Comparison of growth and yield of Basil (Ocimum basilicum) cultivated in aquaponics (with Oreochromis sp.) and recirculating hydroponic systems in Ho Chi Minh City

Abstract

Aquaponics is a promising approach to sustainable agriculture by integrating vegetable cultivation and aquaculture in a circular system that optimizes resource use. This experiment aimed to compare the growth and yield of basil (Ocimum basilicum) cultivated in two aquaponics systems combined with Oreochromis sp.: NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) and MB (Media Based), with a conventional recirculating hydroponics system. Results showed that water quality parameters in aquaponics systems remained within suitable ranges for both plants and fish. Basil yields in NFT (7.0 kg∙m^-2) were comparable to hydroponics (7.3 kg∙m^-2) and higher than MB (5.13 kg∙m^-2). Oreochromis sp. raised in aquaponics systems achieved yields of (34.39-34.60) kg∙m^-3, outperforming the control system with fish only (25.6 kg∙m^-3). These findings demonstrate that the NFT aquaponics system can effectively replace recirculating hydroponics for basil production while enhancing fish growth performance, representing a sustainable solution for agricultural development.