epa aquaponics webinar contents - indiana … · tool is based on the acclaimed u.s. epa urban farm...

EPA AQUAPONICS WEBINAR

www.IndianaAquaculture.com

2016Issue 2

Indiana Aquaculture Association Newsletter

ContentsPage 2

IAAI Members Meet withISDA

Page 3 -4Extension Directory

Page 5IAAI ENEWS Letter

Page 6Flawed Rapid Screen assigns

High Risk to NationallyValuable Fish & Crawfish

Page 7-12Tech Talk: Aquaponics 101

Page 13AADAP Press Releases

Page 14-15Upcoming Events

EPA Aquaponics WebinarU.S. EPA Brownfields – Promoting Aquaponics in Redevelopment Projects

November 15, 2016Aquaponics, the production of protein and produce - EPA has scheduled a Webinar, titled 'U.S. EPA Brownfields – Promoting Aquaponics in Redevelopment Projects', for November 15, 2016 to provide an opportunity to "... learn about a new planning tool, developed by U.S. EPA, which can help communities create these healthy food production systems: Aquaponics Business Plan User Guide and Worksheets. This new tool is based on the acclaimed U.S. EPA Urban Farm Business Planning Guide. While originally created to encourage aquaponics development on brownfields [properties that may have hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminants present], the new guide is now available for use in any community. [Participants will] learn about aquaponics business planning, as well as hear about the experience of the East Capital Urban Farm in implementing an urban aquaponics project in Washington D.C. The East Capital Urban Farm is developing urban food hubs to connect neighborhoods to healthy food ..."Registration: http://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/504172638621802500 The EPA Aquaponic Business Plan User Guide as well as its supporting worksheets are available at: http://www.epa.gov/land-revitalization/aquaponics-business-plan-user-guide The EPA Brownfields website is available at: http://www.epa.gov/brownfields Questions may be directed to the Land Revitalization Team of the EPA Office of Brownfields and Land Revitalization at 202 566 2777 or use the Contact form provided at:http://www.epa.gov/land-revitalization/forms/contact-us-about-land-revitalization


IAAIMembersMeetWith ISDAByMike Searcy

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture once again conductedmeetings with various agricultural interest groups during the IndianaState Fair. On August 8th the Indiana Aquaculture Association metwith ISDA Director Ted McKinney and most, if not all, of the ISDAStaff (ISDA Staff http://www.in.gov/isda/2333.htm). The meetingwas held at the Normandy Barn at the State Fairgrounds inIndianapolis. The purpose of these meetings is to help the ISDAkeep in touch with the various agricultural sectors and help themgrow.

The Indiana Aquaculture Association was able to share with theISDA what our vision, activities, and goals from the previous yearwere. Topics from the 2015 meeting with the ISDA were; backingfrom an educational entity, the need for processing (looking into thecost and feasibility of a Mobile Processing Unit.), introduction ofIndiana Grown, the need for Executive Board Member (To be acatalyst between the IAAI and legislators), and plans for a revampedwebsite.

The IAAI reported in this, the 2016 meeting, that in the past year wehad increased our ties with Purdue University. While adding Purduefaculty members to our membership as well as our Board ofDirectors, we also had joint interest in a Culinary Tour and a Shrimp

Seminar. The IAAI members discussed with the ISDA our resultsfrom a statewide survey conducted to find out what interest there isin fish and shrimp processing. IAAI told the group that MPUfeasibility was very poor but the need for one if not two brick andmortar processing facilities would provide a major boost in growingthe Aquaculture industry in Indiana.

Director Ted McKinney gave his glowing assessment of the IndianaGrown initiative and how it might fit with the growth of aquaculture inIndiana. As a follow up to the IAAI bringing on a paid ExecutiveBoard Member the group was told that it would not be economicallyfeasible to add such a position at this time. The new IAAI websitewas touted a success and offerings of promoting IAAI eventsthrough the ISDA were acted on.

While nothing earth shattering came from this meeting it is good tonote the importance of these meetings. It serves to keep an opendialog between Indiana Aquaculture and the legislation. It allows usto put faces with names and see the sincerity of the ISDA staff andtheir desire to help. Indiana is a fish friendly state and it’s because ofgood communication between the aquaculture industry and aninterested governing body that we have great future prospects.


EXTENSION SPECIALIST DIRECTORY

Aquaculture extension agents are specialists who act as liasonsbetween the scientific community and the aquaculture industry to helpapply scientific research and new knowledge to production practicesthrough eduction. Extension agents are valuable resources to have inour region and are available to assist you whether you are in planningor are looking to improve your existing business. Thay are here to helpyou.

