Aquaponic food production is gaining traction as a sustainable and innovative method of growing food. The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in the Philippines is leading the way by offering comprehensive online courses on this topic. These courses are designed to provide detailed insights into aquaponics, hydroponics, and aquaculture, setting the foundation for understanding the scientific concepts, techniques, and design principles behind aquaponic food production.
Also read: TESDA iSTAR PROGRAM Online Course
The TESDA Online Program (TOP) equips learners with knowledge about sustainable food production, water quality parameters, and safety practices related to aquaponics. In addition to Aquaponic Food Production, TESDA also offers other free online courses including Agro-Entrepreneurship NC II, Organic Agriculture Production NC II, and Agricultural Crops Production NC II. These courses are part of TESDA’s commitment to promoting agro-entrepreneurship and sustainable farming methods, thus contributing to food security and economic development.
What is Aquaponics?
Aquaponics is a system that combines hydroponics (growing plants in water) and aquaculture (raising fish). Fish waste is treated with microorganisms to convert organic matter into nutrients. The plants absorb these nutrients, and the water is then recirculated to the fish tank.
To learn how to enroll in a course in the TESDA Online Program (TOP), click HERE.
Benefits
Taking the Aquaponic Food Production Course offered by the TESDA Online Program provides several benefits:
- Learn sustainable farming techniques: The course teaches you how to combine aquaculture and hydroponics to create a sustainable and efficient farming system.
- Enhance food production skills: You will acquire knowledge and skills in growing plants and raising fish in a symbiotic environment, leading to increased food production.
- Improve self-sufficiency: By learning how to grow your own food through aquaponics, you can become more self-sufficient and reduce dependency on external food sources.
- Promote environmental sustainability: Aquaponics is an environmentally friendly method of food production that minimizes water usage and eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers or pesticides.
- Explore career opportunities: Completing this course can open doors to various career opportunities in sustainable agriculture, aquaponic farming, and related fields.
Overall, the Aquaponic Food Production Course equips you with the knowledge and skills to contribute to sustainable food production and make a positive impact on the environment.
Modules
There are 3 modules covered in Aquaponic Food Production. These modules will help you understand the basic principles of aquaponics, and guide you on how to set up your own aquaponic system.
Module 1: Introduction to Aquaponic Food Production
This module is the essential course for aquaponic food production. Explore aquaponics, hydroponics, and aquaculture, along with key water quality parameters and occupational health and safety practices in aquaponic farming.
UNIT 1: Defining Aquaponics
Lesson 1: What is Aquaponics?
Lesson 2: Applications of Aquaponics
Upon completion of this unit, the learner will possess the ability to:
- Define aquaponics
- List down the benefits and weaknesses of aquaponic systems
- Describe the significance of aquaponics in food security
- Differentiate small-scale and commercial aquaponics
UNIT 2: Components of an Aquaponics System
Lesson 1: Aquaculture Components of Aquaponics
Lesson 2: Hydroponic Components of Aquaponics
Lesson 3: Balancing the Aquaponic Ecosystem
Lesson 4: Biological Components of the Aquaponic Ecosystem
Upon completion of this unit, the learner will possess the ability to:
- Define aquaculture
- Cite two examples of aquaculture techniques
- Define hydroponics
- Cite two examples of hydroponic systems
- Explain how the nitrogen cycle works
- Enumerate the three biological elements in aquaponics
UNIT 3: Establishing Water Quality in Aquaponics
Lesson 1: Compromised Environment
Lesson 2: Water Quality Parameters
Lesson 3: Sources of Culture Water
Lesson 4: Testing Water Before Use
Upon completion of this unit, the learner will possess the ability to:
- List the five water quality parameters in aquaponics
- Describe how water hardness affects the water
- Enumerate the four aquaponic sources of water
- Explain in detail the two methods of altering pH
- Describe the importance of testing water
UNIT 4: Observing Workplace Health and Safety Practices
Lesson 1: OHS Policies and Procedures
Lesson 2: Maintaining a Safe Aquaponics Environment
Lesson 3: Essential Tools and Equipment
Upon completion of this unit, the learner will possess the ability to:
- Define occupational health and safety
- Identify at least three hazards in the farm
- Cite two food safety guidelines
- Enumerate at least three hand tools or equipment
Module 2: Setting up Aquaponics Systems
This module is the core of the aquaponic food production online course. It assumes you have completed the Introduction course. Discover the science of aquaponics, various aquaponic culture techniques, and gain knowledge on designing and constructing the aquaponics unit!
