Maximizing Production Efficiency in a Three-Stage Integrated Agriculture System Using Taro, Tilapia, Aquatic Plants and Fancy Guppies

Maximizing Production Efficiency in a Three-Stage Integrated Agriculture System Using Taro, Tilapia, Aquatic Plants and Fancy Guppies

Summary

Demonstration of recirculating system for the production of tilapia, leafy salad greens, kang kong and live bearing aquarium fish. The system is based on six 1,600 gallon tanks for tilapia in a green water culture system, with phytoplankton and “Bio-floc” for biological filtration. Water from these tanks is circulated through two filtration troughs in which kang kong and leafy salad greens are grown. These plants filter sediments, consume the nutrients from the fish waste, and provide an additional income stream for the system. Small aquarium fish are grown in the troughs to control mosquitoes, and sold to pet stores.

Objectives/Performance Targets

Design, Build and Operate the Aquaculture System,
Design, Build and Operate Hydroponic Filter System.
Conduct a Field Day
Beyond Project Term, Document Fish and Plant Yields.

Accomplishments/Milestones

In the first year ordered tanks and many materials for the system. The PI retired in September of 2007.

The first milestone was to appoint and have approved by WSARE a new PI.
The second milestone was to write a letter of project status, apply for and receive a no cost extension.
The third milestone was to revisit the economic assumptions of the project and modify the project to shift from Taro (a low value, long cycle crop) to leafy salad greens (a very high value, short cycle crop) and to incorporate kang kong as part of the filtration component of the project.
The fourth milestone was to develop a set of designs based on the materials purchased, and purchase the additional needed materials for the system.
The fifth milestone was setting up the tanks, aeration, plumbing and stocking the tanks.

We are currently installing the hydroponic/filtration troughs.

We need to:
Stock troughs with the aquarium fish and the first trough with kang kong.
Plant lettuce flats and grow.
Plant Banana/Papaya filter field.
Hold Field Day/Workshop.
Submit Final Report and Invoice.
Post Project Report on six month production cycle yields.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

On-going farmer operated demonstration of improved, low cost hydroponic/aquaponic system for tropical leafy greens production. Senior retired Horticulturist committed to improving and demonstrating this system.
On-going farmer operated demonstration of small (9,600 gallon, 1,200 lb year) tilapia production unit using plants for filtration.

Collaborators: