasseenasthe main
fodder source, with the understorey of grass and
clovers,hayorstubbleasthesupplementtomitigatethe
high salt levels and provide energy to balance the
protein.
With observations over the last few years, many of us
arenowseeingsaltbushinadifferentlight.Atdensities
of up to 1000 plants per hectare, we are experiencing
watertable drawdown of between one and two metres,
whichinturnhasseenamassiveincreaseintheamount
ofannualcloversandgrassesgrowing,rightuptoandin
amongstthesaltbush.Thecombinationoftheenergyin
theannualsandtheproteininthesaltbush,togetherwith
thehighlevelsofVitaminEinthesaltbush,makeforan
almostperfectfodderforstock.Somaybethesaltbushs
primarypurposeisnottoprovidethebasefodder,but
to lower the watertable enough to allow for large
quantitiesofannualunderstoreytobegrownforenergy.
Perhaps in this case, the saltbush becomes the
supplement!
But what about the all cropping farm with no stock?
Principally, it is the ability of the saltbush to use
groundwater and lower the watertable that will benefit
thecroppingsystem.
With rising watertables a feature of our wheatbelt,
particularly in the broad valley floors, there is a
desperate need to introduce more perennials into the
farmingsystems,includingcroppingsystems.Generally
people have looked to phase farming with lucerne, or
alleyfarmingwitheucalypts,oftenoilmallees,tobethat
perennial.
Letsseehowtheseoptionsstackup.
Phase Farming Lucerne
Generally, when lucerne is introduced into a phased
farming cropping system, it is with 3 years of lucerne
followed by 4 years of cropping, or a similar rotation.
Thismeansthatinanyoneyear,therewouldbe43%of
the area in lucerne and 57% in crop not the most
attractive scenario for someone with no stock! In
additiontothis,thephasesystemincreasestherisksina
variable or changing climate. With no perennials in a
croppingpaddockfor4years,highrainfallyearsoreven
high rainfall events increase the chance of rising
watertables with no perennial to soak up the excess.
Also, in yearsof lowrainfall inthecrop year following
lucerne,there istheriskof lowercrop yieldsduetothe
drying effect of the lucerne in the perennial phase and
lower rainfall in that crop year. While there is a place
forlucerneinamixedfarmingsystemasopposedtoall
cropping, there is also an increased risk in the event of
climatechangeandsevereclimateconditionsbothwet
anddry.
Information
Phase farming with lucerne increases water use
10
Alley Farming Oil Mallees and other eucalypts
Anotheroptionofintroducingperennialsintoacropping
system is to use alley farming in this case oil mallees
orothereucalypts. Whilethere may besomeargument
abouttheamountofwaterusebyeucalyptsinnonsaline
situations, when the concentration of salt in the
groundwaterrisesto20dS/m(about35%ofseawater),
their growth and therefore water use will decline. As
well,eucalyptsarerenownedforrobbingsoiladjacent
totherowsofnutrientsandwater,leavingcropsnearthe
shrubs stunted or withered or the soil bare ask any
farmer with a solitary salmon gum in the centre of a
paddock!Ofcourse,thiswillvaryaccordingtospecies.
Eucalyptus sargentii (Salt River gum) can have bare
areasupto3meithersideoftherowoftreesinthealley.
In spite of this, alleys of eucalypts may provide
watertable control (provided the groundwater is not too
saline), will use summer rainfall and provide erosion
control.
Alley Farming Saltbush
As with trees and other shrubs in alleys, saltbush will
usesummerrainfallandprovideerosioncontrol.Itwill
alsolowerwatertables,evenwheresalinegroundwateris
present,althoughitsgrowthmayslowinthepresenceof
extremely highly saline groundwater. However, it does
haveonebigbenefitovereucalypts theannualswill
growrightuptothebaseofthesaltbush. Infact,thereis
some anecdotal evidence thatthe grasses grow better in
amongstthesaltbush,andcertainlyseemtobenefitfrom
theshelterofthealleysystem.
So to ask the question again Is there a place for
saltbushinanallcroppingsystem?
When the evidence is considered, the answer must be
YES!
Alleys of saltbush will help with watertable control,
especially at moderate levels of groundwater salinity.
