Writer: Kathleen Phillips, 979-845-2872, ka-phillips@tamu.edu
Contact: Dr. Joe Masabni, 979-324-1244, jmasabni@ag.tamu.edu
PRAIRIE VIEW — The second in a series of workshops on aquaponic principles and practices will be Nov. 20 at Prairie View A&M University in the Carden-Waller Extension Building, 250 E.M. Norris St., Prairie View.
Aquaponic systems include a circular pattern in which the water from a fish tank flows to a soilless plant growing container. Waste from the fish supplies nutrients to the plants which purifies the water before it returns to the fish tank.
The program will start at 8:30 a.m. and end with a tour of an aquaponic farm in Hockley at 4 p.m., according to Dr. Joe Masabni of College Station, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service vegetable specialist and workshop organizer.
The cost of the program is $75 until Nov. 11 and $95 thereafter. Register online at http://bit.ly/Y1e27w.
Speakers will include commercial aquaponic system owners who will share their experiences on how they started and provide tips on how to operate a productive system. Dr. Todd Sink of College Station, an AgriLife Extension fisheries specialist, will talk about fish species that can be raised in aquaponic systems.
“This is a great opportunity to get hands-on experience on aquaponics,” Masabni said. “Participants can find out about the cost of construction/operation, common and not-so-common crops that can be grown, water characteristics, and system operation and maintenance.”
A small-scale aquaponic model will be available for hands-on demonstrations of the system.
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