US (TX): Aquaponics program at Texas A&M

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will conduct an aquaponics program from 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. April 27 in the Public Library Annex, located at 408 Commercial Ave. in Coleman.

Michael Palmer, AgriLife Extension agent in Coleman County, said the program is for those interested in starting or refining a current aquaponics system.

“Aquaponic systems use a combination of plants grown without soil, fish kept in close confinement and water constantly pumped through the system,” Palmer said. “The plant roots are watered and fertilized simultaneously from the nutrient-enriched fish tank waste water, which is cleansed by the plants and returned to the fish tank.”

Peter Woods, AgriLife Extension fisheries program specialist in Matagorda County, will be the keynote speaker. He will discuss aquaponics system construction and maintenance.

Three Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units will be offered.

Individual registration is $15 by April 21 and $25 thereafter. A catered fish meal and program handouts are included. For more information or to preregister, call the AgriLife Extension office in Coleman County at 325-625-4519.

“This should be a rewarding opportunity for those seeking knowledge on all aspects of construction and maintenance of a system with all the necessary components for a successful operation and production, either on a large scale or for personal use in the backyard,” Palmer said.

Source: AgriLife Today