Skip to main content
ARS Home » Southeast Area » Auburn, Alabama » Aquatic Animal Health Research » Research » Research Project #447622

Research Project: Optimizing Aquaponic Production Systems for Production Efficiency and Profitability

Location: Aquatic Animal Health Research

Project Number: 6010-10600-001-000-D
Project Type: In-House Appropriated

Start Date: Jan 17, 2025
End Date: Jan 16, 2030

Objective:
1. Determine optimal conditions for combinations of fish/crustaceans and plants in aquaponic systems (Problem Statement 6C). 1.A. Evaluate aquaponic system and planting density of okra for optimal production and plant health. 1.B. Determine optimal dietary protein for fish and okra grown in an aquaponics system. 1.C. Determine optimal conditions for growth of snow peas and kale in an aquaponics system. 1.D. Evaluate practical fishmeal-free (FMF) and plant-based diets for fish and plant performance and nutrient (N & P) retention in an aquaponic system. 1.E. Evaluate nutrient and salinity requirement for improving growth of three species of edible halophytes in aquaponic and hydroponic seawater systems in Puerto Rico for local cuisines. 1.F. Feed-based probiotics and postbiotics on tilapia and largemouth bass health in a decoupled aquaponics system. 2. Design aquaponic production systems that maximize production efficiency, plant and animal well-being, and profitability. 2.A. Evaluate various light spectra of light emitting diode (LED) lights for optimal growth of okra and snow peas. 2.B. Evaluate various media substrates for production of okra in Dutch-pot aquaponic system. 2.C. Evaluate novel bioreactor for treatment and recycling of nutrients (N, P) in tilapia aquaponics production. 2.D. Evaluate use of plant growth-promoting bacteria and algae for increased yield and fish/plant health in an aquaponic system. 2.E. Use artificial intelligence(AI)- driven high-throughput plant sensing for the continuous non-destructive yield prediction of leafy greens in an aquaponic system. 2.F. Investigate the potential of probiotic bioremediation of sludge from a biofloc-based system.

Approach:
As an emerging form of agriculture, aquaponic producers face many challenges due to the complexities of efficiently integrating fish and plant biology within controlled environments to achieve yields that are safe and affordable for consumers and profitable for farmers. This project will develop and deliver technologies to better integrate the aquatic animal and plant components of these systems through species selection; optimizing fish nutrition, health, and water quality parameters; and designing systems with improved efficiencies. Freshwater and marine systems and a variety of fish, crustacean, and plant species will be evaluated. Research outcomes will include new dietary formulations, management practices, and system designs that support efficient, safe, and profitable aquaponic farms.