The selection of plants plays a central role in aquaponic and hydroponic systems. Typical plant species are fast-growing vegetables such as lettuce, herbs and tomatoes. These plants are particularly suitable due to their short growth cycles and high yields. Selecting the right plants can significantly increase the efficiency and productivity of the systems.
Technical manageability
The technical requirements of hydroponic and aquaponic systems vary depending on their size and complexity. Systems such as NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) and DWC (Deep Water Culture) are technically manageable and suitable for a wide range of plants. The use of automation and sensors makes the systems easier to manage and ensures optimal growth conditions.
Selection of plants in aqua and hydroponic systems
Plant selection is a critical factor in the success of aquaponic and hydroponic systems. Different plant species have different requirements and offer specific advantages and disadvantages. It is important to select plants that are a good fit with the technical conditions and the economic goals of the grower.
General criteria for plant selection
Growth rate
advantages:
advantages:
Crops with fast growth cycles, such as lettuce and herbs, can be harvested more frequently, increasing productivity.
Disadvantages:
Fast-growing plants often require a constant supply of nutrients and stable environmental conditions.
Nutrient Requirements
Benefits:
Benefits:
Plants with low nutrient requirements are easier and less expensive to care for because they require less fertilizer.
Disadvantages:
Crops with higher nutrient requirements, such as tomatoes and peppers, can produce higher yields, but they require more precise nutrient management.
Yield
Benefits:
Benefits:
High-yielding crop species offer better profitability and can increase the economic success of a system.
Disadvantages:
High yields can be associated with higher production costs and more intensive care.
Market demand
advantages:
advantages:
Crops that are in high demand on the market, such as tomatoes, lettuce and basil, can fetch higher prices and increase sales.
Disadvantages:
Growing marketable crops may also place higher demands on quality and consistency due to high demand.
Economic aspects in plant selection
Initial investment:
The cost of setting up a hydroponic or aquaponic system can vary depending on the types of plants you choose. Fast-growing, low-maintenance plants require a lower initial investment.
Operating cost:
Plants with low nutrient requirements and low maintenance reduce ongoing operating costs. On the other hand, plants with higher lighting and nutrient requirements can increase operating costs.
Earning opportunities:
Crops that provide high yields and consistent production offer a more stable source of income. Selecting marketable crops can further increase economic success.
Technical manageability and cost
Simple systems:
Plants such as lettuce and herbs are well suited to simple hydroponic systems such as NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) and DWC (Deep Water Culture). These systems are inexpensive and less technically demanding.
Complex systems:
Crops with higher demands, such as tomatoes and peppers, require more advanced systems such as ebb-and-flow or Dutch bucket systems. These systems offer more precise control options, but are also more expensive to purchase and operate.
automation
The use of automation and sensors can simplify crop care and management by ensuring optimal growing conditions. This can reduce operating costs and increase efficiency.
Finally
Choosing the right plants is crucial to the success of aquaponic and hydroponic systems. Factors such as growth rate, nutrient requirements, yield and market demand should be carefully considered. Technical feasibility and cost also play an important role. By choosing plants wisely, the economic and environmental benefits can be maximized, making aquaponic and hydroponic systems a sustainable alternative to traditional agriculture.
Literature and sources
Books
- Resh, Howard M. *Hydroponic Food Production: A Definitive Guidebook for the Advanced Home Gardener and the Commercial Hydroponic Grower.* CRC Press, 2012.
- This book provides a comprehensive overview of the different hydroponic systems and their applications.
- Somerville, Christopher, et al. *Small-scale Aquaponic Food Production: Integrated Fish and Plant Farming.* Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2014.
- A detailed guide to aquaponics with a focus on small systems and their implementation.
- Jones, Jeff. *Aquaponics: The Essential Aquaponics Guide: A Step-By-Step Aquaponics Gardening Guide to Growing Vegetables, Fruit, Herbs, and Raising Fish.* CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2017.
- Practical instructions for implementing aquaponics systems in the home.
- This book provides a comprehensive overview of the different hydroponic systems and their applications.
- Somerville, Christopher, et al. *Small-scale Aquaponic Food Production: Integrated Fish and Plant Farming.* Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2014.
- A detailed guide to aquaponics with a focus on small systems and their implementation.
- Jones, Jeff. *Aquaponics: The Essential Aquaponics Guide: A Step-By-Step Aquaponics Gardening Guide to Growing Vegetables, Fruit, Herbs, and Raising Fish.* CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2017.
- Practical instructions for implementing aquaponics systems in the home.
Articles and studies
- Graber, Andreas, and Ralf Junge. "Aquaponic Systems: Nutrient Recycling from Fish Wastewater by Vegetable Production." *Desalination* 246.1-3 (2009): 147-156.
- This study examines the efficiency of aquaponic systems in nutrient recycling.
- Van Os, Erik A. "Closed Soilless Growing Systems: A Sustainable Solution for Dutch Greenhouse Horticulture." *Water Science and Technology* 39.5 (1999): 105-112.
- The article highlights the advantages of closed hydroponic systems in Dutch greenhouse production.
- Graber, Andreas, and Ralf Junge. "Aquaponic Systems: Nutrient Recycling from Fish Wastewater by Vegetable Production." *Desalination* 246.1-3 (2009): 147-156.
- This study examines the efficiency of aquaponic systems in nutrient recycling.
- Van Os, Erik A. "Closed Soilless Growing Systems: A Sustainable Solution for Dutch Greenhouse Horticulture." *Water Science and Technology* 39.5 (1999): 105-112.
- The article highlights the advantages of closed hydroponic systems in Dutch greenhouse production.
Websites
- FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations): Aquaponics: http://www.fao.org/3/a-i4021e.pdf: This FAO publication provides a comprehensive introduction to aquaponics and its applications.
- University of Arizona - Controlled Environment Agriculture Center: Hydroponic: Lettuce Handbook: https://cals.arizona.edu/ceac/sites/cals.arizona.edu.ceac/files/hydroponic-lettuce-handbook.pdf
- A practical handbook for growing lettuce in hydroponic systems published by the University of Arizona. These sources provide in-depth information on the origins, technology, ecological and economic aspects of aqua and hydroponic systems.
- FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations): Aquaponics: http://www.fao.org/3/a-i4021e.pdf: This FAO publication provides a comprehensive introduction to aquaponics and its applications.
- University of Arizona - Controlled Environment Agriculture Center: Hydroponic: Lettuce Handbook: https://cals.arizona.edu/ceac/sites/cals.arizona.edu.ceac/files/hydroponic-lettuce-handbook.pdf
- A practical handbook for growing lettuce in hydroponic systems published by the University of Arizona. These sources provide in-depth information on the origins, technology, ecological and economic aspects of aqua and hydroponic systems.
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