Polyculture production of vegetables and red hybrid tilapia for self-consumption by means of micro-scale aquaponic systems

Aquaponic systems combine fish (aquaculture) and plant production (hydroponics), mimicking a complex ecosystem. Though aquaponic facilities can be built for commercial purposes, the self-consumption perspective is also important. There is a gap in studies that evaluate the use of a large number of plant species produced in aquaponic systems for self-consumption. The objective of this study was assessing the aquaponic production of a polyculture of different vegetables, herbs and fruits together with tilapia, with a self-consumption purpose, during a whole year in a marginal neighbourhood of the city of Seville (Spain), taking into account the climatic limitations during summer and winter. Two alternatives to reduce energy consumption in winter were also tested. This work provides an exhaustive description of the operation and management of two self-constructed Micro-Scale Aquaponic Systems (4.56 m2 of cropping area and a 1 m3 fish tank) based on FAO models. In them, 62 kg of tilapia and 352 kg of 22 different vegetables and fruits were produced during a year. This study proved that a micro-scale aquaponic facility can provide enough fruits, vegetables and fish for a complete family of four members throughout the year.