Silviculture and aquaponics are novel topics that have been intriguing scientists and foresters alike. In theory, by combining the two disciplines, pre-existing fish hatcheries could add on an aquaponics system to reduce excess nutrients: thereby reducing eutrophication in local waterways while growing saplings for multiple purposes. The nutrient waste will potentially grow saplings faster than in conventional agriculture, giving them a competitive advantage. These saplings could be used for forest restoration purposes or landscaping, thus i ncreasing the number of native trees in landscaping, and restoring natural habitats.
In a preliminary study conducted last year, Eastern White Cedar saplings were successfully sprouted from seed, using only damp paper towels and a grow light. Seedlings were transferred into a deep water culture system (DWC) and grown for approximately 8 months before being transferred to soil. The saplings thrived in the deep water culture system and are now successfully thriving in soil. However, there was a large variation in size of saplings, possibly because half of the sprouts were transferred into the DWC system later than the other half. Two of these saplings were transplanted in front of the Native American Center on campus at Lake Superior State University in September 2023.
The study was continued in February 2023, this time with consistent planting schedules and control groups , to compare stem growth rates between aquaponically grown and soil grown saplings. The aquaponics saplings were grown in a DWC with no added media, leaving the roots floating . Whereas the soil grown saplings were in 10 inch pots with Black Gold soil . Soil a nd water chemistry and stem height were recorded every two weeks . Both sample groups received the same environmental conditions. P reliminary results show a higher survival rate in aquaponics compared to soil. Overall, combining silviculture with aquaculture has potential benefits for protecting the aquatic environment and creating a new field of aquaponics.