Formulation of versatile diets to adjust the N: P: K ratio in aquaponic nutrient solutions: performance and health of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) juveniles, and quality and quantity of lettuce biomass production

• Grant number: 21/00936-2
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Effective date (Start): April 01, 2021
• Effective date (End): December 31, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Fishery Resources and Fishery Engineering - Aquaculture
• Principal researcher: Brunno da Silva Cerozi
• Grantee: Stefano Francisco Pereira Duarte
• Home Institution: Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 17/14269-2 - A protocol to develop a nutrient dynamics model for aquaponics systems through a mass balance analysis, AP.JP

Abstract

In general, aquaponic solutions are deficient in micronutrients, phosphorus and potassium. Fish diets used in aquaponics can be modulated for the generation of versatile feeds that can meet the nutritional requirements of fish without compromising the performance and health of the animals, while ensuring sufficient generation of nutrients for the production of plants. Potassium phosphate (KH2PO4) is a great candidate to be evaluated in the formulation of versatile feeds due to its high bioavailability and its wide use a fertilizer in conventional hydroponics. Three inclusion levels of KH2PO4 (0, 3, and 6%) in diets for tilapia will be tested and performance and health parameters will be evaluated, as well as the production and quality of hydroponic lettuce biomass grown with effluent from the system. (AU)