Aquaponic growing systems integrate aquaculture and hydroponic techniques through a symbiotic relationship between fish, plants, and nitrifying bacteria , resulting in the ability to produce plants and fish in a single system. T hese systems have been shown to be advantageous for certain crops as they require less space, water resources , and provide a controlled growing environment.
In summer 2023 , Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) was grown for 12 weeks in a greenhouse utilizing two kinds of aquaponic growing systems: six deep-water culture systems using floating rafts, and six flood-and-drain systems with expanded clay substrate. A plant density treatment was also included in the study for each growing system: high density (18 plants) or low density (12 plants) in a 2 x 2 factorial design . Nile tilapia (Ore ochromis niloticus) were stocked at equal densities (40 equally sized fish) per system and fed to satiation with a commercial diet (32% protein, 6% lipids) daily . Data on fruit production , leaf, stem and stalk growth, and root development was collected along with mineral analysis data on the fruits, leaves, stems, stalks, and roots to determine the effect of the culture system and plant density on the performance of Okra in aquaponic systems.
Preliminary analysis of the data indicates that fruit production and growth of O kra appears to be superior in flood-and- drain systems with clay substrate relative to Okra grown in deep-water culture systems. I t also appears that density did not affect the growth and performance of Okra in either culture system.