Aquaponics farming systems are sustainable, environmentally-friendly alternatives to conventional agriculture practices. They reduce the degree of pollution and allow for the conservation of gas, water, and land. For example, in traditional agriculture, the use of fertilizer is prevalent and results in toxic runoff that pollutes nearby rivers. On the other hand, aquaponics utilizes fish excrement as fertilizer, providing an organic alternative that is not harmful to the local ecosystem. In addition, unlike traditional farms, which export produce to far-away markets, many aquaponics farms serve local businesses and restaurants. This brings healthy and fresh foods to neighboring communities, while also reducing the use of gas in transporting vegetables. In addition, since aquaponics is a closed system that recirculates water, it requires significantly less water than typical agricultural methods. This system also requires less land; aquaponic systems can come in a variety of sizes and are often more productive than regular farming methods. Many of these systems produce greater vegetable output in a shorter amount of time and in smaller spaces than conventional farms.

The efficiency of aquaponic farming comes at a cost. The initial start-up cost of the equipment is steep, especially for larger, professional systems. The high-costs also persist in the form of high energy usage. The systems require electricity to circulate water and keep lights on, creating a substantial increase in utility bills. Besides expenses associated with equipment and energy usage, aquaponic systems also require maintenance to ensure that lights, pipes, and other system components are working properly. While costly, aquaponics does provide an environmentally-conscious alternative to traditional farming that may be successfully implemented to feed local communities.

Sources:
http://www.innerself.com/content/living/home-and-garden/gardening/8654-aquaponics-vs-traditional-agriculture.html

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