AQUACUTURE

AQUACULTURE

                                            Aquaculture is the breeding, rearing, and harvesting of fish, shellfish, algae, and organisms in all types of water environments. Aquaculture is also known as Aquafarming (Aqua meaning water and culture meaning to grow). The difference between pisciculture and aquaculture is that pisciculture involves culture & rearing of fish whereas aquaculture involves culture and rearing of fish as well as another aquatic organism such as prawn, oyster, etc. It is practiced for more than 2500 years in China, Egypt, and India. 

IMPORTANCE AND CONTRIBUTION

Indian major carps and exotic camps contribute over 90% of freshwater aquaculture. The freshwater aquaculture primarily confined to three major carps viz, Rohu, Calta, Mrigala with Exotic species Tilapia mossambila.Catfishes such as Mystus, wallago.Shellfishes such as Prawns, Molluscs, Crustaceans.

                                      

                                                     

                                      

                                             FIG:-Tilapia mossambila

WHY AQUACULTURE? 

• Population boom and limited food resources are there.

• Cheaper source of protein next to eggs.

• More edible protein (70-80%.) than meat.

• Fish meal is with all 10 essential amino acids.

• High Fecundity (the ability to produce an abundance of offspring or new growth) and high growth rate. 

• Ornamental and medicinal value.

 OBJECTIVES

• Production of low Lost, protein-rich, nutritive palatable, and easily digestible human food. 

• Production of ornamental fish for aesthetic appeal.

• Effective utilization of aquatic and land resources.

• Recycling of organic waste of human and livestock origin.

SYSTEMS OF AQUACULTURE

Major and Important classification:-

1.On the basis of salinity. 

 i.Freshwater farming.

ii.Brackish water farming.

iii.Marine water farming.

2. On the basis of intensity.

 i.Extensive farming system.

ii.Seme-intensive farming system. 

iii.Intensive farming system. 

3. On the Basis of Fish species.

 i. Monoculture.

ii.Polyculture.

4. On the Basis of the enclosure.

 i.Pond culture.

ii.Cage culture.

iii.Pen culture.

iv.Race-way culture.

5.On the basis of integration.

 i.Agriculture cum fish farming. 

ii.Animal husbandry cum fish farming.

Based on different sources available and involved in farming activity, aquaculture is categorized as mentioned below.

1) Based on the temperature of the water.

a) Warm water farms

b) Coldwater farms

2) Based on water replacement.

a) Running water farms

b) Stagnant water farms

3) Based on the physiographical zone.

a) Inland fish farms

b) Coastal fish farms

c) Marine fish farms

4) Based on the water source.

a) Rainfed farms

b) Tide fed farms

c) Groundwater fed farms

d) River/Canal fed farms

e) Springwater/Artesian fed farms

f) Sewage fed farms

g) Seepage water farms

5) Based on material used for pond construction.

a) Earthen ponds

b) Cement ponds

c) Lined earthen ponds

d) Plastic tanks

6) Based on species cultured.

a) Carp farming

b) Shrimp farming

c) Tilapia farming

d) Catfish farming

e) Mullet farming

7) Based on organism cultured.

a) Fish farm

b) Prawn farm

c) Crab farm

d) Oyster farm

e) Mussel farm

f) Seaweed farm

8) Based on the development stage.

a) Breeding farm/Hatchery

b) Nursery farm

c) Seed rearing farm

d) Grow out farm

9) Based on sex.

a) Monosex culture farms

b) Mixed-sex culture farms

10) Based on the stocking.

a) Single size stocking

b) Multiple size stocking

11) Based on harvesting.

a) Single harvesting

b) Multiple harvesting

c) Rotational harvesting

12) Based on levels of input intensity.

a) Level 1 – Without management either for stocking fish seeds or for fish food supply.

b) Level 2 – Seeds are stocked. These are supported by the fish food organisms produced only by natural soil productivity. Only stocking of seed is prevalent.

c) Level 3 – Seeds are stocked and are supported by the fish food organisms produced by natural soil productivity and increased productivity by organic manure and inorganic fertilizer application. Stocking of seed and manure fertilizer application is prevalent.

d) Level 4 – Stocked fishes are supported by natural soil-based productivity, increased productivity due to manure fertilizer application, and supplementary feeding.

e) Level 5 – Hatchery produced seeds supported only by formulated feeds.

