Ecological strategies for reusing aquaculture water in agriculture

Abstract

This study evaluates the feasibility of using fish farm effluent as a substitute for chemical fertilizers in maize cultivation. Four treatments were applied: T0 – freshwater (control), T1 – fish farm effluent, T2 – water + mineral fertilizer, T3 – fish effluent + nitrogen supplementation. Key growth parameters (width, vigor, number of leaves) were measured at early and late developmental stages. ANOVA results indicated no statistically significant differences among treatments for all measured parameters (p > 0.05). Maize irrigated with fish farm effluent (T1) showed slightly higher early growth (width = 47.2 mm, vigor = 8.77, leaves = 5) compared to T0 (width = 52.8 mm, vigor = 10.33, leaves = 6), while T2 and T3 treatments had similar trends. Effluent treatments provide essential nutrients (N, P, K), supporting initial growth and promoting circular agriculture. This approach may reduce synthetic fertilizer use, lower production costs, and decrease environmental pollution. The study highlights fish farm effluent as a sustainable irrigation source for maize.