Aquaponic Plant Selection and Considerations Aquaculture Boot Camp-2

Transcription

1 Aquaponic Plant Selection and Considerations Aquaculture Boot Camp-2 February 11, 2017 Brad Bergefurd, Extension Educator Agriculture and Natural Resources & Horticulture Specialist OSU Extension Scioto County OSU Piketon Research & Extension Center

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3 Acceptable yields= profit potential Styrofoam float tray Mizuna Treatment *Treatments with different Letters are significantly different. Hydrocorn Mizuna Rock Mizuna Styfofoam float tray Red Leaf Lettuce Hydrocorn Red Leaf Lettuce Rock Red Leaf Lettuce Marketable ounces per square foot A C C B C C LSD

4 Aquaponic Benefits Two crops - symbiotic relationship between plants and fish Reduction in waste-water discharge by recycling nutrients 90% REDUCTION in water use vs. conventional farming techniques Minimal need for land- because of their compact nature, facilities may be located very close to the end users (restaurants, green grocers, food manufacturers, public) in a variety of locations (country, city, desert). Supports Local Market Demand Produces an organic food source-no herbicides and OMRI pesticides can be used Year round production for marketing advantage

5 Disadvantages to aquaponics High start up costs Lack of research Have to manage both systems, fish and plants Needs constant monitoring (babysitting) and skilled management Moderate energy inputs Niche, high-end marketing to be profitable

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7 Nitrogen Cycle in Aquaponics

8 Nutrient Management- Why is it so important? Specialty crops (vegetable, fruit, herbs) tend to be short-term crops grown as part of a multiple cropping system. Succession cropping is common (i.e. several crops grown one after another in same area). Intercropping is common (two or more crops growing at the same time in the same area).

9 Fertility Regular Often Adjust throughout season Photo by Steve Groff

10 Specialty Crop Fertilizer and Environment Intensive aquaponic production systems use protective structures to grow a number of crops year around which influences fertility management With proper fertilizer management specialty crop producers can minimize environmental impacts and improve fertilizer use efficiently. Growers should know their crops, account for the nutrient values of ALL soil amendments and test soils and plants to support fertilizer management decisions.

11 Fertigation & Monitoring Regular & Often Adjust throughout the crop cycle based on weekly/daily plant and water analysis Immediate testing determines how much nitrate is already present in the plant, minimizing the possibility of under or over fertilization. Cardy meters $495,

12 Nitrogen Management in Specialty Crops Excess N also can result in reduced nutritional content. Leafy green vegetables= high N can result in accumulation of nitrates in plant tissue to unhealthy levels. High N can cause reduced volatile production and negative impact on flavor & aroma in fruits, vegetables and hops. Excess N= hollow stem in broccoli and reduced storage qualities of fruit and vegetables. Excess n can cause reductions in other plant nutrients such as P, Ca, Mg. resulting in deficiencies and associated disorders.

13 Slide from Rainfresh Harvests Some Examples of Aquaponic Systems Continuous flow (more energy) Floating Rafts Multi-level vertically integrated systems Ebb and flow Troughs Gravel beds

14 non-circulating, hydroponic, float-bed

15 Fuhrmann Orchards Scioto County

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17 bag culture image courtesy B. Bergefurd, OSU

18 Aquaponic strawberries? Thanks to a USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant current Ohio research : Stackers Troughs Gutters

19 1 month growth: Arugula, bokchoy, basil, mustard greens

20 Things can go bad real fast!! Plant nutrition and water needs to be constantly monitored and adjusted.

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22 In Summary Aquaponics more popular than ever Get training Avoid shysters Use careful business planning Start of with a small pilot system Be ready to market a high value product Keep connected with research organizations

23 Full research reports, assistance and production information Brad Bergefurd Horticulture Specialist Extension Educator Piketon Research & Extension Center 1864 Shyville Road Piketon, Ohio ext 136 OSU Extension Scioto County Portsmouth, Ohio

24 ANY QUESTIONS?

25 Aquaponics Advantages Extended growing seasons Wind and rain protection (Indoor) Potential for reduced disease problems on certain crops Potential for higher market value of crops Potential for higher quality harvested crops Potential for higher yields All crops can be Aquaponically with the right management and inputs Use of nutrient rich water

26 Potential Disadvantages Could be significant capital expense $ Logistics and bottom line progfit potential of some crops Required continuous monitoring and management of production systems, temperatures, ventilation, pests Potential for structural damage from wind, snow, and ice loads. Insect and disease management (IPM) Management (babysitting) Use of nutrient rich water

27 Split Nitrogen Applications Many specialty crops require applying Nitrogen at different stages of plant maturity. Excessive amounts or deficiencies in N can result in plant/fruit physiological disorders (i.e. yellow shoulder disorder, blotchy ripening of tomato). Split applications are generally more efficient in terms of fertilizer and crop usage. Split applications require intensive crop monitoring and application management. Applications made before nutrient deficiencies occur and in advance of crop maturity stages (i.e not too early or too late).

28 Phosporous and Potassium applications P & K should be managed properly to minimize costs and maximize efficiency. Excessive amounts or deficiencies in K can result in fruit physiological disorders (i.e. yellow shoulder disorder of tomato). Tough to make applications in an aquaponics situation. To sustain adequate plant growth the concentrations of micro- and macronutrients need to be monitored. Periodically some nutrients may need to be added to adjust their concentration. Fertigation (applying nutrients through irrigation system) is recommended when irrigation systems are designed accordingly. Must co- manage with fish production.