UNIT 1: Comparing Aquaponic Techniques
Lesson 1: Media Bed Technique
Lesson 2: Nutrient Film Technique
Lesson 3: Deep Water Culture Technique
Lesson 4: Assessing the Ideal Aquaponic Technique to Use
Upon completion of this unit, the learner will possess the ability to:
- Describe the dynamics of the three aquaponic techniques
- List the differences between the three aquaponic techniques
- Compare the cost of the three aquaponic techniques
- Describe how aquaponics is a food production system
UNIT 2: Explaining the Biological Components of Aquaponics Systems
Lesson 1: Explaining the Role of Bacteria in Aquaponics
Lesson 2: Discussing Plants in Aquaponics
Lesson 3: Discussing Fish in Aquaponics
Upon completion of this unit, the learner will possess the ability to:
- Describe the function of bacteria in an aquaponics system
- Describe the role of plants in an aquaponics system
- Describe the role of fish in an aquaponics system
UNIT 3: Designing the Aquaponics Unit
Lesson 1: Establishing Aquaponics Set-up Location
Lesson 2: Essential Components of the Aquaponics Unit
Lesson 3: Building the Aquaponics Unit
Upon completion of this unit, the learner will possess the ability to:
- Describe the characteristics of a good set-up location for the aquaponics unit
- Explain the function of each essential component of the aquaponics unit
- Demonstrate the setup of a small-scale aquaponics unit
Module 3: Maintaining Aquaponics Systems
This module focuses on aquaponics system maintenance and management. It covers everything from setting up the aquaponics unit to feeding fish, planting seedlings, and harvesting. Additionally, you’ll explore various applications and integration of aquaponics with other farming systems. Prior completion of the first two modules is required. Get ready to acquire all the skills necessary to become an aquaponic farmer!
UNIT 1: Management of Aquaponics Systems
Lesson 1: Management of Aquaponic Systems
Lesson 2: Plant Management
Lesson 3: Fish Management
Lesson 4: Routine Management
Upon completion of this unit, the learner will possess the ability to:
- List two common practices of aquaponic management
- Demonstrate seedling transplant to media bed
- Describe the staggered stocking technique
- Enumerate three daily routine activities in maintaining the system
UNIT 2: Integrating Aquaponics
Lesson 1: Sustainable Alternatives for Aquaponics
Lesson 2: Small-scale Unit Water Levels
Lesson 3: Integrating with Other Agriculture Techniques
Lesson 4: Small-scale Aquaponics in Southeast Asia
Upon completion of this unit, the learner will possess the ability to:
- List at least two sustainable alternatives in aquaponics
- Describe the dynamics of water level management in aquaponics
- Describe how aquaponics integrate with similar agriculture techniques
- Describe similar aquaponic practices in nearby Southeast Asia countries
Note: Upon completion of each module or specific modules, you will receive a certificate to acknowledge and showcase your expertise in the subject matter. These certificates serve as a testament to your commitment to continuous learning.
Also read: TESDA Fish Finder Equipment Servicing Level III Course
Tips for Aquaponic Food Production
Simple tips for aquaponic food production:
- Regularly test and monitor water parameters like pH, ammonia, and nitrate levels to ensure a healthy environment for fish and plants.
- Select fish species well-suited for aquaponics, such as tilapia or trout. Likewise, choose plants that thrive in nutrient-rich water, like lettuce or herbs.
- Maintain a proper fish-to-plant ratio for adequate nutrient supply and waste management.
- Ensure plants receive enough light for photosynthesis using artificial lighting or placing the system in a location with sufficient sunlight.
- Continuously monitor and adjust the system, including feeding fish, maintaining water temperature, and pruning or harvesting plants.
Start small and gradually expand your aquaponic setup as you gain experience. Enjoy aquaponic food production!
Video: Growing Fish and Vegetables Together! AQUAPONICS SYSTEMS | Aquaponic Farming Setup Beginners Guide.
In this video, you will learn all about Aquaponics Systems and how to set up an Aquaponic Farming system. This is a comprehensive guide for beginners, so if you are just getting started with aquaponics, then this video is perfect for you.
Summary
Aquaponic food production is gaining popularity as a sustainable method of growing food. TESDA in the Philippines offers comprehensive online courses on aquaponics, hydroponics, and aquaculture. These courses provide detailed insights into the scientific concepts and design principles behind aquaponic food production. The TESDA Online Program (TOP) also offers other free courses related to sustainable farming methods and agro-entrepreneurship. With three modules covering the basics, set-up, and maintenance of aquaponics systems, learners can acquire the necessary skills to become successful aquaponic farmers.
