What’s the difference?


Many new practices are being explored as we search for sustainable farming techniques to help feed the planet. However, hearing these terms for the first time can be a little hard to follow. Hydroponics? Permaculture? What really is the difference anyways? And why does it matter?


Here we have handpicked 4 terms within 3 articles that clearly explain the differences so that you can find out what’s really happening in the fish farming world.



Hydroponics is a time-tested method widely used for growing tomatoes and lettuce in greenhouses. The plants are grown directly in a water-based solution containing all the essential nutrients required by them. Inert media like pebbles or clay pellets are sometimes used for supporting the plants. The absence of soil completely eliminates disease-causing soil organisms and weeds. Consequently, labor, as well as the use of use of herbicides, is greatly reduced.


The controlled environment protects the crop from most of the air-borne pests. Occasional infestations and fungal infections can be tackled effectively by targeted use of pesticides and fungicides.


Hydroponics typically uses only 20 percent of the water required for traditional cultivation. Periodical replacement of the nutrients-depleted water is the main recurring cost. Electrical conductivity of the solution is monitored daily to maintain optimum nutrient levels. The solution has to be changed when chemical imbalance is detected. Energy requirements include the aeration and pumping of the solution every 4 to 6 hours. Hydroponic culture can be done indoors under artificial lighting, but, while it makes year-round production of food possible, it pushes up the energy bill.



Aquaponics farming systems


Source: http://www.fao.org/fishery/cwp/handbook/J/en


Aquaponics is a complex cultural method that evolved as an effective solution for the recycling of the waste generated in aquaculture. Based on the wetland ecosystem in which plants and animals support each other, the nitrogenous waste produced in the aquaculture of fish, prawns or clams is used as fertilizer for plants grown hydroponically. Aquaponics enlists the help of nitrogen-fixing bacteria and worms to break down the fish waste into nitrates and nitrites that can be absorbed by the plants. The resulting clean water is then recirculated into the aquaculture tank.


The main input in an aquaponic system is fish food besides the power for the running of the electric pumps that recirculate the water round the clock. Since the water loss, mainly from transpiration by plants and evaporation into the atmosphere, is minimal, replenishment is needed very rarely. This reduces the water requirement of aquaponics to about 2 percent of that of traditional cultivation.

Source: http://www.offthegridnews.com/survival-gardening-2/hydroponics-vs-aquaponics-the-pros-and-cons-of-two-soilless-farming-methods/









Source: http://www.neverendingfood.org/b-what-is-permaculture/



Hopefully, now you have a better understanding of what these terms are, and even how to start your own aquaponics system if you’d like! Have any more questions about these terms? Leave us a comment and we’ll get back to you!




Sources: Our hand-picked articles to best describe Hydroponics, Aquaculture, Aquaponics and Permaculture. Check ‘em out!





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