Aquaponic growth of basil (Ocimum basilicum) with African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) in standard substrate combined with a Humicacid Fiber-Substrate (HFS)

A major challenge in agriculture, horticulture and aquaponics practices is the reduction of mineral fertilisers and peat to reduce CO₂ emissions and increase sustainability. This study used a three-phase-natural fertiliser, the Humicacid Fiber-Substrate (HFS), made from natural regenerative organic and mineral-fractions (Humus-Mineral-Complex), to reduce the peat content in plant pots for aquaponics farming. Basil (Ocimum basilicum) growth was compared with i) 100% standard media substrate ("Einheitserde", white peat 80%, clay 20%), and ii) 85% "Einheitserde" and 15% of HFS under irrigation with aquaculture process waters from an extensive and intensive production of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) under coupled aquaponic conditions. The substitution with 15% HFS and use of intensive fish water resulted in comparable plant growth to a fertiliser solution as control, and in higher leaf width and leaf green weight and lower root dry weight compared with the standard media substrate "Einheitserde". Basil leaf chlorophyll content from the aquaponics was higher compared with local market plants. This suggests the possible substitution of the peat substrate "Einheitserde" with at least 15% HFS to reduce the natural peat fraction. Further studies on crop-specific substrates are needed to reduce peat in aquaponics farming plant cultivation.