Abstract
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) was cultivated in northern Germany in three different hydroponic components: grow pipes, a raft, and an ebb-and-flood gravel substrate. The nutrients originated from the intensive production of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) with 140 fish/m3 under decoupled aquaponic conditions. After 41 days, plants were significantly taller in the gravel components (101.8 ± 8.3 cm), followed by the grow pipes (96.7 ± 7.0 cm), and the raft (94.8 ± 8.6 cm) components (gravel > grow pipes = raft). The leaf number was high and not significantly different between the grow pipes (518.0 ± 81.4), gravel (515.1 ± 133.0), and raft components (493.7 ± 124.8; grow pipes = raft = gravel). Basil in the grow-pipe subsystems developed rapid root growth and clogged the pipes with heterogeneous plant growth. Basil production in northern Germany in grow-pipe, raft, and gravel hydro-components is possible by using effluents from intensive C. gariepinus aquaculture without additional fertilizer in the plant grow-out phase. Further research should focus on optimizing grow pipes by maintaining an optimal root–water contact area, as well as on new technologies such as aquaponics (s.l.) gardening.
Highlights
Aquaponic systems include single-loop or coupled aquaponics [1], two-loop decoupled systems [2,3], and specific multi-loop aquaponics [4]
Growth differences between three tested hydro-components were generally small, with the best results obtained in the ebb-and-flood gravel substrate subsystem
Plant height was best in the gravel media beds and not significantly different between grow-pipe and raft subsystems
Summary
Aquaponic systems include single-loop or coupled aquaponics [1], two-loop decoupled systems [2,3], and specific multi-loop aquaponics [4]. Each system is suitable for a variety of applications, ranging from domestic fish and plant production, demonstration units, e.g., for aquaponics in schools and research institutions, to commercial aquaponic production [5]. The common objective of all aquaponic systems is to maximize fish and plant yields by using sustainable production methods with minimal use of fertilizer and water [6]. Economic benefits are achieved by the plant production units, especially for fresh herbs such as basil [7]. Optimal cultivation conditions for the plants are crucial for the success of aquaponic systems, for both domestic and commercial use
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