The Aquaponic System in the Comunity Center Lucinda Moretti, Juti-MS, Brazil

Abstract

Aquaponics is the integrated production of fish and plants. This is possible by the nitrogen bacteria that transform the ammonia excreted by fish into nitrite and nitrate. The latter is absorbed by the roots of the plants that are in contact with the water system. This work shares our experience at the Lucinda Moretti Community Center, located in Juti-MS, Brazil, during the assembly of their aquaponic system. The materials were either purchased or recycled, and several community members were, or still are, involved even today, more than five years after the initial setup. The aquaponic system brings the local community together when they visit the center, and see this simple yet creative technology that conjugates natural elements and cycles, Agroecology fundamentals that peaks in the integrated production of fish and vegetables.