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Development of Aquaponics Combined with Open Culture Adapting to Arid Regions for Sustainable Food Production

Bioresources

United Mexican States

Finished

Development of Aquaponics Combined with Open Culture Adapting to Arid Regions for Sustainable Food Production

Avert Food Crises by Making Effective Use of Limited Water Resources

  • SDGs02

Principal Investigator

    • Prof.
      YAMADA Satoshi

      Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University
    • Dr.
      Ilie Sava Racotta Dimitrov

      Institutional Management Director, Northwestern Center of Biological Research (CIBNOR)

ODA Recipient Country

United Mexican States

Research Institutions in Japan

Tottori University / Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology

Research Institutions in Counterpart Country

Northwestern Center of Biological Research (CIBNOR)

Adoption fiscal year

FY 2014

Research Period

5 Years

Overview of the Research Project

Solving water issues in arid regions using advanced aquaponics
Demand for food in Mexico is increasing due to the rapid growth in population. However, problems exist, such as depletion of groundwater for irrigated agriculture and soil degradation due to the use of highly saline groundwater. In order to achieve both effective water use and prevention of soil salinization, this project is working on an advanced form of aquaponics, a food production system that combines aquaculture and hydroponic cultivation of crops. Further development of aquaponics technology can potentially make maximum use of water by linking the system to open-field cultivation. Specifically, fish and shrimp are farmed using groundwater, and the drainage from that process is used for hydroponic cultivation of crops that have the property of absorbing salts. The water with reduced saline content resulting from hydroponic crop production can then be used for open-field cultivation.

Converting irrigated agriculture into highly productive systems around the world
If aquaponics suited to arid regions were adopted throughout the world, irrigated agriculture could be converted into a sustainable food production system. The deployment of these highly productive systems will contribute to securing safe water and food, countering threats to food security.

Photo gallery

Sampling of saline groundwater

Sampling of saline groundwater

Tilapia, a suitable candidate for farming. It is often seen in Mexican markets. When fresh, it can even be prepared as sashimi.

Tilapia, a suitable candidate for farming. It is often seen in Mexican markets. When fresh, it can even be prepared as sashimi.

Trial cultivation of herbs. In addition to high value-added crops like herbs, open-field cultivation is also being considered for red peppers and cherry tomatoes.

Trial cultivation of herbs. In addition to high value-added crops like herbs, open-field cultivation is also being considered for red peppers and cherry tomatoes.

Research Project Web site

Press Release

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