Abstract:
Aquaponics is an innovative and integrated fish-cum-vegetables production system that can
produce safer food while reducing environmental hazards. Present experiment was carried out to
evaluate the efficiency of coconut coir (T1) and water hyacinth roots (T2) as media in a
recirculatory (RAS) vertiponics system to grow tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) and mint
(Mentha arvensis). The initial length and weight was 15.26(+_1.41) cm and 60.06(+_17.69) g
respectively, and fed commercial pellet feed twice daily, initially at the rate of 5%, which
gradually decreased to 3% and finally 2% body weight. Sampling of water, fish and plants were
carried out fortnightly. Results showed that the water quality parameters were within the suitable
range of fish culture and the amount of nutrients in effluent was lower than in influent as plants
extracted the nutrients for their growth and survival. The mean height, number of branches and
leaves and weight of plants were significantly higher in T2 than in T1. The mint production was
also significantly higher in T2 (12.47 tons/ha/90 days) than in T1 (8.02 tons/ha/90 days). The fish
survival rate was 98.33%, FCR 1.50 and fish production 135.2 tons/ha/90 days. It is concluded
that fish production in the experiment was much higher than in conventional semi intensive
systems practiced in the country. The system can be used for fish and vegetable production in
urban and peri-urban areas, thus enhancing nutrition and food security while minimizing
environmental pollution. |
