Development of broccoli (Brassica oleraceae L.) seedlings in aquoponic system and the effect on water quality

In this study; the aquaponic system and traditional soil cultivation were compared in terms of development and quality parameters of broccoli (Brassica oleraceae L.) seedling. In addition, the effects of aquaponic systems on improving water quality, which is an important feature, have been investigated. A total of 4 units of 80 L polyethylene water tanks, each with 20 goldfish (Carassius auratus L.), were used, one in control and three in the aquaponic system. The experiment was conducted with 6 replications according to the randomized blocks trial design. Although statistically significant differences were found between the traditional soil cultivation and the aquaponic system in terms of the stem diameter, seedling length, root length, root dry weight and plant nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu and B) of broccoli seedlings, no significant differences were found in terms of seedling wet weight, dry weight, and root age weight at the end of the experiment. In terms of water quality, there were statistically significant differences between water temperature, dissolved oxygen and pH, while no difference was found between salinity, electrical conductivity and turbidity. The result of the study revealed that the aquaponic system is suitable for broccoli seedling cultivation and even superior to traditional soil cultivation in terms of some features.