Sandponics (iAVs)

The Integrated Aqua-Vegeculture System (iAVS) is a sustainable and organic method of growing fish and plants together in a closed-loop system. The system uses coarse sand as a growing media and bio-filter, which provides high yields while being water-efficient and environmentally friendly.

iAVs, or integrated Aqua-Vegeculture System, is a method of agriculture that was developed to address the challenges of food production in arid and underdeveloped regions like the African Sahel. It is a low-cost, low-tech system that combines aquaculture and horticulture in a closed-loop system, allowing for the production of fresh fish and vegetables in a small space. The goal of iAVs is to provide a sustainable source of food and nutrition for communities in need.

To successfully operate an iAVS system, one needs to have a basic understanding of horticulture, aquaculture, and hydroponics. Knowledge of plant physiology, soil science, pest management, and water quality management is essential. Experience in managing fish tanks and growing plants is also helpful.

In terms of equipment, an iAVS system requires a fish tank or tanks, sand beds for growing plants, and a pump to circulate water between the fish tank and sand beds. The sand bed serves as both the mechanical filter and biological filter, eliminating the need for additional filtration equipment.

Aeration equipment may also be needed to maintain dissolved oxygen levels in the water. The time required to operate an iAVS system depends on several factors such as the size of the system, number of crops grown, and level of automation.

Generally speaking, an iAVS system requires regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure optimal plant growth and fish health. This includes monitoring water quality parameters such as pH, dissolved oxygen levels, and nutrient concentrations; managing pests and diseases; pruning plants; harvesting crops; and feeding fish.

Overall, operating an iAVS system requires knowledge of horticulture, aquaculture, and hydroponics; experience in managing fish tanks and growing plants; equipment such as fish tanks, sand beds, pumps; aeration equipment (if needed); regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure optimal plant growth and fish health.

The iAVS Research Team from 1984 to 1994 was a large and diverse group of researchers and consultants from various institutions and disciplines, including agriculture, horticulture, and engineering. The team collaborated with many external institutions and received recognition for their work, with 10 members being honored as “Fellows” of their respective professional discipline. Their research has been cited in numerous journal articles and has been tested and proven.

iAVs is a research project that aims to develop sustainable and efficient methods for growing food using aquaponics and sand-based systems. The project is open-source, meaning that the research and findings are available to everyone and can be replicated or improved upon by anyone interested in the field. There is no business structure or ownership associated with the project, and the researchers encourage others to contribute to the advancement of the research.

iAVS works by creating a closed-loop system where fish waste is converted into nutrients for plants, which in turn filter the water for the fish. The system consists of a fish tank and plant bed, all connected by pipes and a water pump.

Fish are fed and produce waste, which is pumped into the sand bed. The sand bed acts as both a bio-filter and growing media for plants. Beneficial bacteria in the sand break down the fish waste into nutrients that plants can absorb. Finally, clean water returns to the fish tank via gravity or a pump.

The result is a sustainable and organic system that produces high yields of both fish and plants while using minimal water and no harmful chemicals or pesticides. With proper management of sand quality and nutrient levels, iAVS can be an efficient way to grow food in any climate or location.

iAVS offers several benefits over traditional aquaponics and hydroponics systems. Here are some of the key advantages:

- High yields: iAVS can produce up to 10 times more food per unit area than traditional soil-based agriculture, making it an efficient way to grow food in urban or limited-space environments.

- Water efficiency: iAVS uses minimal water compared to traditional agriculture, with the only water lost through evaporation and transpiration. This makes it ideal for areas with limited water resources or drought-prone regions.

- Organic and sustainable: iAVS is a completely organic and sustainable method of growing food, with no need for harmful chemicals or pesticides. It also reduces waste by using fish waste as a nutrient source for plants.

- Climate resilience: iAVS can be adapted to different climates and locations, making it a versatile method of food production that can withstand extreme temperatures and weather conditions.

- Community building: iAVS is often practiced in community settings, which fosters collaboration and knowledge-sharing among growers. This creates a sense of community ownership over the food production process and promotes social cohesion.

Overall, iAVS is a promising method of sustainable food production that offers numerous benefits over traditional agriculture. With proper management and care, it has the potential to revolutionize the way we grow food in the future.

The iAVS system has several unique features that set it apart from other forms of aquaculture and agriculture.

One of the most notable features is the use of sand as a filter for fish waste.

The sand is shaped into channels (furrows) and the water runs down them, evenly distributing the fish waste (solids) and forming a biofilm to convert the nutrients (mineralize) into plant-available forms for the plants that sit in the raised ridges (crowns).

Another unique feature of iAVS is its ability to be built in places with no electricity or plumbing, making it accessible to people living in remote areas. It also uses local materials and unsophisticated managerial skills, which means that it can be operated by people with little to no technical expertise.

The iAVS system maximizes water conservation by recycling water through the system multiple times. The waste-laden water is passed through a physical filter (the sand bed), which also acts as a ‘living filter’ (the vegetable crops and micro-flora resident in the sand bed), and finally across an aerating cascade (or other aeration device) as it is returned to the fish-culture tank.

Overall, these unique features make iAVS an attractive option for sustainable agriculture in underdeveloped regions where resources are limited. By using sand as a filter, maximizing water conservation, and requiring minimal technical expertise, iAVS provides an efficient and accessible method for producing nutritious food while minimizing waste.