One of the hottest topics in agriculture right now is aquaponics. Aquaponics is a form of farming that integrates aquaculture and hydroponics (growing plants without soil) to provide homegrown fish and vegetables. An aquaponics workshop will take place April 11 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the North Alabama Agriplex in Cullman.
CULLMAN – Want to try something new, innovative and productive? Aquaponics is an intriguing and increasingly popular way of growing fruits and vegetables, integrating aquaculture (gardening or farming under water) with horticulture. This provides homeowners and farmers with fresh fish and vegetables, and a method of controlling both. A special class will be held on April 11 at the North Alabama Agriplex in Cullman.
The semi-intensive nature of aquaponics systems make them perfect for backyard gardeners or people who have tracts of land less than 1 acre.
Alabama Extension specialist in aquaculture and aquatic resources, Dr. David Cline, explained the system, “It maximizes water use and utilizes all the nutrients in fish feed to grow two crops, plants and fish. It helps connect people with their food and builds on the local and sustainable food movements.”
The class, under the instruction of specialists from Auburn University School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, and the AU Horticulture Department, with more than 25 combined years of aquaponics experience, will demonstrate how to begin a system or offer guidance in ways to improve a system already in production.
Beginners, small scale hobbyists or people who want to develop a commercial operation will find this class informative and helpful. Instructors will be hands-on and there to help.
Cline explained that the event is suited for anyone interested in aquaponics, “The purpose of the workshop is to provide an introduction to aquaponics,” said Cline. “It is suitable for current producers as well as those who are just curious.”
The workshop will include information on selecting fish and plants, putting theory into practice, small scale systems, how to size your system, plant nutrition and pests, and offer small scale marketing tips.
Classes will be held at the North Alabama Agriplex in Cullman on April 11 from 9:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.
It is very important that you register in advance. The cost of the class is $30 in advance (checks must be received by April 4). After initial registration date passes, tickets will be $40, if space permits.
To reserve your seat, please contact the Cullman County Extension Office at 256-737-9386 as soon as possible.
To register, send a check for $30 per person made out to the Cullman County Extension Office to:
- Cullman County Extension Office
402 Arnold St. NE
Suite G-1, Cullman Co. Office Bldg.
Cullman, Alabama, 35055
- For further information, please direct your inquiries to cullmancounty@auburn.edu or call 256-737-9386.
- The North Alabama Agriplex is located at 1714 Tally Ho Street, Cullman.
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