Paul HitchensAquaculture SpecialistSouthern Illinois [email protected]

Paul Hitchens is an Aquaculture specialist with more than 35 years ofaquaculture experience, 21 of these internationally as TechnicalManager for commercial marine shrimp production in both extensiveand intensive production systems. Paul has both farm and hatcherymanagement experience culturing marine shrimp, as well as farmingother species including Tilapia, Clams, Oysters, Redfish, LargemouthBass, Hybrid Striped Bass, and Freshwater Prawn. He has been theAquaculture Specialist at the Center for Fisheries, Aquaculture, andAquatic Sciences in Southern Illinois University Carbondale since 2005,focusing primarily on production of Largemouth Bass in ponds andcage culture of Hybrid Striped Bass in surface coal mine lakes. Heprovides overall technical service support and marketing assistance tothe Illinois aquaculture producers for sales to the United States andCanadian live fish markets. Paul is fluent in both English and Spanish.

Dr. Ronald KinnunenMichigan Sea Grant Extension EducatorMichigan State [email protected]

Dr. Kinnunen is a Extension specialist for Michigan Sea grant. He hasbeen with Michigan Sea grant since 1981. His areas of expertise areworking with state and tribal commercial fisherman, trainingprocessing facilities to meet HACCP requirements, and also works withbaitfish

Dr. Petrus LangenhovenHorticulture and Hydroponoic Crop SpecialistPurdue [email protected]

Dr. Petrus Langenhoven is the Horticulture and Hydroponics CropSpecialist in the Department of Horticulture and LandscapeArchitecture at Purdue University. His focus is on supporting thegrowing local-food movement by assisting growers with the expansionof their horticulture sector. His collaborative extension and research

program emphasize the development of sustainable and

environmentally friendly production technology that can increase theefficiency of inputs and production, and the evaluation andintroduction of alternative horticultural crops. Before arriving atPurdue, Dr. Langenhoven dedicated his career to the development ofSub-Saharan Africa’s horticulture sector. He completed his M.S. inagronomy at Stellenbosch University; and completed his Ph.D. inagronomy, specializing in vegetable production in high tunnels, atStellenbosch. As operations director and senior agronomist atAgribusiness in Sustainable Natural African Plant Products (ASNAPP)— a non-governmental organization— Dr. Langenhoven ledgreenhouse crop production, specialty fresh-market vegetable andherb crop research, and technology transfer programs. He specializedin analyzing and developing horticulture supply chains. Thanks to hisextensive experience in applied on-farm research and development,outreach and extension, agribusiness development, and theimplementation of sustainable farming models, Dr. Langenhoven hasassisted many start-up agribusinesses in developing businessfeasibility plans, production planning and management, and productmarketing. During the past 12 years he has been involved in severalUnited States Agency for International Development (USAID) fundedagricultural development projects. He served as Chairman of IntensiveAgriculture South Africa (IASA) for 8 years, representing producersand companies from the controlled environment agriculture industryin South Africa. Dr. Langenhoven is truly passionate about horticulture,specifically about controlled-environment agriculture and the impact itcan leave on year-round, local, sustainable food production.

Allen PattilloExtension Fisheries and Aquaculture SpecialistIowa State [email protected]

Allen Pattillo is the fisheries and aquaculture extensionspecialist at Iowa State University. His current research initiativesinclude aquaponics production, food safety, and sustainability as wellas aquaculture production in renovated livestock confinementfacilities. Pattillo also specializes in small pond and aquatic plantmanagement, as well as angling education.

Dr. Kwamena QuagrainieAquaculture Marketing Specialist/AquacultureMarketing Director/Associate ProfessorPurdue [email protected]

Dr. Kwamena Quagrainie holds a post as a AquacultureMarketing Specialist through Indiana-Illinois Sea Grant

College program and is the Aquaculture Marketing Director and anAssociate Professor at Purdue University. His areas of expertise aremarket analysis, market development, product distribution and marketstructures, value-added and niche market opportunities foraquaculture products and feeds, and development of enterprisebudgets. Dr Quagrainie , also known as K.K., helps farmers understandexisting markets and work toward developing markets.

Robert RodeAquaculture Research Lab ManagerPurdue [email protected]

Currently Bob is the manager of the AquacultureResearch Lab of Purdue University in W. Lafayette,

Indiana. The majority of Bob’s job entails management of the lab’sindoor and pond facilities for aquatics research. Bob also has anextension appointment and tries to have demonstration projects ofrelevance to producers and interested parties in the Midwest.Bob has a varied background working for both the public and privatesectors. Bob was the pond manager at the University of Arkansas atPine Bluff’s research facility, worked on a catfish farm in California anda marine finfish hatchery in New Hampshire. He was an aquaculturevolunteer with the Peace Corps in Thailand. He has a BS in WildlifeManagement from the University of Maine and a MS in Aquaculturefrom Auburn University in Alabama.

