Students from Escuela Técnica Agraria Nº6 ‘General San Martín’ recently presented a groundbreaking aquaponics-based forage production system at the Granja Educativa Productiva. Their project, designed to supplement livestock feed during forage scarcity, highlights how integrating aquaculture and hydroponics can create a climate-resilient, soil-independent farming method—without relying on synthetic agrochemicals.
Why Aquaponics for Forage?
Aquaponics—a symbiotic system combining fish farming (aquaculture) and soilless plant cultivation (hydroponics)—has gained global attention as a sustainable alternative to traditional agriculture. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), aquaponics uses 90% less water than conventional farming while producing both protein (fish) and vegetation (fodder).
The students’ project specifically targets forage shortages, a critical challenge in livestock farming. Droughts and extreme weather, intensified by climate change, have reduced pasture availability in many regions. A 2023 World Bank report estimates that 30% of global pasturelands are degraded, pushing farmers to seek alternative feed sources.
How Does It Work?
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Fish waste provides nutrients for plants.
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Plants (like barley or alfalfa) filter and clean the water, which cycles back to the fish tanks.
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Forage grows rapidly, unaffected by soil quality or drought.
Studies from University of the Virgin Islands show that aquaponic forage systems can achieve higher biomass yields in shorter cycles compared to traditional field-grown fodder.
Benefits for Farmers & the Environment
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Reduces water usage (critical in arid regions).
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No chemical fertilizers or pesticides needed.
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Year-round production, unaffected by seasonal changes.
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Dual output: Fish (protein) + forage (livestock feed).
A Viable Solution for the Future?
The students’ project demonstrates that aquaponics can be a scalable, sustainable solution for livestock farmers facing forage shortages. With global climate uncertainties and rising input costs, such innovations may soon shift from experimental to essential.
For farmers and agronomists, exploring aquaponics—especially in water-scarce or degraded soil areas—could be a cost-effective, eco-friendly strategy to secure livestock feed supplies.
