Summary
This study evaluated a circular tri-trophic bioponics system for tomato production, where insect larvae processed crop residues into fish feed, aquaculture effluent irrigated tomato crops, and the loop closed nutritionally. Decoupled aquaponics (DCAP) matched conventional hydroponics in yield whilst achieving 31% higher fertilizer use efficiency, whereas coupled aquaponics (CAP) showed 38% yield reduction due to potassium and phosphorus deficiencies. The authors conclude DCAP represents a viable alternative to hydroponics, supporting transition toward resource-efficient, circular farming.
Regional applicability
The study was conducted using experimental cultivation systems under controlled conditions; geographic location is not specified in the abstract, limiting direct applicability assessment to UK farming. However, the circular economy principles and resource efficiency gains demonstrated by DCAP are transferable to UK horticulture systems seeking to reduce external nutrient inputs and waste.
Key measures
Tomato growth parameters, yield, photosynthetic performance (photochemical efficiency), nutrient content (potassium, phosphorus concentrations), fertilizer use efficiency, plant biomass accumulation
Outcomes reported
The study evaluated growth, yield, and physiological performance of tomato across three cultivation systems: coupled aquaponics (CAP), decoupled aquaponics (DCAP), and hydroponics (HP). Nutrient dynamics, photosynthetic efficiency, and resource use efficiency were measured across treatments.
Topic tags
Dig deeper with Pulse AI.
Ask about this record, its theme or its relevance to UK farming and policy. Pulse AI uses selected catalogue evidence and cites the sources it draws on.