Matthew SmithAquaculture Extension SpecialistOhio State [email protected]

My bachelor's is in Fisheries Management(managing lakes, streams, ponds, etc. for a healthy

and balanced ecosystem). My master's is in aquaculture where myspecific research was looking at alternative production systems forgolden shiners. This alternative system, called a split pond system, hasalready been readily accepted by catfish farmers down south. Ourresearch looked at culturing other species in a similar manner. Aftermy master's I worked in a fish disease diagnostics lab in Lonoke,Arkansas. That means I spent a lot of time testing basic water qualityparameters because all too often water quality is bad and that's whyfish are stressed. I also always tested alkalinity when the farmerswanted to add copper sulfate to their ponds. In the diagnostics lab Igained some experience in parasitology. Much of my work at that labconsisted of conducting applied research trials. As you mentioned inthe write-up, I worked with testing ponds for hydrogen sulfide, testinglarval grass carp to see whether or not their were triploid, high watertemperature studies for largemouth bass and their effect on feedingrate and feeding regimes, among others.

Here lately I have become involved in aquatic invasive species, albeitI'm an amateur at best. I'm a decent generalist but I'm not real surewhat I would say my expertise is in. That would probably be mostlybaitfish with other interests in water quality, alternative aquacultureproduction systems and species, and aquatic invasive species.

Chris WeeksRegional Aquaculture ExtensionMichigan State [email protected]

Dr. Chris Weeks serves as an Aquaculture ExtensionSpecialist for the North Central Regional AquacultureCenter and Michigan State University. He obtained a

BS degree in aerospace engineering from San Diego State, and MS andPhD in Fisheries and Wildlife from Michigan State University. Aftercompleting his PhD research in fish nutrition, he managed MSU’s fishwater research lab and conducted fish disease challenge studies. In2008 Chris became the Regional Aquaculture Extension Specialist andhis current career goals center on sustainable aquaculture growth forthe North Central US. Chris’s experience also includes strategicplanning, business development, production system design andmanagement, aquatic animal health, baitfish, regulations, and aquaticnuisance species.

EmmaWiermaaOutreach SpecialistUniversity of Wisconsin-Stevens PointNorthern Aquaculture DemonstrationFacility36445 State Hwy 13715-779-3262aquaculture.uwsp.edu

Emma graduated from University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a B.S. inEcology and Environmental Biology. She is the Aquaculture Outreachand Education Specialist for UWSP Northern AquacultureDemonstration Facility. Her duties include conducting tours for thefacility, social networking and website building, connecting andproviding assistance to schools, private, federal or state farms andorganizations, presenting UWSP NADF projects and research, analyzingdata, assisting in research, and writing reports, articles, manuals.


BECOME A MEMBER OF THE IAAI

FORMORE INFORMATIONVisit us online atwww.indianaaquaculture. comEmail us at [email protected]

EXTENSION SPECIALIST DIRECTORY

Zeigler Bros., Inc. 400 Gardners Station RoadGardners, PA 17324 [email protected] • 717-677-6826 fax


iaai enews letters

On the evening of August the 31st the IAAI issued it's first everelectronic newsletter. The IAAI eNews: Tails from the Deep featured3 articles and a list of upcoming events. The introduction of theeNews letter will not replace our traditional styled one but willsupplement it. You can anticipate that the two formats will bealternated.

All articles that appear in eNews letters will also be available on-lineon the IAAI website following their release. For now articles can befound by going to the IAAI's home page (http://www.indianaaquaculture.com) and then clicking on the EducationalMaterials button located toward the bottom of the page. Once you areon the Educational Materials page click on the eNews button andthen select an article that interests you.

Active members are automatically placed on the newslettersubscription list. If you are not a active member, you can subscribe tothe IAAI newsletter by submitting a request on the bottom right cornerof the IAAI home page. If you are an active member or havesubmitted a subscription request and did not receive the Augustedition of the eNews letter contact Amy [email protected] or [email protected].

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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is using a quick environmentalrisk analysis, called an Ecological Risk Screening Summary (ERSS), toassess nonnative and native species impacts on the environment and likelylocations that they might colonize the United States. Implementation of themethod inadequately collects and analyzes biological and ecological data,includes a climate matching method that erroneously estimates a speciesrange and lacks an analysis of state laws that regulate species and theeconomic or natural resource benefits realized from the culture, sales,possession, or release of the species.

On September 30, 2016, the FWS published a final rule based in-part onERSS reports, that lists 10 nonnative fish and one crayfish as InjuriousWildlife. The Center of Invasive Species Prevention (CISP) announced onthe same day that they had submitted a petition to list 43 species. Theirpetition was based solely upon a high risk ERSS findings by the FWS. Thispetition includes native and nonnative species cultured, possessed or soldthroughout the United States for food, water gardening, recreational fishingor biological control. These species, or their hybrids, are the black acara,blue catfish, common carp (i.e., koi), grass carp, guppies, Jaguar guapote,three plecos (Amazon, Orinoco and vermiculated sailfin catfish), redswamp crawfish, and the three tilapia (i.e., blue, Mozambique and Nile).

