Extension of Aquaponic Water Use for NFT Baby-Leaf Production: Mizuna and Rocket Salad

• DOI: 10.3390/agronomy8050075
• Publication Date: 2018-05-17T07:49:29Z
• Authors: Carlo Nicoletto; Carmelo Maucieri; Alex Mathis; Zala Schmautz; Tamas Komives; Paolo Sambo; Ranka Junge
• Keywords: Aquaponics; Hydroponics; Mesocosm

Aquaponics is a recirculating technology that combines aquaculture with hydroponics. It allows nutrients from fish waste to feed plants and thus saves water nutrients. However, there mismatch between the provided by plant needs. Because of this, some nutrients, notably N, tend accumulate in aquaponic (APW or AP water). The aim this study was investigate how APW, which depleted P K but still rich could be further utilized. APW used mesocosm compared same source had been supplemented macro-nutrients (complemented CAPW) hydroponic control (HC). Mizuna (M) rocket salad (R) were as short-cycle vegetable crops NFT system. results revealed low production potential mainly caused lack K. If these supplemented, yields comparable those HC. M yield CAPW significantly higher than HC, probably due biostimulant effects connected organic components result farming. Water type, cultivation density, intercropping influenced qualitative characteristics crop terms antioxidant compounds minerals. Nitrate content vegetables lower European regulation limits. extended use viable if missing are supplemented; strategy increase efficiency nitrogen use, while reducing environmental impact.