Optimizing Aquaponic Production Using and Integrated Systems Approach

The overall goal for this research is to establish an understanding of the system effects of integration in aquaponic systems. The proposed research will develop a foundational understanding of nutrient availability and reuse, food safety, pest management, and associated economic costs for different integration strategies. The project will characterize the critical system effects of integrating hydroponic and recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) using nutrients from RAS directly (coupled) or separately (decoupled) at the farm scale. This proposed research supports the development of an economically sustainable integrated farming system (IFS) production model that can improve small and mid-size, urban and rural US farming practices. The research targets the Agricultural Systems and Technology, Agricultural Engineering priorities by establishing a foundational understanding of the interrelationships between aquaponic system components to develop the next generation of engineered systems, products, processes, and technologies. The proposed research project will build on a successful, synergistic collaboration between the University of New Hampshire, Cornell University and private sector partners (producers and specialists).The specific research objectives are:1. Construct, operate, and analyze three replicated farm-scale recirculating aquaponic systems to identify system responses to reuse of fish waste nutrients.2. Characterize and evaluate treated fish waste as a naturally-derived nutrient solution replacing inorganic fertilizers for decoupled hydroponic crop production.3. Identify factors controlling aquaponic system design and operation that can affect food safety concerns, such as pathogenic microbial contamination.4. Characterize pest/disease issues and management strategies in coupled and decoupled aquaponic systems compared to hydroponic systems using model crops (lettuce and strawberry).5. Conduct an economic analysis for the aquaponic production of food fish and plants using a variety of integration strategies.