Optimizing Salicornia Production Through Different Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) as Part of Integrated Agri-Aquaculture System (IAAS)
Project/Experiment Duration: 2019-2021
Objectives:
- Test different types of RAS for reject brine use efficiency and overall productivity
- Explore the reduction of the use of reject brine in the integrated agri-aquaculture system
- Investigate the uptake of salt and other nutrients by Salicornia to reduce disposal to the environment
Date of Sowing: November 2019
Experimental Design: Complete randomized design with three replications
Treatments:
- Halophytes: Salicornia (16 genotypes); quinoa; halophytic forages
- Fish species: Tilapia
- Water treatment: RO-brine & aquaculture effluents @ 23,000 ppm
This study is conducted as part of ICBA’s long-term research on integrated agri-aquaculture systems which make it possible to grow fish, vegetables and halophytic crops in a circular and sustainable way. Salicornia is a halophytic plant which can be irrigated with reject brine from desalination units and seawater and used for food, feed, and biofuel production. The study aims to:
- Test different types of RAS for reject brine use efficiency and overall productivity;
- Explore the reduction of the use of reject brine in the integrated agri-aquaculture system;
- Investigate the uptake of salt and other nutrients by Salicornia to reduce disposal to the environment.
Season
2019-2020
Research Theme
Experiment Team