Investigation on Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) and Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) Cultivation in Aquaponic Aquaculture (Carp, Cyprinus carpio L.)

Abstract

Aquaponic production system, which creates a sustainable production ecosystem by bringing water, fish, and plants together in a closed system, is a reflection of sustainable economic activities in aquaculture. In this context, the aim of the study was to investigate the cultivation possibilities of carp, lavender, and basil in two different grow beds (water and mollusc shell) created in the aquaponic production system. Basil and lavender as plant material and carp as fish material were used in the study. The experimental design was formed from 12 pots of 90 L volume, and the experiment was continued for 60 days with 3 replications. In the study, reasonably high values for specific growth rate (1.96±0.01 g), condition factor (1.5), and survival rate (97.05%) were obtained in carp. While basil (23.5 cm, 23.5 cm, and 16.5 cm) and lavender (16.57 cm, 15.14 cm end 9.73 cm) grown in water media performed better in terms of plant height, root length, and dry herb yield, the green herb yields of basil (49 cm) and Levander (19 cm) were found to be high for both plants in the mollusc shell media. The maximum NH4, NO3+NO2, and PO4 values were determined as 1.30 mg L-1 (in 3. quarter and fish tank), 40.07 mg/L (in 3. quarter and Levander shell group), and 0.37 mg L-1 (in 1. quarter and basil shell group) respectively.