Science Unit 8 Lesson 7

Question 1

What is aquaculture?

Answer 1

The growing of fish in a closed environment

Question 2

Aquaponics combines what to practices?

Answer 2

aquaculture and hydroponics

Question 3

What is hydroponics?

Answer 3

the growing of plants in a soil-less environment

Question 4

What does aquaponics rely on to grow plants?

Answer 4

This method relies on reusing fish effluent, or waste, to supply nutrients and grow plants.

Question 5

In aquaponics how does fish waste provide nutrients for plants?

Answer 5

In an aquaponics system, bacteria and other microbes in the water break down the fish waste into a nutrient solution for the growing vegetables. The plants absorb the nutrients from the water, cleaning the water before being recirculated back into the fish tanks.

Question 6

When did aquaponics start?

Answer 6

The practice has been used since the thirteenth century by both Aztec and Chinese civilizations.

Question 7

Describe how aquaponics looked like in Aztec and Chinese civilizations?

Answer 7

The Aztecs created movable islands called chinampas, where they grew crops such as maize, beans, squash, and chilies. Several ancient Chinese texts provide references of combining rice and fish farming. The practice is still very common in Taiwan, Japan, and India.

Question 8

What is aquaponics a solution to?

Answer 8

To the problem of large amounts of waste from fish farms. An aquatic environment with fish provides the moisture and nutrients plants require and eliminates soil-borne pests. The plants regulate the algae blooms and provide cover for fish.

Question 9

What is the definition of aquaponics?

Answer 9

The farming of plants and aquatic animals in a recirculating environment

Question 10

What is the first step of an aquaponics system?

Answer 10

Fish are given food

Question 11

What is the second step of an aquaponics system?

Answer 11

Uneaten fish food and fish waste turn into ammonia

Question 12

What is the thrid step of an aquaponics system?

Answer 12

Ammonia-rich water from the fish tank is pumped to the grow bed

Question 13

What is the fourth step of an aquaponics system?

Answer 13

Bacteria or microbes in the grow bed convert the ammonia in the water to nitrites and then nitrates

Question 14

What is the fifth step of an aquaponics system?

Answer 14

Plants aerate the water and absorb the nitrates as food

Question 15

What is the sixth step of an aquaponics system?

Answer 15

Ammonia-free water is pumped back in the fish tank, which provides a suitable living environment for the fish

Question 16

What is one of the main advantages of aquaponics?

Answer 16

One of the main advantages for aquaponics is that it is beneficial for the environment. It is far less polluting and uses less energy than conventional—and even organic—farming.

Question 17

How do Aquaponics system offer an advantage?

Answer 17

Aquaponics systems offer an advantage in that they provide a way to
grow plant and animal food sources together. Unlike other forms of fish
farming—known as aquaculture— aquaponics recycles fish waste by turning it into fertilizer for the plants.

Question 18

How is aquaponics beneficial to the environment?

Fertilizers

Answer 18

Conventional farming practices can deplete the soil of important nutrients,
especially nitrogen. Because of this, farmers must apply fertilizers. Fertilizers increase crop production, but can get washed away in runoff.

Question 19

What problems do plant fertilzers runoff cause?

Answer 19

They pollute waterways and are responsible for creating overgrowth of algae, called algal blooms, which can kill other aquatic life. In aquaponics systems, fish waste (ammonia) is converted to fertilizer (nitrate) by microbes.

Question 20

What is aquaponics beneficial when it comes to farming in different habitats?

Answer 20

Aquaponics systems can be located anywhere. They can produce crops exactly where they’re needed, such as cold northern climates, in deserts, and even in the middle of large cities.

Question 21

What is the disadvantage of aquaponics?

Cost

Answer 21

One disadvantage, however, is that the initial set-up costs of aquaponics are higher than traditional growing costs. Aquaponics is often more profitable when implemented on a large scale.

Question 22

Currently, much of the produce consumed in the United States is grown in Central and South America. This requires fossil fuel and causes air pollution. How can aquaponics help this problem?

Answer 22

Producing food locally could cut down on that pollution.

Question 23

What is the advantage when it comes to aquaponics?

growing seasons

Answer 23

Conventional farms have limited growing seasons, which limit the harvest. Aquaponics systems are often inside greenhouses or artificially lit grow houses. Growing plants indoors allows planting and harvesting to occur year-round. This increased productivity allows smaller plots of land to produce more food. Using less land for agriculture reduces energy use and pollution.

Question 24

What is an advantage to aquaponics?

Herbicides

Answer 24

Conventional farms use herbicides to limit the growth of weeds. These chemicals get carried off into rivers and lakes by rainwater, causing pollution. Since aquaponics systems are so controlled, weeds have little chance to grow, so herbicides are not needed

Question 25

Why doesn’t aquaponics need pesticides?

Answer 25

Most large-scale aquaponics systems are located indoors, greatly reducing the chances for pests such as insects to get into the crops. This eliminates the need for pesticides.

Question 26

What uses less energy, aquaponics or conventional farming?

Answer 26

Aquaponics relies on electricity to power pumps which circulate water. Some
aquaponics systems also use grow lights. Despite this, aquaponics systems use less energy than conventional or organic farms of comparable size.

Question 27

Why does conventional farming require more enrgy the Aquaponics?

Answer 27

Conventional and even organic farms use a great deal of energy because they
require the use of large machines for thingsuch as tilling the soil, planting, harvesting, and irrigation. Additionally, conventional farming requires energy inputs for the production of fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides used.

Question 28

How much water is used in aquaponics?

Answer 28

While it may look like aquaponics uses a great deal of water circulating between the fish and plants, that water is actually recycled constantly in the system. In conventional farming, much of the water used in irrigation is lost to evaporation or runoff. Aquaponics can use up to 90% less water to produce the same amount of crops.

Question 29

Compare runoff in aquaponics and conventional farming.

Answer 29

Because most conventional farms use the practice of tilling the soil, a great deal of sediment is washed away with rain or irrigation water. The soil, along with fertilizer, herbicides, and pesticides, ends up in waterways. This is not a concern with aquaponics since no soil is involved and the water is recycled.