PERMACULTURE (Ethics and principles, Examples)

PERMACULTURE

                                                                       Permaculture, in simple words it is can said as the a process that mimic the natural ecosystems.Without disturbing the natural environment performing the the activity of agriculture is permaculture.The permaculture term was coined in Tasmania by Bill Mollison and David Holmgren in the mid 1970's.PERMACULTURE a combination of the words PERMANENT and AGRICULTURE offer a unique approach to the practice of sustainable farming,ranching ,gardening and living.

                                                                     Permaculture is something to how to which shows how to work,with the dynamics of natural ecosystems.We can apply this knowledge in designing constructed ecosystems that serve the needs of human populations without degrading our natural environment.Permaculture would deal with integrated plants,animals, landscapes,structures & human into symbiotic systems where the product of one element serves the need of another.It can be done with by using the minimum material,energy & labor.By recycling " waste" resources back into the system,it also minimizes the pollution.

                                                                       As permaculture mimics the natural process of ecosystems .The careful observation of the natural cycles, energies and resources on a site are necessary. We can design a system that imitates Nature & takes on a life of its own . So, the permaculture is a system of design . Permaculture can yield a variety of high quality food fiber & energy to meet the basic human needs.

                                                 

 Ethics and  Principle of Permaculture

1. Observe and  interact. 
2. Catch and store energy.
3. Obtain a yield.
4. Apply  Self Regulation and accept feedback. 
5.Use and value Renewable Resources and services. 
6. Produce No waste. 

7. Design from Patterns to Details. 

8. Integrate Rather than segregate. 
9. Use small and Slow Solutions.
10. Use and value Diversity. 
11. Use edges & value the marginal . 

12. Creatively use & Respond to change.

 1. Observe & interact. 

                                Being observant and reacting to what we see is really important in moving towards a more ethical and sustainable way of life. While Observing means should consider the times of day & cultures.

 2. Catch & store Energy 

 Energy is which gives us the ability to work , should not be wasted . The renewable ways of capturing and utilizing energy should be promoted.

3. Obtain a yield

 Design of the should be that it should encourage the yield of the crop and hence they would create  . ' "Positive feedback loop "

 4. Apply Self - regulation and accept feedback

 We need to discourage inappropriate activity to ensure that systems can continue to function well.

 5. Use and value Renewable Resources and services .

 A diversified use of renewable resources at appropriate level of use can help us to limit our to consumption. 

 6. Produce No waste . 

Recycling, composting & reducing waste are increasingly important as population increases.

 Like , A stitch saves nine.

7.Design from Patterns to Details

 By stepping Back , we can observe patterns in nature and society . These can form the backbone of our designs with the details filled in as we go.

                                                                                              - McManus 2010 

8. Integrale Rather than segregate

 The recognition of complex connection in nature and making beneficial use of those interactions.

9.Use small and slow solutions

Small and slow systems are easier to maintain than big ones, making better use of local resources and produce more sustainable outcomes. 

10.Use and value diversity

Permaculture seeks to understand past, present and potential biological and cultural diversity.

11.Use edges and value the marginal

A point where two systems meet is often a place where productivity and stability can be found. Rather than disregarding the marginal we should look for ways to make use of it's diversity and productivity.

12.Creativity, use and respond to change. 

 We can have a positive impact on inevitable change be carefully observing and then intervening of the right time.

                         

Examples of Permaculture-

• Rain water harvesting
• Stack function
• Herb spirals
• Design a plant guide

Permaculture vs Organic farming

                                                                     Permaculture & Organic farming have similarities but also differences what connects these two gardens is high respect for environment principles,nonuse of synthetic resources, production with the application of natural processes & material. Development Sustainable agri system rationalization of natural resources. Organic farming involves , growing food with a lot work invested. Permaculture can be called as "lazy agriculture". Permaculture is a focus on biodiversity, perennial plants . One of the biggest & major difference is land treatment. 

