Aquaponics is a symbiotic farming model that combines two different techniques to provide water and nutrients to plants in a unique way. As you may imply from the name, Aquaponics combines aquaculture with a hydroponic system. Aquaculture is the technique of raising aquatic animals in tanks, while hydroponics is a system of growing plants inside of water.
These ideas work so well together because the fish actually provide nutrients and nitrogen-fixing bacteria for the hydroponic system, which helps the plants grow.
In an aquaponic system, plants grow faster and healthier than most traditional farming methods.
This technique is actually nothing new, it was used by the Azteks and many cultures throughout Asia and the Americas. However, with modern technology aquaponics has become even more useful.
For example, the video below features a sophisticated aquaponic system which holds 20,000 pounds of fish and grows 70,000 vegetables in a 1/4 acre area.
John Vibes writes for True Activist and is an author, researcher and investigative journalist who takes a special interest in the counter culture and the drug war.