29 Fertigation Equipment

30 Structural and Environmental Management

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32 Integrated Pest Management Tactics (Aquaponic farming)

33 What is IPM? Integrated pest management (IPM) is a threshold based decision management system which leads to judicious use of multiple pest control tactics. IPM is currently insecticide-intensive Major losses occur due to: Lack of early detection of insects Insecticide resistance by misuse Loss of natural control with insecticides

34 Decision making in IPM Insect detection & monitoring Insect identification Population pressure Economic threshold Make treatment decision >>> 3-tiered approach

35 Thresholds They are the yardsticks that indicate the need for control They are economically based They are different according to the different pests (based on life cycles, feeding habits, etc.) They can be different for different crops They may change according to conditions or method of control.

36 A Variety of Disciplines for Both Preventive and Rescue Type Pest Control Sanitation-Removal of residues and hosts in and around the growing facility Cultural-Crop rotation, use of resistant varieties, proper fertility, grafted plants Mechanical - Cultivation, row covers Biological - Releasing, attracting or maintaining beneficial insect populations, bio-fungicides Chemical - organic / inorganic

37 IPM Decision Making Level 1: Systems-based practices (cultural practices, sanitation, crop rotation, trap crops) Level 2: Mechanical and physical practices (barriers, lures/traps, repellents, hand-picking, netting) Level 3: Biorational & other material (OMRI or traditional approved insecticides)

38 Starting Point for IPM Emphasis on Pest Detection & Correct Identification: INSECT PHEROMONE TRAPS for improved scouting Trap Catch = Pest Density X Pest Activity (Taylor, 1963) Insect Monitoring Project in Ohio Stink bug trap Sticky wing trap Corn rootworm trap

39 Insect Netting Applications Insect netting on the sides of a high tunnel Use insect netting over the entire high tunnel frame

40 Biological Control Agents or Natural Enemies

41 Natural Enemies Who kills Pests? Predators: Ladybugs, Spiders General feeders Eat several prey Larger and stronger than the prey Flicker.com Parasitoids (=parasites): Wasps, Flies Specialist feeders Kill only one host (pest) Smaller than the host Pathogens: Bacteria, Fungus & Viruses Micro-organisms that cause diseases in insects extension.entm.purdue.edu 41

42 Predators Lady beetles Green lacewing Hover flies Robber flies Assassin bugs ucanr.edu Rao Balusu Larvae Bigeyed bugs Abulrfan Minute pirate bugs Larvae Rao Balusu Eggs farmerfredrant.blogspot.com Spinded soldier bug Spiders Orb weavers Wolf spider Crab spider 42

43 Parasitoids Trichogramma wasp Aphidius wasp Tachinid flies shareourgarden.blogspot.com Trichopoda pennipes Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc Mummified aphids Wasp in action 43

44 Insecticides for Aquaponic Vegetable Production

45 If you do apply a pesticide, make sure to follow all label and safety precautions! Wear protective equipment The person applying the pesticide should be monitored at all times during the application of a fumigant. Post a warning sign that states when the REI is over.

46 Insecticide Mode of Action (MoA) Physical dessicant kaolin clay, ash Contact action vegetable oils, horticultural oils, neem, pyrethrin, insecticidal soap, spinosyn, Beauveria, Metarhizium Stomach action Bt (Dipel) Volatile action Garlic Barrier, Cinnamite

47 Friend of friends Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Bt kurstaki strain acts on small caterpillars Caterpillars in cool-season crops, tomatoes, pepper Bt tenebrionis strain for beetles Frequent appl., thorough coverage needed 0 Pre Harvest Interval (PHI)

48 Pyrethrin/Pyrethrum Permethrin NOT organic insecticide! 6% AI 6o% PBO Broad-spectrum insect control Pyganic 1.4EC, 5 EC OMRI approved Pyrethrin + piperonyl butoxide (PBOsynergist) not organic Insects may recover

49 Neem-based Insecticides Contact action, controls immature insects! Target pests: aphids, armyworms, scales, thrips, WF Neem (oil) OMRI approved For commercial producers Neem II (oil + pyrethrin)

50 Insecticide Premixes Azera : OMRI approved Mix of azadirachtin + pyrethrin Interferes with molting, rapid knock-down Contact, stomach action, IGR Effective against stink bugs (brown marmorated stink bug) Mix of neem + pyrethrin (Green Light)

51 Spinosyn MoA: Mimic neurotransmitter, hyperexcite insects Common name Spinosyn A, D Product Entrust (SpinTor phase out) Spinetoram Radiant 1SC Excellent for thrips, leafminers, looper, others READ THE LABEL!! Entrust: for ORGANIC producers

52 Insecticidal Soap Potassium salt of fatty acids Control soft-bodied insects (aphids, whiteflies) Some short-chain fatty acids are herbicides (household detergent) No residual action, not rain fast OMRI Approved Not OMRI Approved

53 Kaolin Clay Present naturally in soil in tropical countries Foliar spray at high rate (25 lb/a) OMRI approved Surround WP (95% clay) Natural desiccant, feeding deterrent

54 Vegetable Oils Physical poisons Short residue Effective against soft-bodied insects Do not use if temps are >90F May not be OMRI approved Soybean oil (93%) Sesame oil 5% Fish oil 92% Canola oil (96%)