Groundbreaking research at Bowling Green State University is transforming traditional views of farming while paving the way for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. Dr. Kevin Neves, associate teaching professor of biology, and graduate student Maria D'Amico '22 are using aquaponics—a sustainable farming method that combines aquaculture and hydroponics—to raise Lake Erie fish and crops, like lettuce and tomatoes, at the same time.
The method harnesses the symbiotic relationship between aquatic animals and plants, creating a closed-loop system where fish waste serves as a nutrient source for plant growth, while the plants act as natural filters, purifying the water for the fish. Their work has garnered attention beyond the academic realm, with PBS expressing interest in featuring their research in the documentary series "America the Bountiful," set to air in early 2025.
Housed inside the BGSU Greenhouse, the setup involves three large tanks – two are filled with yellow perch and one is filled with crayfish. Water from the tanks flows into a 5-by-20-foot trough that supports plants – tomatoes and lettuce – on floating panels, with their roots submerged underwater.
An important feature of the closed system is that it results in no nutrient runoff as water is filtered and recirculated. The benefit is there is no risk of nutrients entering surface water and potentially contributing to the growth of harmful algal blooms in a watershed.
Read more at bgindependentmedia.org