Resumen

GARCIA-AGUIRRE, Romina et al. Hydraulic retention time and its effect on the productivity of Swiss chard and Koi carp in an aquaponic system. Ecosistemas y recur. agropecuarios [online]. 2026, vol.13, n.1, e4529.  Epub 07-Mayo-2026. ISSN 2007-901X.  https://doi.org/10.19136/era.a13n1.4529.

Aquaponics is a sustainable system that integrates fish farming with hydroponic plant production, where the hydraulic retention time (HRT) directly influences the availability of nutrients derived from fish waste. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of six HRTs (40, 60, 80, 100, 120, and 140 min) on the yield of Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris var. Cicla) and the growth of koi carp (Cyprinus carpio var. Koi) in an aquaponic system. A total of 144 seedlings were cultivated for 40 days in hydroponic beds, and 350 juvenile koi carp were maintained in the main tank. Plant morphometric variables (height, number of leaves, leaf-stem weight, root weight, root length, foliar coverage), fish variables (length, weight, condition factor, specific growth rate), and water quality parameters (temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, electrical conductivity) were evaluated. Results showed that HRT significantly influenced Swiss chard development, with treatments of 100-140 min achieving the highest productivity, without affecting fish growth. Furthermore, oxygen supplementation in the hydroponic beds was identified as necessary to maintain plant health and yield. In conclusion, optimal hydraulic management within the 120 min range maximizes plant production without compromising koi carp growth and welfare, representing an efficient strategy for small-scale aquaponic systems.

Palabras llave : Ornamental aquaculture; plant growth performance; nutrient dynamics; sustainable food production; recirculating aquaculture systems.

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