If you’re an educator, and you’re interested in a hands-on way to teach your students about science and producing food, consider attending “Aquaponics in the Classroom: Teaching Real-World Skills Through Conservation,” a session at next month’s CFAES-sponsored Farm Science Review trade show. The session runs from 11-11:30 a.m. on the second day of the Review, Wednesday, Sept. 19, in the Gwynne Conservation Area. The session is free with paid admission to the Review.
Fish plus crops plus managing wastewater
The practice of aquaponics combines aquaculture (raising fish), hydroponics (growing crops such as lettuce) and wastewater management, CFAES aquaculture specialist Matthew Smith said in a press release about 2016’s Review.
This year’s Review is Sept. 18-20 near London, about 35 miles west of Columbus. Get details on where to buy tickets, or buy them online.
New guide to hydroponics
In the meantime, for some background, Max Payne, editor-in-chief of Greenandvibrant.com, a website devoted to hydroponics, aquaponics and indoor gardening, recently wrote to share a link to his new Hydroponics for Beginners — The Definitive Guide. He said he set out to write something that’s both in-depth and easy to understand, and if you pull it up and read it (it’s free), you’ll probably agree he succeeded. It’s clearly written and attractively designed, and offers a good way to get the basics about small-scale hydroponics. Check it out.
At the commercial level, hydroponic food production in Ohio, backed by CFAES research, is booming.