Microbiome analysis of closed and cycled aquaponics: comparative evaluation of different crop bedding materials

Aquaponics is a sustainable and integrated agricultural system that optimally allocates essential water between fish and crop cultures.
It has shown significant potential for adaptation in challenging environments such as those in the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia, particularly post-COVID-19. Closed (water and carbon-cycled) organic aquaponics emerges as a promising solution for protected dryland kitchen gardens, minimizing water usage, cycling nutrients, and contributing to household food security with fresh, nutrient-rich vegetables and herbs.
Researchers have identified distinctive microbiomes complex root-soil interactions in specific sites.
This study conducts a targeted microbiome analysis focusing on bacterial biodiversity, revealing well-functioning system parameters, bacterial group structures, and biodiversity levels.
Understanding microbial dynamics is crucial for maintaining an optimal balance in aquaponics water and plant rhizosphere to achieve a stable and simple operation.
A harmonious microbiome is pivotal for stable operations and continuous vegetable production.
This study compares bacterial microbiomes and crop growth in different vegetable bedding media: sand, biochar (rice husks), cocopeat mixed with biochar (rice husks), and garbage compost.
Crop bedding media using garbage compost demonstrated higher bacterial biodiversity, a greater ration of nitrogen fixing bacteria, and better crop growth than other materials.
This result suggests that cycled organic aquaponics is a potential solution as a carbon negative possible kitchen garden worldwide.

EHC2024: International Symposium on Urban Horticulture: from Vertical Farming to Planting Design

S. Teramoto

organic bedding materials, biochar, sand, garbage compost, bacterial biodiversity, bacterial group structure

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2025.1441.30