Keralaponics Aqua-terraponics Lotus Garden
“Keralaponics launched an Aqua terraponics lotus garden successfully in Thamarappadam”
After the end of several years experiment, the Pioneers in aquaponics gardening in Kerala, Keralaponics succeeded in developing an aqua terraponics lotus garden in Thamarappadam/Keralaponics lotus farm in Thiruvananthapuram.
Aquaponics is meant for growing plants used for food. It combines aquaculture and hydroponics whereby the nutrient-rich fish tank water is fed to grow beds where plants are growing. Aqua terraponics combines aquaculture and terraponics gardening where plants are growing in soil in connection with a recirculation aquaculture system.
The main differences between aquaponics and aqua terraponics systems are as follows;
1. In aquaponics, only plats for food are growing.
In aqua terraponics system not only the plants for food but also any other useful plants can be grow.
2. Aquaponics is a soil less culture system.
In aqua terraponics system plants are growing in soil or any other medium suitable for promoting the growth of the plant.
An aqua terraponics lotus garden is established in Keralponics lotus farm. I think it is the first one of its kind in India. The system consists of a rectangular cement fish tank of 50,000 liters capacity and 4’depth. Plastic grow beds are placed around the fish tank wall. Bio- filter system is used for the filtration. The water from the fish tank pumped to grow beds through the filter system. The overflow from the grow beds drained out to the fish tank.
2/3 part of plastic containers using as grow beds are filled with soil. Lotuses are planted in grow beds and in the fish tank water. The main task was planting lotus and water lily in fish tank where tilapia fishes are growing in high density. Tilapia fishes eat the leaves of these water plants reach near to them. Different techniques are employed for planting lotus in this 4’ deep fish tank. Lotuses are growing safely in the aqua terraponics system and produce more flowers, tubers and runners.
Visitors to the Aqua terraponics lotus garden is only allowed after getting an appointment. For appointments please visit, Fb page; Keralaponics lotus farm.
Lotus tubers, potted lotuses, Water lily tubers, seedlings and mature water lilies are available for online and offline sales in Keralaponics lotus farm/Thamarappadam @ lowest price.
