Scientific Journal and Magazine Articles
Here’s a small sample of the iAVs articles that were published in various journals and farmer/grower magazines.
- NCSU ResPersp 7-3: Aquaculture In Greenhouses: Fish and Vegetables Grow Together. NCSU Research Perspectives 7:3 (1988).
- Representative photographs from inside 1988-89 Ratio Studies greenhouse with harvest samples.
- Boone Mora: An article on the iAVs USDA commercial trial conducted by Mora/Garrett.
- American Vegetable Grower: “Fish Increase Greenhouse Profits” by Douglas C. Sanders, Feb. 1988.
- Intl Ag-Sieve: “Aqua-Vegeculture Systems”, Rodale Institute, International Ag-Sieve, Vol 1(3).
Peer-Reviewed Publication Citations
- McMurtry, M.R., D.C. Sanders, J. Cure, R.G. Hodson, B.C. Haning and P.C. St. Amand. 1997a. The efficiency of Water Use of an Integrated Fish/Vegetable Co-Culture System. J. World Aquaculture Society. 28 (4).
The study was conducted to understand how well this system utilizes water compared to traditional soil-based cultivation. The study found that iAVs could achieve water use efficiencies ranging from 2.37 to 3.47 times greater than soil-based cultivation, depending on the system design and climatic conditions. The study suggests further research into optimizing system design, exploring different vegetable and fish species, and assessing long-term sustainability and economic impacts.
- McMurtry, M.R., R.G. Hodson, D.C. Sanders and J. Cure. 1997b. Effects of Biofilter / Rearing Tank Volume Ratios on Productivity of a Recirculating Fish/Vegetable Co-Culture System. J. of Applied Aquaculture. 7(4): 33-51. Partial funding for this research was from the USDA Special Grant P.L. 89-106: “Agricultural Adjustment in Southeast Through Alternative Cropping Systems.”
This study focused on how the volume ratios of biofilters to culture tanks impact the overall productivity of the system. It involved different configurations of the biofilter to culture tank volume ratios, specifically 1:2, 1:1, and 2:1, using sand as the biofilter medium. Systems with higher biofilter volumes (2:1 and 3:1 ratios) showed better water quality compared to the 1:1 ratio. Fish growth was positively correlated with improved water quality. Tilapia in systems with larger biofilters (2:1 and 3:1 ratios) exhibited better growth rates compared to those in the 1:1 ratio system. Feed conversion ratios were also more favorable in systems with larger biofilters.
- McMurtry, M.R., D.C. Sanders, P.V. Nelson and A. Nash. 1993a. Mineral nutrient concentration and uptake of tomato irrigated with recirculating aquaculture water as influenced by the quantity of fish waste products supplied. J. Plant Nutrition Vol. 16 (3), pp. 407-419.
The study investigates how varying levels of fish waste products affect the nutrient uptake and growth of tomatoes grown in sand biofilters. The research was conducted in a greenhouse using tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus x O. niloticus) and two tomato cultivars, Laura and Kewalo, over two separate experiments in 1988 and 1989. Four different tank-to-biofilter volume ratios were tested. Nutrient concentrations in plant tissues were analyzed at various stages to determine uptake patterns. All nutrients except calcium (Ca) were assimilated at or above sufficiency levels for plant growth. Sulfur (S) was higher than needed, but no toxicity symptoms were observed. Potassium (K) became limiting when fish growth rates slowed, particularly under reduced feed conditions for mature fish. Micronutrients like iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) were taken up in excess, but no toxicity symptoms were observed. The study confirmed that fish waste provided adequate nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) for tomato growth under most conditions. However, calcium deficiency was noted as a potential issue that could be addressed by modifying fish feed. A balance between fish biomass growth and plant nutrient needs is critical. When fish growth slows down or feed rates are reduced, potassium becomes limiting for plant growth.
- McMurtry, M.R., D.C. Sanders, R.P. Patterson and A. Nash. 1993b. The yield of tomato irrigated with recirculatory aquaculture water. J. Production Agriculture., Vol.6, no. 3, pp. 331-2, 428-432.
The primary goal was to examine how the volume of biofilters (which house the plants) affects tomato yield when irrigated with water from tilapia tanks. The research focused on determining how different ratios (e.g., 1:0.67, 1:1.00, 1:1.50, 1:2.25) of fish tank to biofilter volume (BFV) influenced tomato productivity, nutrient assimilation, and water quality. The study demonstrated that increasing biofilter volume led to higher overall tomato yields per system but reduced yield per individual plant due to nutrient competition among plants. This suggests that iAVs systems can be optimized based on specific goals—either maximizing total yield or focusing on higher yields per plant. By adjusting biofilter volumes and plant densities, growers can optimize their systems for either higher total yields or better individual plant performance based on available resources and desired outcomes.
- McMurtry, M.R., P.V. Nelson, D.C. Sanders and L. Hodges. 1990a. Sand culture of vegetables using recirculating aquacultural effluents. J. of Applied Agricultural Research; Vol. 5, No. 4, pp. 280-284.
- McMurtry, M.R., D.C. Sanders, B.C. Haning, and P.C St Amand. submitted in 1990 and again in 1994: Food Value, Water Use Efficiency, and Economic Productivity of an Integrated Aquaculture-Olericulture System as Influenced by Tank to Biofilter Ratio (HortTech; submitted twice but not published).
This paper provides empirical evidence supporting the integration of aquaculture with olericulture for sustainable, efficient, and economically viable food production. By optimizing the tank-to-biofilter ratio, growers can maximize water use efficiency, improve food production, and enhance economic returns. The study’s results are significant for regions facing challenges in agriculture due to limited water resources, offering a model for sustainable farming practices
- McMurtry, M.R., D.C Sanders, P.V Nelson and R.G Hodson., Nutrient dynamics in an integrated recirculatory aquaculture-vegetable production system: Proc XXIIIrd International Horticultural Congress Florence Italy Aug27-Sept1 (1990c).
- McMurtry, M.R., P.V Nelson and D.C Sanders. Mineral Content and Yield of Bush Bean Cucumber Tomato [et al] Cultivated in Sand Irrigated with Recirculating Aquaculture Water North Carolina Agricultural Research Service No11019 (1987).
- McMurtry M.R., D.C Sanders Sept1990 HortScience25(9) Performance of an Integrated Aquaculture-Olericulture System as influenced by component ratio.
- M.R McMurtry D.C Sanders R.G Hodson B.C Haning. Food Value Water Use Efficiency Economic Productivity Integrated Aquaculture-Olericulture System Component Ratio (1990).
- McMurtry M.R R.G Hodson D.C Sanders. Water Quality Maintenance Mineral Assimilation Plants Influence Growth Hybrid Tilapia Culture Vegetable Crops Trans Amer Fishcries Soc (submitted) (1990).
No scientific investigation is done in isolation, and iAVs was fortunate in that its investigative team and the advisory body consisted of people who were at the top of their professional careers.