Journal of Aquaculture Research & Development

Abstract

The Performance of Small And Large Leaf Plants In Aquaponics

Bernard Kiwewa*, Rosemary Nalwanga, Charles K Twesigye

Comparing the performance of small and large leaf plants in an aquaponics system was carried out to address the challenges faced by aquaponics farmers in Hoima district-Uganda. The methodology involved a 4 months running treatment at Kyambogo University Biology Department Aquaponics System (KYUBDAS) between 29th March and July 20th to resonate with the preliminary study of the challenges faced by aquaponics farmers in Hoima. The KYUBDAS investigation helped this study identify the performance of fish and plants (1) Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) (2) African catfish (Clarius gariepinus) and vegetables which included: (1) Coriander (Coriandrum sativa) (2) Kale/ Sukuma wiki (Brassica oleracea), (3) Spinach (Spinacia oleracea), and (4) Lettuce (Lectuca sativa) in a Recirculating fish Aquaculture System (RAS). Methods and materials included lab tests on samples of Sukuma wiiki (big leaf plants) and Coriander (small leaf plants) was done for differences in nutrient demands presence of Carbohydrates, proteins, moisture, dry and fresh weight at harvest. Data analysis was done using Minitab17 for quantitative data analysis. Results revealed that plants with small and simple leaves like coriander and lettuce take fewer days and effluent content to obtain maximum fresh and dry matter compared to the big leaf plants. Dry weight showed a significant difference (p=0.01) between the two plant varieties.

Published Date: 2021-04-26; Received Date: 2021-04-05