36th Annual Student Research Conference
Comparison of Lettuce and Kale Yield in Hydroponic and Aquaponic Systems
Cassandra C. Seuferling
Dr. Bob Johnson, Faculty Mentor
This study examines the differences of hydroponic and aquaponic systems on growth of lettuce and kale in an indoor setting. These systems utilize water as a plant growth medium, where hydroponic systems input supplemental nutrient solution, while aquaponics incorporates aquatic organisms to provide nutrients without additional inputs. Two grow towers were used for this experiment, one treated as hydroponic with a nutrient system added, and one aquaponic with live goldfish added to the water tank. The results will examine the lettuce and kale yields of both towers to determine significant differences in growth and overall cost of each system. Future applications of this study may apply to larger systems, and will provide background to potential uses of edible fish incorporation to these systems for harvest alongside plants. This may assist in aquaponics establishment as an integrated livestock system, or the simultaneous growth of livestock and crops in one system.
Keywords: Hydroponics, Aquaponics, Integrated Livestock System, Agriculture
Topic(s):Agricultural Science
Presentation Type: Poster Presentation
Session: 4-12
Location: Student Union Building Activities Room
Time: 3:00