Validation of the productive performance of tilapia (Oreochromis sp), tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum L.) and sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) in an aquaponic system

Abstract

 The research was carried out between May and October 2022 at the Center for the Development of Fisheries and Aquaculture (CENDEPESCA) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG), in Santa Tecla, La Libertad, El Salvador. The objective was to validate four densities of tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) and two vegetables, tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum L.) and sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), to evaluate the production, performance and cost-benefit ratio of the aquaponic system. Four aquaponic modules were built, each one with a fish pond with a 5.04 m³ capacity, three filters with mechanical and biological functions, a planting bed with PVC tubes for vegetables, a water recirculation pump, and an aeration pump. Eight treatments with three replicates, tomato and sweet pepper, and four stocking densities of tilapia (40, 60, 80 and 100 fish/m³) were evaluated; the following parameters were measured: weight and size of fish, height of plants, number and weight of fruits per plant. To analyze the data, a 2x4 factorial arrangement was used under a completely randomized design, a significance level of 5%, and the INFOSTAT® 2020 program. The highest net benefit was obtained with a density of 100 fish/m3, in tomato with USD112.75 dollars and a marginal rate of return of USD2.49 dollars; in sweet pepper of $119.85 dollars and a marginal rate of return of USD2.52 dollars.