The Ware Plant Science Production Facility at Huntington University is expanding its production from soil-grown flora and fauna to plants grown in water, thanks to the addition of an aquaponics system this semester.
“Huntington University continues to look for ways to strengthen the presence of food and agriculture in the northeast Indiana regional economy,” said Dr. Sherilyn Emberton, president of Huntington University. “Having an educational aquaponics system located in HU’s Ware Plant Science Production Facility allows faculty and students hands-on experience with the integration of the two.”
The aquaponics system will provide opportunities for students of the natural sciences to learn more about plant life, aquatic life such as fish and bacteria, aquatic agroecosystems and innovations in food production. Students will also be involved in the care and maintenance of the system, planting and harvesting plants and feeding fish.
The current educational aquaponics system at Huntington University was donated by Fort Wayne Metals. With the capacity to hold 300 gallons of water, this system has an estimated value of $2,600.
Source: Huntington University