The Lacey Act and Injurious WildlifeThe Lacey Act was passed in 1900 to regulate hunting of wild game tosupply commercial markets and prohibit the importation of nonnativeInjurious Wildlife. Injurious Wildlife are defined as being “mammals, birds,fish (including mollusks and crustacea) amphibians, and reptiles” that are"injurious to human beings, to the interests of agriculture, horticulture,forestry, or to wildlife or wildlife resources of the United States." Uponlisting as Injurious Wildlife these live animals and their gametes, viable

eggs or hybrids may not imported or transported interstate.

Ecological Risk Screening SummaryIn 2009 the FWS developed a rapid environmental impact screeningmethodology to assign species to low, high or uncertain risk categories.Species assigned a low risk have no history of invasiveness, meaning thespecies has been either documented as established in one or moreecosystems for at least 10 years, and after scientific study, no substantialevidence of harm exists, or has been in substantial trade (e.g., a millionspecimens) for substantial time without establishment, spread, and impactand a low climate match. Species assigned high risk have a documentedhistory of invasiveness based upon scientific evidence that is credible andsubstantial, and medium or high climate match. Species that are assigned anuncertain risk because the assessor cannot find information or enoughinformation to make a decision.

Next StepsWe cannot overemphasize the importance of responding to the CISPpetition with constructive, science-based comments. We believe farmerswill be asking for assistance to develop comments or to provide biologicalor ecological data about these species. We also believe that very fewfarmers are familiar with the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s Ecological RiskScreening Summaries (ERSS) or the process to list Injurious Wildlife. Thefirst step by the NAA is to bring everyone up to speed on this complexissue and we would be happy to work with farmers or others to provideinformation in that regard.Growers, sellers, distributors and end users thatare interested in more information or wish to take action and comment tothe FWS about the petition, are encouraged to contact the NationalAquaculture Association at [email protected] or 850-216-2400.

Flawed Rapid Screen Assigns High Risk to Nationally Valuable Fish and Crayfish

By Paul Zajicek

Aquaponics 101

by: D. Allen Pattillo Fisheries and Aquaculture Extension Iowa State University

Aquaponics is the union of hydroponic plant production and aquaculture for a fast, efficient method of producing both fish and plant crops. Fish waste from the aquaculture portion of the system is broken down by bacteria into dissolved nutrients that plants then utilize to grow in the hydroponic component. This nutrient removal not only improves water quality for the fish but also decreases overall water consumption by limiting the amount released as effluent. Advantages of this closed-loop system over conventional crop production methods include:

1) reduced land area requirements, 2) reduced water consumption, 3) accelerated plant growth rates, 4) year-round production in controlled

environments, 5) operational efficiency with shared

equipment, 6) reduced or eliminated effluents, and 7) multiple crops produced simultaneously.

System Components There are several basic components required for an aquaponics system to run effectively.

Schematic representation of the aquaponics units used at Iowa State University. Fish Culture Tank The fish culture tank provides the environment for the fish to live and grow. It is important to maintain good water quality, adequate oxygen

levels, ideal flow rates, and waste removal in this area. Water quality is related to chemical components in the water like ammonia and nitrite, as well as elements needed for respiration, namely oxygen. It is also necessary to provide a tank covering to prevent fish from jumping out of the tanks; some fish, like tilapia, are powerful jumpers and given the opportunity will escape to their demise. Using a heavy lid made of waterproof material that covers the tank completely is ideal.

Fish culture tank with a mesh covering Mechanical and Biological Filter The filtration unit is designed to remove solids from the water while also converting toxic ammonia into nitrate for uptake by the plants in the hydroponic unit. There are many types of mechanical filters: inexpensive filter pads that must be cleaned by hand, passive water clarifiers, fluidized sand and bead filters that combine solids and biological filtration, and high-volume and high-cost self-cleaning micro-screen drum filters. Each of these systems have their advantages for filtering capacity, maintenance, and cost. The decision as to which one will be used must be made by the producer. Filter pads are inexpensive and disposable, but do require daily cleaning. The

TECH TALK


higher the fish capacity and feeding rates, the more frequently solids will need to be cleared from the filter, and thus more automated filters may become necessary because of reduced labor costs relative to other methods.

Protein skimmer (foam fractionator) above the solids filter pad Below the filter pads is the biological filter. The biofilter consists of a substrate where beneficial bacteria (e.g. Nitrosomonas spp. and Nitrobacter spp.) can grow in high densities with high exposure to water and air for the conversion of toxic ammonia and nitrite to nitrate. As previously mentioned, there are many choices for biofilter design and substrate material, with some mechanical filters also functioning as the biofilter. The best choice is usually the least expensive and lightest weight product that will allow for water and air to pass through without clogging. Hydroponic Unit The hydroponic portion of the aquaponics system is where the plants gather nutrients and grow. Given that profitability is driven by outputs, and plants need space to grow, a commercial system should have as little wasted space for walking and maintenance as possible. Five basic categories of hydroponic units are commonly used in aquaponics: 1) flood and drain, 2) deep-water culture, 3) nutrient film technique (NFT), 4) drip irrigation and 5) vertical growing systems.

