~ 1648 ~ International Journal of Chemical Studies 2019; 7(5): 1648-1653 P-ISSN: 2349–8528 E-ISSN: 2321–4902 IJCS 2019; 7(5): 1648-1653 © 2019 IJCS Received: 13-07-2019 Accepted: 17-08-2019 Prasad Basavaraj Purad Department of Vegetable Science Horticultural College and Research Institute Tamil Nadu Agricultural University Coimbatore Tamil Nadu, India Usha Nandhini Devi H Department of Vegetable Science Horticultural College and Research Institute Tamil Nadu Agricultural University Coimbatore Tamil Nadu, India Sankari A Department of Vegetable Science Horticultural College and Research Institute Tamil Nadu Agricultural University Coimbatore Tamil Nadu, India Swarna Priya R Department of Vegetable Science Horticultural College and Research Institute Tamil Nadu Agricultural University Coimbatore Tamil Nadu, India Correspondence Prasad Basavaraj Purad Department of Vegetable Science Horticultural College and Research Institute Tamil Nadu Agricultural University Coimbatore Tamil Nadu, India Aquaponics: A boon to horticulture Prasad Basavaraj Purad, Usha Nandhini Devi H, Sankari A and Swarna Priya R Abstract Aquaponics is a form of agriculture that combines raising fish in tanks (recirculating aquaculture) with soilless plant culture (hydroponics). In aquaponics, the nutrient-rich water from raising fish provides a natural fertilizer for the plants and the plants help to purify the water for the fish. Aquaponics can be used to sustainably raise fresh fish and vegetables for a family, to feed a village or to generate profit in a commercial farming venture, year round, in any climate. This paper discusses the applications of aquaponics, biological components, designs, maintenance and care of fish, cultivation of vegetables and companies involved in aquaponics. Keywords: Aquaponics, hydroponics, biological components, designs and maintenance Introduction Soil-less culture is the method of growing agricultural crops without the use of soil. Instead of soil, various inert growing media, also called substrates, are used. Soil-less agriculture has been used to reduce pests and soil-borne diseases affecting monoculture crops. Hydroponics can in fact control soil-borne pests and diseases by avoiding the contact between plants and soil, and soil-less media can be sterilized and reused between crops. This reuse of substrates meets the particular demands of intensive production. Soil-less agriculture is one aspect of the major scientific, economic and technological developments in the general field of agriculture over the last 200 years. In general, predominantly in developed nations in temperate climates, there has been an increasing demand for out-of-season, high-value crops. Partly, this is a result of widespread improvements in living standards. This increase in demand has led to the expansion of many types of protected cultivation systems to boost production capacity and prolong the supply of crops throughout the year. Fig 1: Hydroponic system Aquaculture Aquaculture is the captive rearing and production of fish and other aquatic animal and plant species under controlled conditions (Fig.2). Many aquatic species have been cultured, especially fish, crustaceans and molluscs and aquatic plants and algae. Aquaculture production methods have been developed in various regions of the world, and have thus been adapted to the specific