University of Arizona Controlled Environment Aquaponics Greenhouse

The University of Arizona' Controlled Environment Aquaponics Greenhouse was constructed in the summer of 2008.

Intensive aquaculture production was integrated with intensive greenhouse hydroponic vegetable production.

The 2,500 sq. ft multi-bay greenhouse is capable of producing approximately 480 - 960 kilograms (1,058 - 2,116 pounds) of tilapia and 13,312 – 26,624 plant crops per year (depending on the crop). Environmental monitoring and control systems allow the grower to optimize the environmental parameters for maximizing crop yields. Water chemistry is maintained and nutrients are supplemented to meet the target crops nutritional demands. Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) certified organic plant cultivars are grown using biologically processed fish effluents and OMRI listed organic nutrient supplements. Tilapia are grown and harvested on a monthly basis. Romaine and butter head lettuce, red and green oak leaf lettuce, microgreens, basil, peppers and cucumbers are also grown in the system. The produce and fish have been marketed to high end restaurants and farmers markets.

Fish are reared from egg to a harvest size of 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds). Production is staggered for continuous harvest on a monthly basis.

The filtration system removes large particulate waste and biologically processes the dissolved nutrients to a non-toxic form for the fish, and into a more readily available form for the plants to assimilate. The water chemistry is maintained for optimal growth of the fish. After the water passes through the filtration system it then flows to the respective plant greenhouse bay where the water chemistry is tailored to meet the target crops nutritional requirements.

There are two plant production bays (625 ft² each) with individual environmental controls. The environmental parameters for each bay are set to meet the plants optimal conditions for growth. Nutrient supplements are injected into the water prior to entering the hydroponic plant bays. The plants assimilate the nutrients in the system and the water is returned to the fish.

This system uses 1-3% of the system water volume per week (depending on season). The excreted nutrients from the fish are used as a natural fertilizer for the hydroponic plants. Research studies have shown that growth and quality of the plants in the aquaponics system is equal to that in hydroponic systems when the proper filtration processes and nutrient supplements are applied. Market studies have determined that the produce can be marketed to high end restaurants, farmer's markets and grocery stores.

University of Arizona Controlled Environment Aquaponics Greenhouse

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