The Integrated Aqua-Vegeculture System
Introduction The commercial-scale project established by Dr. Boone Mora, a retired veterinarian and self-described “jack-of-all-trades” (McClintic, 1994), in Bath, North Carolina, serves as a key example of the feasibility and profitability of iAVs. After attending an iAVs workshop taught by…
Dr. Merle H. Jensen is a world-renowned expert in controlled-environment agriculture and a pioneer in using sand as a growing medium. His expertise comes from decades of research and practical experience. His research was instrumental in demonstrating that sand, when…
Introduction This guide covers the basics of iAVs without going into the complexities of construction or the finer points of plant and fish care. Keep in mind that each location has unique environmental factors that may require tailored approaches. Some…
tl;dr; Murray Hallam is experimenting with iAVs (sand-based aquaponics) based on Dr. McMurtry’s research. After 22 months, he’s seeing fantastic results with minimal maintenance, stable pH, and no added nutrients (except compost tea at the start). He highlights its simplicity…
Welcome to our 2020 proof-of-concept demonstration! This innovative setup has yielded over 25 tons of fish and 67 varieties of fruits and vegetables. Constructed from concrete blocks, the ponds and sand beds are covered with granite and floor tiles, holding…
The aspiration for food and water self-sufficiency remains a critical, yet elusive, goal for Palestinians. In recent years, the situation, particularly in the Gaza Strip, has escalated to alarming levels. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)…
Professor H. Douglas Gross (1924-2022), was a distinguished figure whose expertise and vision significantly shaped the early understanding and promotion of Integrated Aqua-Vegeculture Systems. His contributions as a consultant and advocate were invaluable during a critical period of IAVS development.…
In iAVs, 50% of the growing area needs to be used for growing fruiting plants, such as tomatoes. Why Fruiting Plants are Recommended: Inspired by Next Level Gardening’s Video Tutorial:“The ONE TOMATO HACK That ACTUALLY Works!” by Next Level Gardening…
Building a successful Integrated Aqua-Vegeculture System (iAVs) starts with selecting the right materials, and the sand you choose for your biofilter is absolutely critical. As the iAVs Handbook emphasizes, the sand isn’t just a growing medium; it’s the heart of…
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…
iAVs research focused on developing a simple, adaptable food production system for diverse environments, especially arid and desertifying regions. Guided by the KISS principle (Keep It Simple, Stupid), the system was designed for easy adoption in resource-limited settings. The research…
Let’s Settle This Once and For All: Murray Hallam’s Claims About iAVs tl;dr; Murray Hallam is accused of lying about why his iAVs system failed, blaming “silica poisoning” from the sand. This is scientifically debunked: quartz sand is stable and doesn’t release…
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…
One of the key advantages of iAVs is that it is 90% horticulture, meaning that the majority of its operation revolves around well-established horticultural practices. Since iAVs utilizes sand as a growing medium, which functions similarly to soil, operators can seamlessly…
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.…
Hey folks, it’s way … WAY … past time to call out fraud as fraud and liars for the liars that they are. There is no polite way to say that. Since there are SO many blatantly false assertions being…
Housed in a 6m x 12m greenhouse, the system has room for future expansion and optimization. The feed rate as of August 2024 is 100 grams per day, in total. Which works out to just over 5 grams of…
In iAVs, plants thrive due to the unique design and methodology of iAVs, which provide optimal conditions for plant growth. Here are some compelling images that demonstrate the superior growth rates of plants in iAVs and I hope this will…
We are reaching out to you today with a charitable appeal in support of Dr. Mark R. McMurtry, the brilliant mind behind the Integrated AquaVegeculture System (iAVs). Dr. McMurtry has dedicated his life to developing and promoting this sustainable food…
Amu spent years continuing her education while running a farmers’ market and gardens at lower-income schools around Brooklyn. The first iteration of Oko Farms started in 2013, on a modest 2,500 sq ft plot in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. She moved to…