Potassium is an essential element for higher plants. This element plays a vital role in many important biological processes. For instance, in aquaponic systems, it is important to carefully manage potassium levels to ensure optimal plant growth and yield. In this post, we’ll explore the role of potassium in aquaponic systems and how to manage it effectively. The Role of Potassium in Aquaponic Systems In aquaponic and systems, plants are grown in a nutrient-rich solution delivered directly to their roots. These systems offer several benefits, including higher crop yields, reduced water and che ..read more

?  About 1-5% of total plant dry matter consists on nitrogen, which is the second highest required element in plants, second only to carbon.  Nitrogen is essential for plant metabolism as a constituent of proteins, nucleic acids, chlorophyll, co-enzymes, phytohormones and secondary metabolites. When taken up as either ammonium or nitrate, nitrogen is assimilated into amino acids in either the roots or shoots. ? Research Highlights: ▶  The availability of nitrogen to roots is a decisive factor for plant growth. Atmospheric N2 is only available to plants that are capable of formi ..read more

?  In early November 2022, Resource Innovation Institute(RII) has released three free horticulture best practices guides for CEA operations. Each guide is available for individual download at absolutely no cost. These guides provide in-depth description of three important CEA topics. ? The three guides include: ▶ CEA Facility Design & Construction Best Practices Guides ▶ CEA Lighting Best Practices Guide ▶ CEA HVAC Best Practices Guide ? These guides, which are supported by the USDA, are just one part of RII’s outreach. The organization is also hosting online webinars from industry l ..read more

The pH level is one of the essential factors in aquaponics. pH stands for potential hydrogen, a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of the water. It has a significant effect on the growth and health of both the plants and fish in the system. The acceptable pH range for aquaponics is between 6.0 and 7.5, while the optimal range is between 6.2 and 6.6. This range is ideal for plants within acceptable ranges for fish and microbes. If the pH level is too high or too low, it can cause stress to the fish and plants, leading to poor growth and even death. Cycling When the fish excrete waste, it pro ..read more

  ?  Aquaponics and hydroponics both are used primarily to cultivate vegetables and leafy greens. The prospect of cultivating medicinal plants using aquaponics and hydroponics to optimize secondary metabolites in medicinal plants is an exciting venture. Helichrysum odoratissimum (L.) Sweet, one of the most harvested and traded plants in Southern Africa, is used in the treatment of abdominal pains, heartburn, fever, catarrh, headaches, menstrual problems, urinary tract infections, and wounds. Crude extracts from the plant have pharmacological effects such as antibacterial, anti-funga ..read more

Choosing a Qualified Laboratory for Macro and Micro Mineral Testing of Water Quality What to Look for in a Qualified Water Quality Laboratory When selecting a qualified laboratory for macro and micro mineral testing of water quality, it is important to take into account the following factors: Accreditation: It is important to ensure the laboratory is accredited by a recognized body to ensure that its testing methods are consistent and reliable. Experience: Look for a laboratory experienced in analyzing macro and micro minerals, as this will ensure accurate results. Technology: Inquire about t ..read more

?  In plants, transpiration, along with root pressure, affects the rate of water flux across both the root and xylem vessels. Increasing the rate of transpiration can sometimes enhance the uptake and placements of elements in the xylem. This enhancement depends on four factors: ? Research Highlights: ▶ Plant age: Seedlings and younger plants are less affected by increased transpiration due to their smaller leaf surface area. The importance of transpiration increases as the age and size of plant mature. ▶ Time of day: 90% of total transpiration occurs through the stomata, tiny openin ..read more

?  A recent study was conducted to determine the profitability of a commercial-scale aquaponics farm dedicated to tilapia and lettuce production. By integrating design and operational data into a techno-economic analysis(TEA), parameters such as initial investment cost, annual operating costs, market value of lettuce, and labor costs were calculated to evaluate whether or not the operation would prove profitable.   ? Research Highlights: ▶ The study considered a typical mid-size commercial farm with a grow bed space of 62–63 m2 and a 1400 gallon fish tank growing tilapia a ..read more

?As agriculture’s role in sustaining human life has become burdened with demand, the use of harmful chemicals has also risen to allow abundant, pest-free crops. Synthetic insecticides offer quick, effective mitigation strategies, but their increased use has led to harmful consequences for both plants as humans as well as contribute to an increase in resistance by pests. Plant extracts offer organic, safe alternatives to mitigating insects on crops. ? Research Highlights: ▶ Bio-insecticides as an alternative to synthetic insecticides must be a) affordable and b) simple to prepare. ▶ Aqueous le ..read more