Somefarmershaveexpressedconcernaboutlosingupto
20% of their cropping land by planting alleys. If
saltbushisusedfortheperennialinthealleysystemand
it is introduced before the rising saline groundwater is
affecting crop production, it will provide longterm
protection against salinity, protection against wind and
water erosion and protection from the damaging effects
ofstrongwinds.Cropswillbeabletobegrownrightup
tothesaltbush.
Butthenthenextquestionthatmustbeaskedofafarmer
withlandatriskfromrisingsalinegroundwateris:
Do you want to crop 100% of this paddock for the
next5to10yearsbeforeitbecomessaline,ordoyou
want to crop 80% of it for the next 50 or so years?
Information
Alleys of oil mallees with cropping in the inter
row
Alleys of saltbush with legume understorey
11
10
10
Pond aquaponics: new
pathways to sustainable
integrated aquaculture
and agriculture
Edoardo Pantanella
Rising environmental concerns
and growing demand for diferent
uses of production inputs set
new challenges for aquaculture
d e v e l o p me n t . I n c r e a s e d
pr oduc t i vi t y wi t h r educed
ecological impact, integration
between production systems and
reduced use of chemicals are just
some of the leading principles that
more sustainable fsh production
needs to follow.
In developed countries concerns about
pollution issues have raised interest in
aquaponics as a valid option to get rid of
aquaculture wastes through the production
of high value vegetables (Rakocy et al,
2006; Diver, 2006). However in developing
countries this technology, run mainly in
recirculation systems, is not often applicable
to local aquaculture systems.
In Southeast Asia freshwater fsh production
is mostly carried out in ponds where constant
fertilisation occurs to sustain phytoplankton
and zooplankton growth. The presence of
green algae and micro organisms helps
maintain adequate oxygen levels and to
sustain in-pond feed availability. However, if
on one hand green algae help in enriching
pond water on the other hand they prevent
plant nutrient build up.
Research in Thailand implied the use of
alternative strategies for pond fertilisation
that allow plants to take up nutrients both
from water and from supplied growing
media.
The foating garden concept
A key idea for developing such systems arose
by studying the Bangladeshi Dhats, rafts
made with floating water weeds, mostly
water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) (Practical
Action, 2007). This indigenous growing
system is nowadays rediscovered by farmers
living in flood prone areas and allows for
vegetable production all year round. Their
use is pretty simple since weeds are piled
together in water bodies. When the mass of
vegetables reaches a critical volume they
can physically sustain vegetable growth and
supply nutrients through biomass decay.
Trials carried out in Nam Sai Farms, Thailand
used manure, composted water weeds
or rice husk ash as growing media, which
were left foating on water in boxes or trays.
No external energy or mechanical inputs
(pumps or filters) were used. Plants were
left to grow in a catfsh (Clarias sp) pond, in
tilapia (Oreochromis sp) ponds and a river
with diferent growing media. Assessments
determined yields under different nutrient
levels supplied both by water and by growing
media. Comparisons were also carried out
against traditional production methods such
as hydroponics (raft system) and soil-based
agriculture under high fertilisation rates.
Very interesting yields have been noticed in
catfsh ponds where plants can simply take
advantage of high nitrogen levels in the
water, even at low dissolved oxygen levels.
On the other hand wherever water nutrients
were the limiting factor, nutrient supplement
from growing media allowed results close to
soil-based growing systems.
Fig. 1 Floating garden made with water hyacinth
11
Aquaculture News 34 / May 2008 11
Advantages in integrated
production
Hi gher revenues can be achi eved by
farmers who can increase farm productivity
and differentiate production with limited
investment. Free availability of water weeds
guarantees cheap suppl i es and keeps
channels clear of clogging vegetation, thus
providing an important environmental
service. Decaying organic material can help
fertilise ponds and at the same time provide
a plant growing environment less prone
to diseases and to soil pests. Reduction
of chemical inputs allows farmers to get
premium prices from soilless (hydroponic)
or organic vegetables in a market quite
sensitive to pesticide use in agriculture.
Surveys carried out in the Bangkok area
suggest that nearly all the vegetables sold in
supermarkets (conventional, hydroponic or
organic), show some degree of certifcation
and traceability. In addition hydroponic and
organic product prices are 100-600% higher
than those of conventional agriculture (from
0.75-1.1 /kg for conventional up to 4-7.6 /
kg for hydroponics and organic lettuce).