Nutrient film technique modified for aquaponics with a garden hose Deep-water culture is also known as floating raft culture, and is the most commercially adopted technique because of its simplicity and reliability. Deep-water culture uses a floating or suspended platform to support the plants with holes for the roots to access the water. Polystyrene insulation is typically used as the raft and plastic net pots support the plants, although some new food-grade materials have been developed. The rafts provide many benefits including ease of use, mobility, simple cleaning, and lower risk of plant mortality during power outages. Plants in a deep water culture unit may live up to two weeks without water flow or aeration as compared to hours or days in other systems.

Deep water culture using a floating raft


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Sump Tank with Pump The sump is the ultimate collection area for water that flows by gravity and is located at the lowest elevation in the entire system. The sump is also a reservoir that generally contains no plants or fish, and is a good addition point for mixing chemical and nutrient additives that must dissolve before entering the system. Larger tanks will provide the benefit of more water storage capacity, water chemistry stability, and heat buffering due to the thermal mass of water. Pumps should have enough head pressure to provide adequate flow rates to turn over the fish tank water at least three times per hour. Additional biofilter substrate or cleaner fish like mosquito fish, redear sunfish, or juvenile tilapia can be added into the sump if needed, but should be guarded from the pump intake.

Sump tank with pump Aerator/Blower Aeration is important in aquaponics because it creates water flow and performs gas exchanges for oxygen (O2), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen gas (N2), hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S), and others. High dissolved oxygen (DO) levels promote nitrogen processing and nutrient uptake in the plant roots. Free aeration should be taken advantage of whenever possible; this includes waterfall action from a pipe into a reservoir trickling water over filter pads, and biofilter substrate.

Water Source/Head Tank Source water is an important consideration in any aquaculture system. Whether the water is from groundwater, surface runoff, rainwater collected, or municipal sources will determine the management practices appropriate for treating the water prior to entering the system. Municipal water can be relatively cold with a high pH and chlorine. A head tank is a staging area where the municipal sourced water is allowed to warm to the ambient air temperature and the water is dechlorinated. It is beneficial to use an opaque container with a lid to prevent light penetration and algae growth in the head tank. Heating/Cooling In intensive production systems it is important to regulate temperature to optimize fish and plant growth. The two main choices producers have is to heat/cool the water or the air. Maximum control of the environmental temperature can be accomplished through a combination of both. Geothermal heating is an ecologically friendly method of temperature regulation. Geothermal helps stabilize the water and air temperature relatively close to that of ground water, 54-58°F, thus reducing heating costs for winter and cooling costs in the summer. Water Testing Equipment Key water quality parameters like dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, and temperature should be tested daily. Critical chemical components such as ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and alkalinity should be measured twice a week. Other components like CO2, chloride, and iron should be tested every one to two weeks. As with other water testing equipment, there is a range of time and expense for each method and they should be selected based on system size, materials, and labor budgets.


TECH TALK

their availability near cities and the greater ability

to insulate the crops from prevailing weather

conditions. Warehouse growing will require the

use of artificial light, which is a major energy

input, however the heat created artificially can

create an operational efficiency by reducing

heating requirements.

Aerated mineralization tank Mineralization Tank Fish feed has adequate amounts of 10 of the 13

nutrients plants need to thrive under hydroponic

growing conditions, yet many of them only

become available for plant uptake after they are

processed by bacteria present in a mature

system. The process of bacterial digestion and

breakdown of feed occurs under aerobic

(oxygenated) conditions. A mineralization tank is

highly agitated with aeration, creating an

opportunity for heterotrophic bacteria to

consume waste products and liberate bioavailable

nutrients. Periodically aeration is interrupted and

the solids settle to the bottom. This decanting

process clarifies the water, and the top water

layer is then added to the hydroponic unit.

Healthy (left) and nutrient deficient (right) tomato plants Nutrient Supplementation Three micronutrients are typically lacking in fish

feed - calcium, iron, and potassium. Depending on

the source water, these nutrients may already be

present. A water chemistry analysis should be

performed to assess nutrient supplementation

needs. Nutrient deficiencies will be evident by

discoloration and malformation in the leaves,

roots, and fruits of the plants produced.

Iron is a very commonly deficient nutrient and

should be supplemented at 2-4 mg/L (PPM) every

two weeks using a chelated iron formulation

appropriate for the pH of the water. A common

chelation uses Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid

(EDTA), and is available to plants at a pH around

7.0. For producers seeking organic certification,

an effective and organic iron source may be

difficult to acquire.

Calcium is abundantly present in abundance in

groundwater drawn from limestone bedrock.

