Sustainability of aquaponics

Since when has the circular economy existed?

Sustainable, circular economy is also nothing new. In agriculture, nutrients, often in the form of animal manure, have always been available as fertilizer. However, the focus of further development in agriculture and horticulture has so far been not nutrient recycling, but increasing productivity. With the growth and specialization of agricultural operations, the circular use of nutrients has actually declined.

In the open field, the degree of circularity remains limited, as only a small portion of fertilizers reaches the plant roots. Farmers therefore continue to rely on purchasing fertilizers and pesticides or crop protection products. Furthermore, traditional agriculture and horticulture do not cover the entire nitrogen cycle, but only utilize parts of it. Simulating a complete biotope has never been the goal of agriculture.

In 1990, British economist David W. Pearce first defined the term "circular economy." The concept aims to conserve natural resources and avoid waste by keeping products and materials in a closed cycle.

Basilikum-Topfkultur auf Ebbe-Flut-Rolltischen im Venlo-Gewächshaus
Basil pot culture on growing tables in the greenhouse
Aquaponik als Schnittmenge
Aquaponics as a synergistic intersection of existing solutions

How sustainable is the circular economy?

The circular economy is revolutionizing sustainability in production: It saves up to 90% water, prevents nutrient loss, and eliminates dependence on fossil fuels. Integrated farming offers an environmentally friendly alternative to wild-caught fish and, ideally, operates emission-free.

Circular economy methods contribute in particular to the UN Sustainable Development Goals: Depending on the context, they address 8 to 10 of the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). According to the UN's "multi-solving" approach, the circular economy is a key player that addresses economic, social, and environmental problems simultaneously.

The german Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) is also pursuing the goal of promoting a circular economy that avoids waste and preserves the value of products and materials for as long as possible, as part of the United Nations 2030 Agenda.

Aquaponics offers a sustainable answer to many of the challenges of modern agriculture. By protecting crops from weather-related crop failures and ensuring continuously optimal production, aquaponics enables consistently high yield stability. Combining resource-saving processes and modern technology, it represents a promising solution for sustainable and reliable food production.

Aquaponik und die Ziele für nachhaltige Entwicklung der Vereinten Nationen (SDG)
Goal 2: No hunger
Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities
Goal 12: Sustainable consumption and production
Goal 13: Climate protection measures
Goal 14: life under water
Goal 15: Life on Land
Biogasanlage als nachhaltige Energiequelle für Aquaponik-Systeme.
Aquaponics is a good complement to a biogas plant
Salatkultur auf DWC-Becken mit Assimilationsbeleuchtung in einem Gewächshaus
Deep Water Culture (DWC) cultivation with lettuce plants