The Integrated Aqua-Vegeculture System
In our world where the well-being of conscious beings and the planet are imperiled, it is imperative that we unite in a spirit of cooperation and mutual support. Divisive behaviors, such as forming cliques, engaging in tribalism and/or ‘banditry’ hinder…
tl;dr; In Montana (2017), a high-quality iAVs system with 24 m³ fish tanks and 150-200 m² sand beds can be built for under $7000, using top-shelf US-made equipment. This system can produce 12,600 kg of vegetables and 1500-2000 kg of…
tl;dr; Tilapia production in aquaponics is a money loser. iAVs can achieve extraordinary plant yields to offset this loss. UVI’s aquaponics claims are exaggerated and less efficient than iAVs in terms of water use, fish growth, plant yield, and revenue.…
The iAVs paper published by The Journal of the World Aquaculture Society (JWAS) in December 1997 is finally available. The claimed article that has been ‘available’ on ResearchGate has the correct title, but the wrong date of publication, the wrong…
Mark here. Just learned that Gary has ‘passed on’ on Saturday July 1 following a heart attack a couple weeks back. His surviving spouse reports it was relatively peaceful. Just learned this a few minutes ago so haven’t had time…
tl;dr; Sand filtration for water purification is ancient, simple, and effective. It works by physically straining out particles and then using microbes to break down waste. This creates a soil-like environment where plants can thrive, cleaning the filter in the…
tl;dr; iAVs research and commercial results significantly outperform UVI’s best yields and the findings of a 2013 commercial aquaponics survey. iAVs demonstrates higher fish and plant production, leading to greater revenue potential, especially when professionally managed in a controlled environment.…
tl;dr; UVI’s aquaponics data is scientifically invalid due to lack of controls and replication. iAVs, in contrast, is simpler, more efficient, and more productive, especially for high-value crops. Flood & Drain systems lack any verifiable data. iAVs is the “good,”…
All successful businesses comprise three core functions: Competency in (or coordinated access to) each of the three essential components of business is mandatory for commercial viability. Food production businesses are in no way exceptions to the rule. Ever heard the old…
tl;dr; Prioritize the soil ecology and plants (pH 6.4-6.8) over the fish when managing pH. Choose fish species (like Tilapia) that tolerate the pH range optimal for plants and microbes. Don’t overfeed the fish, and keep plants growing actively…
tl;dr; Aquaponics needs to become a scientific discipline, using the scientific method to replace opinion and pseudoscience with verifiable knowledge. This requires rigorous research, proper experimental design, statistical analysis, and peer-reviewed publication. Let’s bring scientific rigor to aquaponics for it…
tl;dr; Two contrasting visions: “A’nguish,” a village of poverty and despair due to lack of resources and historical exploitation, and “B’elief,” a village thriving through sustainable iAVs practices. The key difference isn’t effort or environment, but access to knowledge and…