Future perspectives
Si mpl i ci ty i n desi gn and management
with almost no energy and low equipment
costs makes these systems an interesting
solution wherever land availability, fooding,
productivity and ecological footprint are an
issue. In addition the use of water weeds as
a resource can indeed increase livelihoods
opportunities in all those areas affected
worldwide.
Further research needs to address the nutrient
dynamics of different growing media and
to optimise system design and nutritional
requirement of vegetables in those water
bodies with limited dissolved nutrients. The
possibilities of this integrated system are
quite high and can provide sensitive benefts
to smallholders as well as big aquaculture
enterprises.
Fig. 2 Trials in catfsh farm
Fig. 3 Water weeds in tropical areas can easily double their biomass in just a few days
Fig. 4 Growth comparison for romaine lettuce. A on raft
made with water hyacinth; B on ash pots in a catfsh farm;
C on ash with zero nutrients (control); D on soil with full use
of fertilizer
The potential of these systems is however
not fully acknowledged and interdisciplinary
links and research can undoubtedly address
many of the issues that are still unattended.
References
Diver S, 2006. AquaponicsIntegration of Hydroponics
with Aquaculture (Internet). ATTRA - National Sustainable
Agriculture Information Service. Available from: <http://
attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/PDF/aquaponic.pdf> (accessed
on 02/4/2008)
Practical Action (2007) Floating Gardens in Bangladesh
(Internet). The Schumacher Centre for Technology &
Development. Available from: <http://practicalaction.org/
practicalanswers/product_info.php?cPath=24&products_
id=201> (accessed on 02/4/2008)
Rakocy, J. E. , Masser, M. P. and Losordo, T. M. (2006)
Recirculating Aquaculture Tank Production Systems:
Aquaponics-Integrating Fish and Plant Culture (Internet)
SRAC Publication No. 454 (revision November 2006)
Department of Agriculture, USA. Available from: < http://
srac.tamu.edu/tmppdfs/1251841-srac454.pdf?cfd=12518
41&cftoken=a3bfa0221a4d437c-1867122a-7e93-35cb-88
db9c0db730c1de&jsessionid=8e304aae606019523c1d >
(accessed on 03/4/2008)
24 SUMM! 2008 IIIIII !I1^IG
Class was about to begin
at the Donald F. Harris Sr.
Agri-Science & Technology
Center at Bloomeld High
School. Joe Rodrigues, the
environmental science teach-
ernot one to suer fools
lightlystood in the front
hall, eyeing each student as
they burst through the door.
A latecomer sauntered in and
Joe nabbed him. Yo! I want
to talk to you. Te kid tried
to show Joe the Red Cross
bandage he received after
giving bloodan excuse, he
thought to get out of class.
Joe was having none of it. In
this class today, youre going
to keep your butt in your
chair. No fooling around.
Te kid faked a shocked
look. But Mr. Rodrigues, I just gave blood, doesnt that get me o
the hook? Joe smirked, Of course not. Tough love.
Lanky and well dressed, replete with spotless, well-shined shoes
and a signature bow tie, Joe has a take-no-prisoners attitude that his
students seem to respect. With almost 100 pupils taking courses at
the center, he doesnt have a lot of time for fooling around. Joe and
his colleagues at the Agri-Science Center work with freshmen to se-
niors, not only from Bloomeld but also from Windsor, East Granby,
and Hartford. Harris is one of 19 agricultural education centers in
Connecticut where students come to learn how to grow food.
Kale, tomatoes, basil, herbs, lettuce, peppers, shallots, Joe says
as he shows me around the freshly planted garden out back. We
grow it all here. His infectious enthusiasm for this program spreads
to the kidsbut dont tell them that. If you visit their on-site green-
house in late winter, you will nd the students planting seedlings
in tiny pots, and some will gripe about the workload. Teenagers are
ckle by nature, eager to plant one minute, quickly bored the next.
Come on! Joe will chide them. We havent got all day, he says to
one student playing with her iPod. But even with their cant-be-both-
ered posing, the kids will tell you how cool they think the program
is. One teenager told an NBC30 interviewer: Its actually exciting,
you know, to see something you grew in rst period thats eaten in
third period for lunch.
