6-WEEK FALL AQUAPONICS INTENSIVE
*The Oko Farms Fall Aquaponics Training Intensive will take place on-site, outdoors, at our Williamsburg location. For those interested in an online course, we will be offering virtual learning again during the winter months.
This 6-week Training Intensive introduces participants to Aquaponics, an ancient eco-system method that combines plant production with fish cultivation. Each week focuses on a different aspect of aquaponics including microbiology, aquaculture, hydroponics, water quality parameters and system design.
The Fall program will combine lectures and discussions in our outdoor classroom with hands-on practical work in aquaponics farming. All instruction will take place on our farm site in Williamsburg, Brooklyn on Saturdays from September to October 2021.
PROGRAM GOALS:
Oko Farms strives to ensure that participants exit our program with a strong foundation in Aquaponics system operation, design and build. There is a strong emphasis on aquaponics as a natural ecosystem and on permaculture applications. Participants will leave with the skills to develop and maintain sustainable aquaponics operations of various sizes along with the capacity to engage the public on the diverse topics relating to aquaponics, fish welfare and ecosystem sustainability.
DURATION AND COMMITMENT: 6 weeks
LOCATION: Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NYC
FEE: $750.00
REQUIREMENTS: There is no previous aquaponics or farming experience necessary to participate in this program. Participants will be required to be on site in Williamsburg, Brooklyn from 10am-1pm on Saturdays from September 18, 2021 to October 23, 2021.
Week 1: Saturday, September 18, 2021 (10am - 1pm)
Introduction to Aquaponics
- Definition and description of aquaponics
- Differences between Aquaponics, Hydroponics, and Aeroponics
- Aquaponics vs. conventional aquaculture
- Similarities/differences between aquaponics production and organic soil cultivation
- Benefits/Challenges of aquaponics production
- Visual examples of various systems (outdoor, greenhouse, indoor)
Week 2: Saturday, September 25, 2021 (10am - 1pm)
Aquaponics Hardware + System Design
- Physical components
- Types of materials
- System design components
- DIY build (mini-aquaponics system)
Week 3: Saturday, October 2, 2021 (10am - 1pm)
Nitrogen Cycle + Water Quality
- The role of micro organisms in an aquaponics system
- Nitrogen cycle in aquaponics
- Comparison with nitrogen cycle/microbial activity in soil
- Water quality requirements and measurements
- Cycling in Aquaponics
Week 4: Saturday, October 9, 2021 (10am - 1pm)
Fish Cultivation -
- History of aquaculture
- Anatomy/Physiology of fish
- Fish Species in Aquaponics
- Feeding and nutrition
- Sexual Reproduction
- Stress and disease management
- Incorporating fish into the system
Week 5: Saturday, October 16, 2021 (10am - 1pm)
Soilless Plant Cultivation -
- Types of plants suitable for Aquaponics
- Plant growing mediums
- Types of plant grow beds
- Plant nutrients in aquaponics
- Disease and pest management
Week 6: Saturday, October 23, 2021 (10am - 1pm)
Aquaponics Best Management Practices -
- Balancing the needs of microbes, plants, and fish
- Integrated Pest Management
- Fish welfare
- Guidelines to successful aquaponics production