Comparison of the Vegetative Growth, Eco-Physiological Characteristics and Mineral Nutrient Content of Basil Plants in Different Irrigation Ratios of Hydroponic:Aquaponic Solutions

Abstract

Aquaponics is the combined culture of fish and plants in recirculating systems. This experiment was conducted to evaluate the production of basil out of the aquaponic system by irrigation of the plants with different ratios of hydroponic and aquaponic solutions. Basil seedlings were irrigated three times day−1 with 200 mL aquaponic-aquaponic-aquaponic (AAA), aquaponic-hydroponic-aquaponic (AHA), hydroponic-aquaponic-hydroponic (HAH), and hydroponic-hydroponic-hydroponic (HHH) solutions, respectively. Fresh and dry mass of shoots and roots of basil decreased at AAA treatment significantly. The plants were slightly less green at AHA treatments, and a visible chlorosis appeared in the leaves of AAA-treated plants. This chlorosis resulted lower net carbon dioxide (CO2) assimilation rate, transpiration rate, and stomatal conductance in AAA treatment. Iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and potassium (K) concentrations in leaves decreased and zinc (Zn) concentration increased in higher ratios of aquaponic:hydroponic solution. Lower Fe, Mn, and K concentrations in aquaponic solution may be a main part of the reason for growth reduction.