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pH Dynamics in Aquaponic Systems: Implications for Plant and Fish Crop Productivity and Yield

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  • Yi-Ju Wang

    (Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
    Kula Bio, Technology and Development Center, 6 Mercer Rd, Unit 1, Natick, MA 01760, USA)

  • Teng Yang

    (Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
    School of Applied and Interdisciplinary Studies, Kansas State University, Olathe, KS 66506, USA)

  • Hye-Ji Kim

    (Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA)

Abstract

The pH range of 7.0 to 7.2 is recommended to ensure reasonable nitrification rates in aquaponics; however, this range is conducive neither to nitrification, a critical process that occurs at pH 8.0, nor to plant growth. To determine the effects of pH in an aquaponic system, Swiss chard ( Beta vulgaris L.), kale ( Brassica oleracea L.), mustard green ( Brassica juncea L.), cilantro ( Coriandrum sativum L.), lettuce ( Lactuca sativa L.), and arugula ( Eruca vesicaria L.) were cultured with tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus ) in 5-year-old coupled aquaponic systems at three pH levels, 6.0, 6.5, and 7.0, in comparison with hydroponics. Morphological and physiological growth parameters of vegetable and fish crops were measured regularly, and the ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) in the aquaponic system were analyzed by qPCR at the end of the production. This study found that feed conversion ratio, fish biomass, and copy number of AOB were not affected by different pH, but similar to hydroponic systems, lower pH in aquaponic systems increased fresh and dry mass and nutrient levels of all plant species tested. This study suggests that pH has a significant impact on plant performance and yield in both aquaponic and hydroponic systems and that, similar to hydroponics, a pH of 6 is desirable for aquaponic systems to improve plant crop yield without compromising nitrification activity and fish yield.

Suggested Citation

  • Yi-Ju Wang & Teng Yang & Hye-Ji Kim, 2023. "pH Dynamics in Aquaponic Systems: Implications for Plant and Fish Crop Productivity and Yield," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-20, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:9:p:7137-:d:1131797
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Emmanuel Ayipio & Daniel E. Wells & Alyssa McQuilling & Alan E. Wilson, 2019. "Comparisons between Aquaponic and Conventional Hydroponic Crop Yields: A Meta-Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(22), pages 1-15, November.
    2. Noémi Kappel & Ildikó Fruzsina Boros & Francia Seconde Ravelombola & László Sipos, 2021. "EC Sensitivity of Hydroponically-Grown Lettuce ( Lactuca sativa L.) Types in Terms of Nitrate Accumulation," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 11(4), pages 1-12, April.
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    4. Suhl, Johanna & Dannehl, Dennis & Kloas, Werner & Baganz, Daniela & Jobs, Sebastian & Scheibe, Günther & Schmidt, Uwe, 2016. "Advanced aquaponics: Evaluation of intensive tomato production in aquaponics vs. conventional hydroponics," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 178(C), pages 335-344.
    5. VanderWeele, Tyler J., 2008. "Simple relations between principal stratification and direct and indirect effects," Statistics & Probability Letters, Elsevier, vol. 78(17), pages 2957-2962, December.
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