However, distilled water such as rainwater will be

devoid of calcium. Tomatoes, cole crops (e.g.

cabbage and others) as well as some other plants

have high requirements for calcium. Some

common supplements include agricultural

limestone or calcium carbonate (CaCO3), hydrated

lime or calcium hydroxide (Ca (OH)2), and calcium

chloride (CaCl2). Be aware that ag lime dissolves

slowly, hydrated lime is a strong base that will

affect pH, and calcium chloride will add chloride

to the water, which may negatively affect plants.

Water chemistry testing kit Grow Lights Grow lights are used to extend the photoperiod for optimal growth conditions in a given plant species. Sunlight is typically the best and least expensive option for crop production, and is promoted in a greenhouse. However, depending on the growing environment, grow lights may be the sole source of light available. In these conditions light duration and quality are critically important.

Light Emitting Diode (LED) growlights used for growing tomatoes Plants like lettuce prefer a fall/winter/spring photoperiod of 12 hours of light and 12 hours of dark daily, whereas basil and many fruiting crops prefer a summer photoperiod of 16 hours of light and 8 hours of dark. Leafy greens can perform well on lower quality light, but fruiting crops require high quality, full spectrum light to produce high-yielding crops.

Seed Germination Area The seed germination area is where the seeds are sown into the growing medium and grown until they are large enough to transplants into the system. Seedlings are very sensitive to temperature, pH, humidity, light intensity, fertilization, watering regime, and insect predation. Germination trays are used to sprout seeds under optimal conditions, and operational efficiency can be enhanced by planting seedlings close together to save space. Transplanting most leafy greens should occur once they have reached at least three inches in height or diameter, or after they have produced at least three true leaves. At this time they are more hardy and may become light limited if they remain in the grow trays.

Tomatoes germinating in rockwool cubes Controlled Environment The growing environment is critical for plant and fish growth. The ability to regulate temperature, light intensity, humidity, and to shelter the production system from the elements helps optimize growth rates for crops and fish as well as ensure biosecurity and food safety. A controlled environment may be a warehouse, classroom, basement, garage, greenhouse, or other structure that shields the growing system from the external environment. Greenhouses are commonly used for year-round crop production because of their heat retention and the transmission of sunlight through the structure. Warehouses have become popular for vertical growing systems because of


TECH TALK

their availability near cities and the greater ability

to insulate the crops from prevailing weather

conditions. Warehouse growing will require the

use of artificial light, which is a major energy

input, however the heat created artificially can

create an operational efficiency by reducing

heating requirements.

Aerated mineralization tank Mineralization Tank Fish feed has adequate amounts of 10 of the 13

nutrients plants need to thrive under hydroponic

growing conditions, yet many of them only

become available for plant uptake after they are

processed by bacteria present in a mature

system. The process of bacterial digestion and

breakdown of feed occurs under aerobic

(oxygenated) conditions. A mineralization tank is

highly agitated with aeration, creating an

opportunity for heterotrophic bacteria to

consume waste products and liberate bioavailable

nutrients. Periodically aeration is interrupted and

the solids settle to the bottom. This decanting

process clarifies the water, and the top water

layer is then added to the hydroponic unit.

Healthy (left) and nutrient deficient (right) tomato plants Nutrient Supplementation Three micronutrients are typically lacking in fish

feed - calcium, iron, and potassium. Depending on

the source water, these nutrients may already be

present. A water chemistry analysis should be

performed to assess nutrient supplementation

needs. Nutrient deficiencies will be evident by

discoloration and malformation in the leaves,

roots, and fruits of the plants produced.

Iron is a very commonly deficient nutrient and

should be supplemented at 2-4 mg/L (PPM) every

two weeks using a chelated iron formulation

appropriate for the pH of the water. A common

chelation uses Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid

(EDTA), and is available to plants at a pH around

7.0. For producers seeking organic certification,

an effective and organic iron source may be

difficult to acquire.

Calcium is abundantly present in abundance in

groundwater drawn from limestone bedrock.

However, distilled water such as rainwater will be

devoid of calcium. Tomatoes, cole crops (e.g.

cabbage and others) as well as some other plants

have high requirements for calcium. Some

common supplements include agricultural

limestone or calcium carbonate (CaCO3), hydrated

lime or calcium hydroxide (Ca (OH)2), and calcium

chloride (CaCl2). Be aware that ag lime dissolves

slowly, hydrated lime is a strong base that will

affect pH, and calcium chloride will add chloride

to the water, which may negatively affect plants.


TECH TALK

Potassium is present in some groundwater

sources but is absent in rainwater. Potassium is

very important in flower and fruit production.

Some common supplements include potassium

hydroxide (KOH) and muriate of potash or

potassium chloride (KCl). Be aware that potassium

hydroxide is a strong base that will affect pH, and

potassium chloride will add chloride to the water,

which may negatively affect plants.

