Optimizing Salicornia Production Through Different Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) as Part of Integrated Agri-Aquaculture System (IAAS)

Project/Experiment Duration: 2019-2021

Objectives:

1. Test different types of RAS for reject brine use efficiency and overall productivity
2. Explore the reduction of the use of reject brine in the integrated agri-aquaculture system
3. Investigate the uptake of salt and other nutrients by Salicornia to reduce disposal to the environment

Date of Sowing: November 2019

Experimental Design: Complete randomized design with three replications

Treatments:

1. Halophytes: Salicornia (16 genotypes); quinoa; halophytic forages
2. Fish species: Tilapia
3. Water treatment: RO-brine & aquaculture effluents @ 23,000 ppm

This study is conducted as part of ICBA’s long-term research on integrated agri-aquaculture systems which make it possible to grow fish, vegetables and halophytic crops in a circular and sustainable way. Salicornia is a halophytic plant which can be irrigated with reject brine from desalination units and seawater and used for food, feed, and biofuel production. The study aims to:

1. Test different types of RAS for reject brine use efficiency and overall productivity;
2. Explore the reduction of the use of reject brine in the integrated agri-aquaculture system;
3. Investigate the uptake of salt and other nutrients by Salicornia to reduce disposal to the environment.