Effects of Liquid Vermicompost Utilization on Water Quality Parameters in Aquaponic Systems

Abstract

In this study, it was aimed to supplement the insufficient plant nutrients in the system water and to develop healthier plants in the aquaponic system. For this purpose, liquid vermicompost, which is identical to nature and whose nutritional value has been proven in many studies, was used. In the experimental designed as Indoor, the effects of liquid vermicompost sprayed on the leaf (VL) and directly added to the water (VW) on fish/plant/water quality were examined. Liquid vermicompost was not added to the control group (C). A total of 225 juvenile Cyprinus carpio were placed in 9 experimental systems with 25 fish in each tank, in this experiment. As the fish species, juvenile carp individuals were used with an average total length of 11.67±1.07 cm and an average weight of 22.82±7.97 g. A total of 11 plant seedlings were planted in each system, consisting of 5 peppers, 2 lettuce and 4 beans. The each system was illuminated with a light intensity of 171.25 µmol/m2/s for activate plants growth. The 1 ml/L of liquid vermicompost was sprayed to water and leaves for the VW and VL groups, respectively. No additional supply was provided to the C groups. System water quality parameters of oxygen saturation, temperature, pH, conductivity were measured daily, and parameters of ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate and turbidity were measured in 15-day periods for 90 days duration. The results showed that concentration of liquid VC selected as sufficient amount for plants sprayed either on leaves or in water did not adversely affect water quality in aquaponic systems. Therefore, the use of vermicompost by adding VC to aquaponic system water has been supported to compensate essential plant nutrients.