Te students are secretly
proud of the fact that in a
months time, seedlings they
planted in January end up as
lovely arugula plants which
are then harvested by the
culinary arts students, who
also learn, in a class taught
by Chef Paul Waszkelewicz,
how to cook with the slightly
spicy salad green and other
greenhouse specialties. More
of the produce ends up in the
cafeteria kitchen, prepared
by the sta for all the high
school students. Te basil
they grow becomes topping
on pizzas; the habanero pep-
pers are turned into a sauce
for the pork sandwiches.
Jaunice Edwards, who
joined the program at its in-
ception in 1997, when all the agriculture education was taught in
one room, is now the director of the Agri-Science Center. She is in
charge of their hydroponic, oral design, and aquaculture programs
while Mary LeBlond, the animal science teacher, handles the lop-
eared rabbits and free-range chickens. Starting in the fall they will
have up to 30 layers, mostly Rhode Island Reds and Barred Rocks,
and will be selling eggs to the public.
In the early years they had trouble just giving away the food they
grew. We werent really doing much with all this food we were pro-
ducing, Jaunice admitted, telling me that at one point they even
discontinued their aquaponics program. Its just in the past couple of
years that the Center has extended training to practical application
thanks to the arrival of the Local Food Dude, or rather, Timothy
Cipriano. Coming on board in 2005 as food service director, Tim
oversees six schools (K12) with a total of 2,400 kids, who get served
a whopping 1,800 meals per day in six cafeterias with two full-service
kitchens. What seems overwhelming to a home cook is routine for a
food service professional. However, instead of sourcing entirely from
one or two distributors, Tim orchestrates many players to improve
the quality of food on students plates. He has created the much ad-
mired Bloomeld Schools Farm-to-School Program [BSF2S], sourc-
ing local foods for cafeteria meals and decreasing the time-tested use
of a can opener and three-quart cans of industrial tomato sauce. Tis
IAI^1C:\ICCI
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IIIIII !I1^IG SUMM! 2008 2
ongoing collaboration between the Agri-Science, Culinary Arts, and
Foodservice departments has become known in the culinary-school
world as a cutting-edge education program and is now hotly sought
after by students. Many who graduate have gone on to culinary
schools, or now work for local food projects like the Connecticut
Agricultural Experiment Station and the Hartford Food System. And
far fewer students bring their own lunches.
Out of all the agricultural initiatives, the resuscitated aquaponics
program is the most avant-garde, and has thrived with Tims support.
Aquaponics is the combination of aquaculture and hydroponics, or
simply stated, a place where you grow plants and sh together in one
big tank. It is considered to be a very sustainable form of farming
since the sh waste, formerly discarded, now provides a food source
for the growing plants while the plants provide a natural water lter
for the sh.
Jaunice took me on a tour of the aquaponics room, which is part
of the greenhouse facilities. Tere are three 250-gallon tanks plus one
that holds 700 gallons. Te big fat tank has lettuces and tomatoes
growing on top, the smaller ones have 4550 basil plants oating on
top in Styrofoam beds, each tucked into a hole that allows the roots
to feed on the sh waste. Te plants grow really well in water, says
Jaunice. In fact, they grow twice as fast as they do in soil. Growing
them in soil actually takes a lot more work.
And underneath the greenery are schools of tilapia and catsh
swimming about. One 250-gallon tank can hold 100 pounds of sh
while the 700-gallon tank can hold 500 pounds. Tats a lot of sh,
enough to feed armies of students. Last semester was a test run, but
Jaunice feels that by the fall, the cafeteria menu will be featuring
pan-fried catsh and tilapia quite often. Te few sh they had this
spring ended up in a sh fry at the schools rst farm-
ers market last May. Cheneil Carnegie, a junior who
is on her way to chef stardom, was one of the students
cooking the sh that day. My dad was a chef so its in
the family. And from here I plan on going to Johnson
and Wales to become a chef too. She stopped and
thought about it for a second. An executive chef, that
is. Squirting more lemon onto the sh in the pan she
looked at me and beamed.
RESOURCES
Bloomeld Schools Farm-to-School Program
www.blmd.org/farmtoschool
Donald F. Harris Sr. Agri-Science and Technology
Center
www.blmd.org/agriscience
Local Food Dude
www.localfooddude.com
National Sustainable Agriculture Information
Service
www.attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/aquaponic.html
Connecticut Sea Grant
www.seagrant.uconn.edu/aquaguide/
Auburn University:
Department of Fisheries and Allied Aquacultures
www.ag.auburn.edu/sh/