2020-1.1.2-PIACI-KFI-2021-00328 Veresi Piaci KFI

Project ID number: 2020-1.1.2-PIACI-KFI-2021-00328

Presentation of the project content:

A domestic element of energy-efficient vegetable production is the use of geothermal energy, where the thermal water used for heating is usually not repressed but discharged into surface water, thus increasing pollution. A water purification system capable of purifying the thermal water used to heat the greenhouse makes the cooled thermal water suitable for irrigation of crops grown in greenhouses (hydroponics), for use as a coolant in summer climate control in greenhouses and for integration into other water crops (e.g. aquaponics). Aquaponics is an energy-saving food production process technology in which aquaculture (fish farming) and hydroponics (growing crops, in this case tomatoes and microgreens, without soil) systems are simultaneously present in a symbiotic medium. The new approach to aquaponics systems aims to achieve full vertical chemical-free crop production, ecosystem sustainability and rationalisation of water use, i.e. sustainability. The use of closed-loop, water-efficient, ecological systems is particularly useful in areas where the quantity and quality of water as a growing medium is important. The systems developed combine the benefits of closed chain fish farming and hydroponic crop production by minimising the use of chemicals and water. The aim is to test new species of fish not yet produced in aquaponics and to establish the basis for market-scale production, such as ornamental fishes like the highly valuable koi ornamental carp/nishikigoi (Cyprinus carpio var. koi), goldfish varieties (Carassius auratus), where the aim is not the production of fish meat but the quantity of fish itself. The nutrient and metabolic by-products and water-soluble nutrients (pollutants for fish production) that are continuously generated by the nature of fish farming can be recycled to the cultivation of tomatoes and micro-green crops. The coordinated functioning of the two production systems will be facilitated by the use of modular (interchangeable) subsystems, which will be determined by the assessed demands on biological resources (adapted to the dynamic changes in the organisms living in the system – fish, plants, mycorrhizal community). Artificial light sources with variable spectra offer the possibility to study the effects of different wavelengths of light on fish and to produce vegetable crops of specific qualities (micro-greens). Developments in the last decade have made it possible to study and exploit monochromatic light as a technological element in intensive aquaculture (based on recirculation systems).

Some preliminary results are already available suggesting that different wavelengths of light have an effect on fish larval survival, sexual development and endocrine hormone systems, stress status and growth. One of the main problems of intensive crop production practices that cause yield losses is the introduction of plant pathogenic bacteria into the system. In this context, a method for the detection of plant pathogenic micro-organisms using molecular biology techniques will be developed. Together with this, and with a view to chemical-free cultivation, the product development steps to be carried out in the project will result in a new product (family) which can be used as a microbial-based plant conditioner and foliar fertiliser in hydroponic systems (depending on the crops used in the project).

Within the framework of the project, Bay Zoltán Nonprofit Ltd. tasks include conducting laboratory experiments necessary to achieve the project objectives, monitoring, optimising and scaling up fermentation processes and micro-organisms (be it algal, bacterial or fungal biomass) at pilot or plant level to achieve the highest possible active ingredient content, increase productivity and make them more cost-effective. Other tasks include supporting experiments with laboratory tests by carrying out and developing advanced analytical, molecular and microbiological tests.

The project has resulted in a pathogen detection service:

We provide solutions for the characterisation of the microbial composition of hydro- and aquaponics using molecular biology. Qualitative and quantitative detection of bacteria, fungi, cyanobacteria, algae from samples from aquaculture and fish farming systems using PCR-based techniques (DGGE, qPCR). The analysis also offers the possibility to identify pathogenic microorganisms, which supports efficient operation of the systems and ensures the use of the biomass produced in the food industry.

Sponsor: National Research, Development and Innovation Office