aquaponics

American  

[ak-wuh-pon-iks, ah-kwuh‐] / ˌæk wəˈpɒn ɪks, ˌɑ kwə‐ /

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. a farming system that circulates wastewater from animal aquaculture to hydroponically cultivated plants, whereby the plants draw nutrients from the waste and filter the water, allowing for its recycled use by the aquatic animals.

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Other Word Forms

• aquaponic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of aquaponics

First recorded in 1980–85; aqua- ( def. ) + (geo)ponics ( def. )

Example Sentences

The farm at Luther Jackson uses aquaponics technology, combining the methods of hydroponics, growing plants with water rather than soil, and aquaculture, the process of growing and raising fish.

From Washington Post • Apr. 2, 2023

We have a fish tank underneath with koi fish and use the fish poop to fertilize the plants in an aquaponics system.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 8, 2021

Babcock began volunteering with the garden in 2015, after he experimented with an aquaponics project in his backyard.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 13, 2020

There’s a food-generating aquaponics facility, and an aviary for the endangered Bali starling.

From New York Times • Nov. 13, 2017

“We are using aquaponics to raise fish in tanks and then use their wastewater to grow produce in pallet racks,” said Zac Chambers.”

From Washington Times • Mar. 19, 2017