Aquaponics mixes the processes of aquaculture, which is the growing of fish, and hydroponics which is the process of growing plants without soil.
Aquaponics combinds these two processes by using the aquatic animal waste as a food for the plants. In return, the vegetables clean the water that goes back to the fish.
Along with the fish and their waste, microbes play an important role to the nutrition of the plants. These beneficial bacteria gather in the spaces between the roots of the plant and converts the fish waste and the solids into substances the plants can use to grow. The result is a perfect collaboration between aquaculture and gardening.
Aquaponics is a big hope for sustainable organic crop production, aquaculture and water consumption.