Pest Management Pest management, particularly from insect

predation, is difficult in aquaponics systems

because of the interconnectedness of the artificial

ecosystem. Many insecticides will negatively

affect the fish and beneficial bacteria in the

system. Conversely, therapeutants used on fish

may affect the plants. Some cultural and

biological management techniques have proven

useful in minimizing the effects of insect

predation.

Lacewings used as predatory insects for aquaponic pest management

Insect screens, insect traps (sticky cards or lighted

traps), biological pesticides (e.g. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) products), predatory or parasitic

insects (e.g. lady bugs, praying mantis, lacewings,

parasitic wasp, etc.), diatomaceous earth, and

other non-toxic methods will serve producers well

in reducing insect predation. Some parasitic

insects come in convenient sashay packages that

can be placed strategically throughout the

growing environment.

Stocking Density

Aquaponics is a balancing act of providing

nutrients for the plants while simultaneously

maintaining good water quality for the fish. Pre-

calculating the nutrient needs for the desired

plant production and stocking density and feed

consumption rates for the desired fish species is

necessary for a balanced aquaponics system. It

takes time to build a system up biologically to be

able to support these fish and plants, and sudden

changes in nutrients will negatively affect both

fish and plant production. These calculations

should only be used for a mature aquaponics

system that has been running at least 6 months.

Tilapia feeding

A general rule of thumb is to provide 60 to 100

(average 80) grams of 35% protein fish feed per

square meter of growing area of plants in deep

water culture. Adult tilapia tend to consume

approximately 2.5% of the fish biomass on a daily

basis. Therefore, at harvest size (1.5 to 2 lbs or

750 g) it takes 17 tilapia to support 4 square

meters or 2 tilapia per 5 square foot of growing

area. A maximum recommended stocking density

of tilapia in a fish tank is 0.5 pounds per gallon of

tank water volume. Therefore a 300 gallon fish

culture tank stocked at a maximum density (0.5

lbs/gal) will support 150 lbs of fish or 90

harvestable tilapia, and 225 square feet (21 m2) of

plants.


TECH TALK

AADAP PRESS RELEASES

Potassium is present in some groundwater

sources but is absent in rainwater. Potassium is

very important in flower and fruit production.

Some common supplements include potassium

hydroxide (KOH) and muriate of potash or

potassium chloride (KCl). Be aware that potassium

hydroxide is a strong base that will affect pH, and

potassium chloride will add chloride to the water,

which may negatively affect plants.

Pest Management Pest management, particularly from insect

predation, is difficult in aquaponics systems

because of the interconnectedness of the artificial

ecosystem. Many insecticides will negatively

affect the fish and beneficial bacteria in the

system. Conversely, therapeutants used on fish

may affect the plants. Some cultural and

biological management techniques have proven

useful in minimizing the effects of insect

predation.

Lacewings used as predatory insects for aquaponic pest management

Insect screens, insect traps (sticky cards or lighted

traps), biological pesticides (e.g. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) products), predatory or parasitic

insects (e.g. lady bugs, praying mantis, lacewings,

parasitic wasp, etc.), diatomaceous earth, and

other non-toxic methods will serve producers well

in reducing insect predation. Some parasitic

insects come in convenient sashay packages that

can be placed strategically throughout the

growing environment.

Stocking Density

Aquaponics is a balancing act of providing

nutrients for the plants while simultaneously

maintaining good water quality for the fish. Pre-

calculating the nutrient needs for the desired

plant production and stocking density and feed

consumption rates for the desired fish species is

necessary for a balanced aquaponics system. It

takes time to build a system up biologically to be

able to support these fish and plants, and sudden

changes in nutrients will negatively affect both

fish and plant production. These calculations

should only be used for a mature aquaponics

system that has been running at least 6 months.

Tilapia feeding

A general rule of thumb is to provide 60 to 100

(average 80) grams of 35% protein fish feed per

square meter of growing area of plants in deep

water culture. Adult tilapia tend to consume

approximately 2.5% of the fish biomass on a daily

basis. Therefore, at harvest size (1.5 to 2 lbs or

750 g) it takes 17 tilapia to support 4 square

meters or 2 tilapia per 5 square foot of growing

area. A maximum recommended stocking density

of tilapia in a fish tank is 0.5 pounds per gallon of

tank water volume. Therefore a 300 gallon fish

culture tank stocked at a maximum density (0.5

lbs/gal) will support 150 lbs of fish or 90

harvestable tilapia, and 225 square feet (21 m2) of

plants.


