A comparison of plant growth in ebb-and-flow aquaponics vs. soil-based potted plants

The purpose of this research was to determine if aquaponics is a comparable growth medium to soil-based agricultural methods, as one of the first steps to determine if aquaponics can be successfully used as a food source in third world countries. There were two experimental groups with 24 long-stemmed coriander (Coriandrum sativum) plants in each group. Each group was germinated in coconut coir before being transplanted. Experimental group 1 was transplanted into the aquaponics system and their growth evaluated by determining the number of petioles and petiole lengths. Experimental group 2 was transplanted into pots with soil and their growth evaluated by the same method. Experimental Group 1 exhibited signs of severe iron deficiency, a common issue in aquaponics. The nutrient deficiency was treated by adding iron oxide to both experimental groups. Results indicate that the aquaponic plants had a statistically significant increase in growth when compared to the soil-based plants. Research concluded with the onset of a thrip infestation, as the infestation began to skew data. The experiment indicates that aquaponics is a comparable growth medium to soil-based agricultural, and that du e to the increase in plant growth, has great potential as a food source in third world countries.