Aquaponics is one of the oldest and most successful farming systems in the world. It just wasn't always called Aquaponics. Thousands of years ago the ancient Aztecs practiced Aquaponics by growing crops on floating rafts covered with soil called chinampas allowing the roots of their vegetables to always remain in moist soil. Their ability to grow more food than anyone else made the Aztecs the strongest nation in Central America keeping their soldiers' bellies full when those they fought against starved.
In Asia 5000 years of rice paddies have supported the growth of not only rice but fish, Azolla, Chinese Water Chestnuts and other crops all at the same time before being drained at harvest time. Modern Asian farmers have added Ducks, Crayfish and Prawn (fresh water shrimp) to the animals they raise in their rice paddies.
Fish provide all the nutrients necessary for successful plant growth. Plants provide the necessary filtration of nitrogen compounds and ammonia to keep water healthy for fish. This is why natural ponds and lakes are able to support wild populations of fish and other animals.
In modern Aquaponics farmers simply push the limits of nature to grow the most fish and vegetables possible without upsetting the balance of nature.
This is done through careful monitoring of water quality and adjusting as necessary.
Modern technology, lighting, electricity, pumps and chemical testing gives the modern Aquaponic farmer the ability to grow far more organic fish and produce in much less space using much less water and energy than ever before possible. As a matter of fact: Aquaponics uses only 2% to 10% as much water as conventional farming depending on how it's practiced and local conditions.
Considering the world is facing shortages of safe water, fish and vegetables, and Greensboro desperately needs jobs, how can we not afford to bring Aquaponics to Greensboro?
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