Aquaponics is an environmentally-friendly, natural food growing method to facilitate the cultivation of fish and plants together in a constructed, re-circulating ecosystem utilizing natural bacterial cycles to convert fish wastes to plant nutrients. It  is also called as recirculation farming.

Recirculation farms are a socially responsible farming method and business too; they support the use of renewable energy, recycle water and waste, and provide local food. Aquaponic systems are more productive and use up to 90 percent less water than conventional gardens. Other advantages include no weeds, fewer pests, and no watering, fertilizing, bending, digging or heavy lifting etc.

There are different types of aquaponic like

Media Bed- (using a substance such as lava rocks or other medium other than soil for raising plants and bacteria)

Raft- (using foam boards with cut outs to place planter pots floating in fish water) and NFT- Nutrient Film Technique -(using PVC pipes or similar materials with cut outs for plants using a continuous flow of water)

Fish and plants are grown in a symbiotic balance. Wastes from the fish provide nutrients for the plants, and in turn the plants filter the water for the fish. It is a revolutionary combination of the best of aquaculture and hydroponics and an amazingly fun and easy way to raise fish together with organic vegetables, greens, herbs and fruits.

This project was inspired by the escalation of  food costs due to a poor economy, the undesirable genetic modification of produce,  and an indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in the growing processes of most our food as well as the  shortage of clean agricultural land that has not been contaminated by excessive fertilizer use and other pollutants.

 We  simply need an aquarium with fish or any aquatic animal like a tortoise etc. as a living creature aquatic animal utilises food and its metabolism produces waste material. Bacteria break down the aquatic animal’s waste products into plant nutrients in the water. The water is then used to irrigate the plants. It takes a month or so for the fish/bacteria system to establish itself.

 Then suitable environments build for the growth of aquatic plant successfully. The plants use the nutrients and keep the water for the fish clean. This food cycle continues and provides food to both aquatic animals and plants, and gives the necessary gases to both living creatures and so a complete hydroponic system builds.

So the cycle continues-crops are constantly harvested and the system feeds and waters itself in a sustainable ecosystem approach to food production. Surround the system with a greenhouse; add lady birds and other beneficial insects in crops area so that they help in the production of decomposition and a microcosm are born that decay material.

Growing your own food by using natural and harmless materials is a great  to improve the environment. If we grow our own food we must know which type of compost we are using so our soil is not being harmed. Growing food locally and naturally without the use of harmful pesticides and chemical fertilizers is very  interesting - both economically and environmental point of view.

No soil is needed and  the water stays in the system and can be reused  so  lower water costs. Once biological balance is achieved, it is self-sustaining, and only requires the fish to be fed. In this established ecosystem each part is dependent on the other,and it is important to combine the amount and number of fish, bacteria, and plant material so that this balance is achieved. Too many fish will make the water muddy and not enough fish will fail to provide enough food for the plants. Without enough bacteria, the fish waste will not be converted to food for the vegetables.

 Flowers, fruits, herbs, and vegetables can all be successfully grown by this method. It is also an ideal method to use for creating a wildlife garden in the backyard to enjoy the natural beauty nature can only provide, while at the same time benefit the environment.

This highlights how farms are not only increasingly supplying restaurants and grocery stores with food, but also are helping to feed the homeless, and others that don’t have access to fresh, healthy food around the world.

 Naseem Sheikh is a guest writer for Celsias . She lives in Lahore, Pakistan