COMPARING NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES IN DECOUPLEDAQUAPONICS SYSTEMS FOR GROWING Cannabis sativa

Aquaponics is an integrative aquaculture system that uses waste produced by farmed aquatic animals to supply nutrients to a hydroponic system for growing plants. The growth of Cannabis sativa in aquaponic systems displays the potential for well-managed aquaponic systems to produce a variety of crops. In this study, we examined the impact of nutrient management techniques on the growth of Cannabis sativa in a decoupled aquaponic system. Four treatments were assessed: (1) recirculating treatment using aquaponic system effluent plus nutrient supplementation (AqRN), (2) flow-through treatment with aquaponic system effluent (AqFT), (3) flow-through hydroponic treatment with aquaponic effluent supplementation (10% by volume) (AqHydro), and (4) flow-through hydroponic control treatment (Hydro). The results indicated that the AqFT and AqHydro systems provided comparable yields to the hydroponic system, while the AqRN treatment exhibited reduced trimmed yield with signs of plant stress and nutrient deficiency appearing toward the end of the trial. AqFT produced fewer terpenes than the other treatments and may benefit from micronutrient supplementation. AqHydro and Hydro treatments displayed no significant difference in water quality or yield. Notably, AqHydro treatment showed reduced water consumption, underscoring the potential for aquaculture effluent supplementation to cost-effectively enhance fertigation in hydroponic systems.