How does aquaponics work?

Aquaponics combines fish rearing with plant cultivation in a closed loop. This works by using the excretions of the fish as fertiliser for the plants. Nitrifying bacteria intermediates convert the ammonia into nitrates. The vegetable plants utilise the nutrients and at the same time purify the water. Fish and plants thereby form an ecosystem which results in sustainable food production. The extreme levels of water consumption with conventional aquaculture are drastically reduced and excessive fertilisation of natural water bodies and soil is also circumvented. Plant cultivation using aquaponics does not require soil and can reduce the consumption of artificial fertilisers and irrigation water.