IAAI AquaponicsConferenceKokome, Indiana

http://www.indianaaquaculture.com/enewsletters/AUG2016/

Aquaponics-Conference-2016-1.pdf

October 28 & 29

Aquaculture BootCamp-2Piketon, Ohio

https://southcenters.osu.edu/aquacuture

November 4

4th InternationalConference onFisheries &AquacultureSan Antonio, Texas

http://fisheries.conferenceseries.com

November 28-30

Aquaculture America2017

San Antonio, Texas

https://www.was.org/meetings/default.aspx?code=AA2017

February 19-22

UPCOMING EVENTS


Join the Indiana Aquaculture Association Inc. for a two-dayAquaponics Conference on October 28 and 29 at the KokomoEvent & Conference Center in Kokomo, Indiana. This conference isgeared towards intermediate and advanced aquaponics. Thekeynote speaker is leading aquaponics expert Charlie Shultz.Lectures will cover a wide range of topics, which will cover facilitiesand equipment, fish nutrition, pest control, current aquacultureresearch, species selection, food safety and much more. A completelist of guest speakers and topics is available on-line at http://www.indianaaquaculture.com/enewsletters/AUG2016/Aquaponics-Conference-2016-1.pdf.

Other things to look forward to are vendors, a tour, andnetworking. You will have the opportunity to talk to experts in thefield of aquaponics, fellow enthusiasts and equipment and supplyrepresentatives, and tour Green River Greenhouse in Peru,Indiana. Registration is $100 for IAAI members and $125 for non-members, and $60 for students with a school ID. Registrationincludes entry to the two-day conference, dinner on Friday night,lunch on Saturday, snacks, and beverages. A optional tour ofGreen River Greenhouse can be added for an additional $20 perperson. Space is limited for the conference and tours. Registertoday.

A block of rooms have been reserved at Holiday Inn Express &Suites on 511 Albany Drive in Kokomo. To reserve a room call765-453-2222 or 765-453-4398 and let the reservation desk knowthat you are with the Aquaponics Conference group. Rooms arelimited and are first come first serve. Reserve your room today.


UPCOMING EVENTS

OHIO AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTEROHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION

Aquaculture Boot Camp-2 Wants You!Aquaculture Boot Camp-2 (ABC-2) transforms civilians into fish farmers in the Midwest. Recruits enlist in a one-year tour of duty that includes classroom and field training paired with mentoring from some of the industry’s top-ranked leaders. Upon graduation, soldiers will be armed with the knowledge and hands-on experience to successfully operate an aquaculture or aquaponics farm.

BriefingThe regiment requires recruits to:• Participate in 12 one-day training exercises held the second Saturday of each month.• Participate in three aquaculture workshops throughout the year at various locations in Ohio.• Attend the Aquaculture Bus Tour of Farms.• Complete homework and study assignments on-line between monthly trainings.Need to knows• Minimum 16 days of the year will be required for this tour of duty plus travel time to and from base. • Most training is on Saturday or Sunday, with some on Friday.• Command center is located at the OSU South Centers Aquaculture Research Center in Piketon, Ohio, and other cooperating aquaculture-related facilities across the state and region.• Drill Instructors represent a wide range of rank: College and University Educators Government Specialists Business Professionals Experienced Aquaculture Producers• Combat training addresses: Aquaculture and Aquaponics Production, Business Planning, Marketing• No two members of the same immediate family will be selected into the program at the same time. However, business partners may attend training if space is available and scheduled in advance.• The cost: the intensive trainings, including lunch, are being offered at no charge!

Enlistment GuidelinesWe will enlist up to 30 highly motivated new (less than 10 years of farming experience) and beginning fish farmers and aquaponic producers from across Ohio and the Midwest. Recruits will be actively involved in aquaculture/aquaponics or seriously dedicated to de-veloping skills for entry into the industry. To be eligible, you must:• Submit a completed written or e-mailed application by November 4th, 2016• If accepted, sign documentation outlining your commitment to attend seminars and workshops.• Be responsible for all expenses (i.e. travel) related to getting to and from the training sessions.Selection ProcessThe following will be considered in selecting recruits:1. Internet access, land, a pilot aquaculture/aquaponics operation, years in production, years obtaining an Ohio Aquaculture Permit, previous workshops attended, and capital available.2. Interest and willingness of the recruit to commit the necessary time, energy, and finances to the program.3. Ability to participate meaningfully in academic seminars, outside reading, written assignments, and through self-expression.4.The applicant will support and abide by all policies, rules and regulations of the ABC-2 program.Command CenterOSU South Centers ABC-2 ProgramPD: Hanping Wang, [email protected] Shyville RoadPiketon, OH 45661740-289-2071 ext. 112https://southcenters.osu.edu/aquaculture LogisticsNovember 4, 2016: Application deadlineNovember 15, 2016: Recruits notified of enlistmentJanuary 14, 2017: Processing day OSU South CentersJanuary 27-28, 2017: Ohio Aquaculture Association Annual Conference in Columbus, OHDownload Application: go.osu.edu/abc2

CFAES provides research and related educational programs to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis. For more information: go.osu.edu/cfaesdiversity.

AcknowledgementThis program was funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), under Agreement No. 2016-70017-25377.

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