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 CO 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.