Terra-Mars’ ultimate goal is local food security for all and return 50% of the world’s arable land to the biodiversity it once supported by the year 2050.
A sustainable and distributive water-efficient, environmentally responsible food production system is required to feed distressed communities worldwide.
Creation of a facility for research and development of aquaponic food production systems necessary to sustain human life in nourishment deprived communities on Earth and on Mars.
Aquaponics is a term that was coined in the 1970s and the practice has ancient roots – although there is some debate about its first occurrence. There is speculation that….
the hanging gardens of Babylon were one of the earliest examples of aquaponics at approximately 600 BCE. Ample documented evidence describes the practice of a form of aquaponics by lowland Maya and Aztecs at approximately 1,000 CE. The Aztecs cultivated a system of agricultural islands known as chinampas in a system considered by some to be the first form of aquaponics for agricultural use. Chinampas are networks of canals and stationary (sometimes movable) artificial islands on which crops were cultivated. Nutrient-rich waste materials were dredged from the Chinampa canals and used to nourish the plants on the floating islands.
The ancient Chinese also employed a system of integrated aquaculture in which finfish, catfish, ducks and plants co-existed in a symbiotic relationship.
Modern aquaponics emerged from the aquaculture industry as fish farmers explored methods for raising fish with the objective of decreasing their dependence on extensive land, water and other resources. Industry initiatives throughout the 70s, 80s and 90s have made aquaponics a commercial success today.
Aquaponics combines conventional aquaculture with hydroponics in a symbiotic system.
Aquaponics recirculates water from a fish tank through a vegetable grow bed. Nutrients from the fish waste feed the plants, and the plants filter the water to keep the fish healthy. The two main components of the system are the fish tank and the grow beds with a small pump moving water between the two.
If you like this project and want to help us turn our goal into reality, please spread the word online and consider contributing to our Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign at any level that works for you. Every dollar counts and is greatly appreciated!! – Sincerely, Carl F. Mazur, PhD.
