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Effect of Stocking Density on Sustainable Growth Performance and Water Quality of Nile Tilapia-Spinach in NFT Aquaponic System

Author

Listed:
  • Mohammed S. Al-Zahrani

    (Department of Computer Networks and Communications, College of Computer Science and Information Technology, King Faisal University, P.O. Box 400, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia)

  • Hesham A. Hassanien

    (Department of Animal and Fish Production, Agricultural and Food Sciences College, King Faisal University, P.O. Box 400, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
    Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt)

  • Fawaz W. Alsaade

    (Department of Computer Science, College of Computer Science and Information Technology, King Faisal University, P.O. Box 400, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia)

  • Heider A. M. Wahsheh

    (Department of Information Systems, College of Computer Science and Information Technology, King Faisal University, P.O. Box 400, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia)

Abstract

In Saudi Arabia, there is a scarcity of water used for agriculture and human consumption. Therefore, the aquaponic technique needs to be considered. Aquaponics is a modern, environmentally friendly agricultural technology that combines hydroponics and aquaculture into one system. However, the key to a successful aquaponic system is optimizing the stocking density for the target species. This study estimates the effect of three stocking densities—3 kg/m −3 , 6 kg/m −3 , and 9 kg/m −3 —in five replicates on the growth performance and water quality of fingerling Nile tilapia ( Oreochomis niloticus ), as well as the yield of spinach ( Spinacia oleracea ) grown in the nutrient film technique (NFT) aquaponic system. As for the planting density, 36 spinach plants are planted per m −2 for each replicate. The experiment is set up for 8 weeks. The findings reveal that the average final body weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, and survival rate of Nile tilapia were significantly higher in the 3 kg/m −3 treatment. It is evident that the total yield of spinach increased as the stocking density increased ( p < 0.05). Most of the water quality measurements are significant, pH values range from 6.74 to 7.47, dissolved oxygen is 4.33 to 6.35, ammonia is 0.13 to 0.17 mg/L −1 , nitrite is 0.045 to 0.089, and nitrate is 2.44 to 3.35. Therefore, to maximize the productivity of spinach and tilapia while achieving the maximum benefit from fresh water, it can be recommended to use the stocking density of Nile tilapia fingerlings in the range of 6 kg/m −3 in the aquaponic system.

Suggested Citation

  • Mohammed S. Al-Zahrani & Hesham A. Hassanien & Fawaz W. Alsaade & Heider A. M. Wahsheh, 2023. "Effect of Stocking Density on Sustainable Growth Performance and Water Quality of Nile Tilapia-Spinach in NFT Aquaponic System," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-12, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:8:p:6935-:d:1128276
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Simon Goddek & Boris Delaide & Utra Mankasingh & Kristin Vala Ragnarsdottir & Haissam Jijakli & Ragnheidur Thorarinsdottir, 2015. "Challenges of Sustainable and Commercial Aquaponics," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 7(4), pages 1-26, April.
    2. Md Shamsuddin & Mohammad Belal Hossain & Moshiur Rahman & Mst Salamun Kawla & Md. Farhan Tazim & Mohammed Fahad Albeshr & Takaomi Arai, 2022. "Effects of Stocking Larger-Sized Fish on Water Quality, Growth Performance, and the Economic Yield of Nile Tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus L.) in Floating Cages," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 12(7), pages 1-19, June.
    3. Azhar M. Memon & Luai M. AlHems & Sevim Seda Yamaç & Muhammad S. Barry & Aftab Alam & Ahmed AlMuhanna, 2022. "Aquaponics in Saudi Arabia: Initial Steps towards Addressing Food Security in the Arid Region," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 12(12), pages 1-15, December.
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    1. Mohammed S. Al-Zahrani & Hesham A. Hassanien & Fawaz W. Alsaade & Heider A. M. Wahsheh, 2024. "Sustainability of Growth Performance, Water Quality, and Productivity of Nile Tilapia-Spinach Affected by Feeding and Fasting Regimes in Nutrient Film Technique-Based Aquaponics," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-16, January.

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