       

            

                                                                                                       By:- Aishwarya Awasarmol

HYDROPONICS AT HOME (SIMPLE METHOD)

 

                                   HYDROPONICS

What is hydroponics?

                                                                Hydroponics simply means growing plants without soil. Really! Is that even possible? And yes, fortunately, the answer is yes. Okay, so just think for once plant grows through the process of photosynthesis (we all are well known with this fact), which leads to the formation of food i.e. glucose for the plant and remaining growth of the plant depends on water and nutrients which plant gets easily through the soil, that means the soil is just the medium for the water and nutrients. But what if the plants can get the water and nutrients without the soil (medium)? So, here the work of hydroponics start.

                                                                      If we had to take the literal meaning of hydroponics, its actual meaning is growing plants in water or with water. Hydroponics is the summation of two Greek words i.e. hydro meaning water and ponics (ponein) meaning to labor or toil.

                              

Why hydroponics?

                                                         Now, getting towards another point, like why hydroponics? When we have the soil then why use the water? So, when it comes to hydroponics the plant growth is much faster as compared to plant growth in soil. Other than that it provides complete nutrient balance to the plant as soil. The plants tend to grow throughout the year. It is something that can be grown in your indoor space. The hydroponics are rich in nutrients and taste and hence they are used as the fodder for the livestock. The major important thing is that hydroponics saves about 60-65% water as compared to conventional planting methods (as in soil).  The main reason to grow hydroponics is that we can grow them chemical-free. Hydroponics not only saves the water but it also saves the spaces. Hydroponics yields 80% better, the study by  NASA shown the immense power of hydroponics growing technique compared with soil-based growing.

 

How to grow hydroponics?

                                                                                   Lets, get to the most important point on how to do it?  Basically, I am going to tell you how to grow hydroponics in indoor space. There are many other systems and methods to grow hydroponics but I am going to tell you which I have done practically. Steps to grow hydroponics are:-

1.      Take the required amount of seeds (like, I would recommend taking 400-500 grams of seeds). Probably try to take the maize seeds (maize is mostly used for fodder purpose).

2.      Wash them thoroughly with water. Pick out the seeds which float on water. You can also wash them with the saltwater to avoid the attack of fungus.

3.      Soak the seeds in water for about 12-13hrs. for 500gms of seed use about 6-7liters of water.

4.      After 12hrs rinse the water and again wash it carefully 2-3 times with water. Then keep for germination. You can keep the seeds in dark-colored cloth and tie the cloth for getting fast germination. Keep the for germination for about 24hrs.

5.      After 24hrs, when the maize begins to sprouts (formation of tiny roots takes places) spread them in a tray without getting the seeds overlapped. (The kind of tray shown in the picture, it is the stationary tray which I have used as hydroponics by making holes to tray for drainage.)

6.      Allow them to grow. The complete growth takes place within 12-15 days.

7.      Make sure you keep on sprinkling the water daily within intervals 3-4hrs.

8.      After the 15days it can be given to the animals for consumption.

9.      Precautions to be taken:-

i.                 Keep them away for ants and rats in the house.

ii.                Keeps them watering on regular interval.

iii.              Keep them in sunlight for 15-20 mins.

iv.              Keep on cleaning them as black fungus start the formation on it.

 

So, there are many methods other than this but this one is simple and easily practicable.

 

Plants that can be grown as hydroponics.

Best hydroponics plants that can be grown are vegetables, herbs, fruit, and fodder.

Vegetables such as spinach, lettuce can be grown.

Fruits such as strawberry, blueberry, pepper can be grown.

Fodder such as maize, jawar, bajra, wheat can be grown.

Herbs such as basil, green mint, peppermint, oregano can be grown.

 

Difference between hydroponics and aqua phonics.

                                                      Hydroponics and aquaponics are two different methods of having the same concept.

Hydroponics is the nutrients that are taken from a formulated solution. And in aquaponics the source of nutrients are fishes.

Here are some pictures of hydroponics at different stages on a different day:-

                     

                                                                                     - Aishwarya Awasarmol