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Based on available scientific research, Integrated Aqua-Vegeculture Systems (iAVs) usually don’t need extra nutrients. Here’s why:
Scientific Research
Studies show that iAVs can sustain itself without needing additional nutrients. Research published in credible journals indicates that the feed and waste from fish provide enough nutrition for plants to grow well in properly managed iAVs systems. It has been found that iAVs makes good use of the nutrients in fish waste to help plants thrive, without needing to add more nutrients. The system naturally balances nutrient levels through the actions of microbes and plants.
System Design
The sand used in iAVs helps hold and break down nutrients from fish waste, making them accessible to plants. This feature allows for good nutrient recycling within the system.
Real-World Experience
Many users have successfully operated iAVs systems for years (some up to 5 years) without adding any extra nutrients. The ability of iAVs to recycle nutrients sets it apart from other aquaponic methods, making it a more sustainable choice.
In summary, when designed and managed properly, iAVs generally does not require additional nutrients. Both scientific research and user experiences show that fish feed and waste provide enough nutrition for plants in iAVs.
Next, I’ll briefly review some studies on iAVs.
The first study is titled “Water Quality Maintenance and Mineral Assimilation by Plants Influence Growth of Hybrid Tilapia in Culture with Vegetable Crops.”
This study explains that the fish were fed a diet with at least 32% crude protein, without added vitamins or minerals. Still, the fish grew well and the plants showed no signs of nutrient deficiencies, indicating that the fish feed alone provided enough nutrition.
Fish waste contains important minerals for plants. As the fish eat, they produce waste rich in nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other essential minerals. The sand growing medium collects and processes these nutrients for the plants to use.
The study also showed that both plant yields and fish growth remained strong over a long time without any additional nutrients.
In conclusion, “Water Quality Maintenance and Mineral Assimilation by Plants Influence Growth of Hybrid Tilapia in Culture with Vegetable Crops” provides solid evidence that well-designed iAVs do not need extra nutrients. The fish feed and waste are enough for healthy plant growth.
The idea that iAVs need additional fertilizers isn’t backed up by scientific findings.
Data from thorough studies clearly shows that iAVs can operate independently without needing extra nutrients. Claims suggesting that fertilizers are necessary often come from individual experiences or beliefs, not from controlled studies or proven facts.
On the other hand, iAVs has been extensively researched using scientific methods. Published studies consistently demonstrate that fish feed and waste alone can support healthy plant growth in well-managed iAVs systems.
As the only aquaponics method supported by repeatable trials and scientific evidence, iAVs stands out for its ability to integrate fish and vegetable farming successfully without needing extra inputs, unlike other methods and unsupported claims.
Conclusions about iAVs should come from solid data, not personal stories or opinions that lack scientific support.
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TL;DR: Integrated Aqua-Vegeculture Systems (iAVs) typically do not require additional nutrients because they efficiently utilize the nutrients from fish waste, which are processed and made available to plants through the sand medium. Scientific research and user experiences support this, showing that well-designed and managed iAVs systems can sustain themselves without extra nutrients.
- This reply was modified 3 months, 2 weeks ago by Admin.