Fodder systems using Aquaponics- What are ideal conditions

[Katie S]

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Hi everyone!

 

My name is Katie. I just started researching aquaponic system, and everything about it is so fascinating. I hope to start a system of my own soon, after a have the right planning. In the meantime I've had the pleasure of checking out some other systems. Everything is very new to me; I have a lot to learn.

 

One of the systems is for fodder and consists of 8 rows; one row harvested everyday and fed to the alpacas. So far I've only seen barely produced. Wheatgrass is used to but I've never seen it or done it before.

 

The system was doing fantastic, producing very dense and lush slabs of fodder that was harvested everyday continuously on an 8-day schedule until summer started when the temperature and humidity increased significantly. There have been many opinions about what may be causing the significant decrease in production. The first thing that came to my mind was the heat and humidity rise. I would like to start a similar project on my own.

 

I believe that the decrease in production and germination in the fodder system could be directly correlated with the increase in temperature and humidity. The fodder system is currently in a warehouse with no cooling system with many other aquaponic systems, which adds a little more humidity to the environment. There's also very minimal airflow in the system, which may have an affect. My goal is figure out what to do to make this system productive year-round for optimal growth, and research the use of fodder, and sustainable agriculture.

 

If anyone has information or advice, please let me I'd love it!

 

I'm just starting out and I thought this would be the perfect place to do it

 

A few main points I want to figure out at the moment are:

 

-Should you soak the seeds in water before putting them in the system (We are currently using barely)? If so what kind of water, should it be distilled, tap water, if pond water from the system would be okay, and should you use anything like bleach or hydrogen peroxide in the water if so? Recently the seeds were soaked, when we did this overnight it seemed to start to ferment

 

-What are some other types can you grow in a fodder system? All I know right now is wheatgrass and barley

 

-System designs (In the future there may be an opportunity to help design and build a new and improved larger system)

 

- Anything interesting facts about fodder and advice, please share : )

 

-What are ideal conditions? Temp. humidity etc.

 

-Is there a grain that handles higher temperatures and humidity better than barley?

 

I'm brand new to the site today...and still need to figure out really how to use it. I'm not sure if this should be posted here or in the blog section. (I was just to excited and jumped right in)

 

I'll also try to get some pictures up soon

 

~~Katie

 

[Ian Cameron]

Hi Katie, I used to grow alfalfa sprout fodder for a farmer when I lived on the Saskatchewan prairie. But not using an aquaponics system. You might want to contact your Gov't agriculturist to get some input. I know I used ours shame

lesly, but thats what we pay taxes for, right? I will be trying some again when the weather cools somewhat, probably fall rye as I am looking at bulking up my garden soil.

Are you using malting barley? That is very susceptible to quick fermentation given the right temp and humidity.

[Rob Nash]

Hi Katie, with fodder systems its all about the temp and humidity. ideally you want them at 68 degrees at 65% RH.

i only soak the seeds for 4 hours, using tap water... the chlorine is not a problem. in fact, some folks add chlorine at this stage to sterilize the seeds.

also i found its better not to re circulate the water, but to drain to waste. ...and that you really dont need any nutrients at all... just strait well water works best (if you are on tap water, it may work just fine, try it). ...ph needs to stay consistent, and not be too high.

air movement is important... the matt grows so thick, it makes a perfect environment to grow molds etc. ...a small oscillating fan should do the job.  some folks will add ozone or H2O2 to their water to keep it from "going rank"

barley and wheat are the most common, but all grass and legumes can be used, but barley has the most available nutritional value.

Try moving the grow system inside to an air conditioned area and keep doing what your doing. Sounds like you were growing fodder… just got too hot.

[jim mckee]

Maybe consider Duckweed.

I don't know what grow zone you are in but it doesn't need to be in precious indoor space, the initial start can usually be had for free from a pond owner and I would guess the rate of growth and protien beat wheat grass.

jim