A comparison of two different aquaponic systems and a raised bed for pak choi production

The purpose of this research is to quantify and compare the growth of pak choi (Brassica rapa) produced in nutrient film technique (NFT) and floating raft aquaponics systems against a raised garden bed. White sturgeons, Acipenser transmontanus, (initial weight 143 grams) were stocked and fed a salmon skretting diet. Seeds were germinated in humid hydroton clay pebbles, and seedlings were transplanted into the aquaponics systems using growgrip. Water quality was monitored daily. Through the experiment, potassium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate, and chelated iron was added to the aquaponics system. The pak choi was harvested in the Raft systems at 24 days, in the garden bed at 33 days, and in the NFT at 17 days after transplantation. Plant height (growth rate) of pak choi in Raft systems was higher and at the time of harvesting the plants attained a mean individual height of 32.9 cm with a weight of 366.9 g, compared with garden bed  (24.5 cm and 154 g), and NFT (17.4 cm and 118 g). The results demonstrated that the raft system was the best way to grow pak choi because it produced the most in the least amount of time compared to the other systems.