Sandponics (iAVs)

The sand bed (also known as the plant bed) is a crucial component of the iAVS system. It is filled with medium-coarse sand, which provides an excellent filtration medium and substrate for plant growth.

As water flows through the sand bed, beneficial microorganisms colonize its surface area and help break down fish waste products into nutrients that can be absorbed by plants. The sand bed also serves as a physical filter, trapping larger particles and debris before they can enter the rest of the system. As water percolates back into the fish tank, it becomes purified and ready to be recirculated again.

It's important to note that maintaining proper flow rates through your sand bed/plant bed is essential for optimal system performance. If flow rates are too high or too low, it can lead to nutrient imbalances or other issues that can negatively impact your system's health.

Overall, by using a sand bed/plant bed in your iAVS system, you can create a sustainable and productive environment for both fish and plants. The sand bed provides excellent filtration and support for plant growth while serving as a habitat for beneficial microorganisms. Together with the plant bed, these components work in harmony to create a healthy and productive ecosystem.

Drainage is important in iAVS because it helps to ensure that the plants get the right amount of water needed for growth. Without proper drainage, too much or too little water can accumulate and cause problems with plant health. Additionally, good drainage helps to prevent soil erosion and nutrient leaching from occurring

Good drainage helps to ensure that oxygen is available in the soil, which is essential for microbial activity and plant growth. Poor drainage can lead to anaerobic conditions, where there isn't enough oxygen present for microbes and plants to thrive. This can have a negative impact on the rhizosphere, as it reduces beneficial microbial populations that help with nutrient cycling and other processes necessary for healthy plant growth.

Channels, called irrigation furrows, are placed between the rows of plants to allow for the even distribution of irrigation water across the surface and through the volume of the filter bed. This helps to ensure that the plants receive sufficient water and nutrients for optimal growth.

As the water flows through the sand, it is filtered by the sand and provides nutrients to the plants. The plants take up these nutrients through their roots, which helps to keep the water clean for the fish.

Ridges are an important component of an iAVS system. They are raised ridges that run the length of the grow bed and provide support for the plants. Ridges also help to ensure even water flow through the grow bed.

The height and spacing of ridges will depend on the specific crops being grown in the iAVS system. For example, crops with shallow roots may require shorter ridges, while crops with deeper roots may require taller ridges.

Ridges can be shaped by hand, or using basic materials like wood or pvc pipe.

When constructing ridges, it is important to ensure that they are level and evenly spaced. Uneven ridges can lead to uneven water flow through the grow bed, which can negatively impact plant growth and fish health.

In addition to providing support for plants and ensuring even water flow, ridges also help to prevent soil erosion in the grow bed. Without ridges, water flowing through the grow bed could cause soil to wash away from around plant roots.

Overall, ridges are an essential component of an iAVS system that helps to ensure optimal plant growth and fish health. By constructing them properly and monitoring them over time, you can ensure that your iAVS system is functioning at its best.

The slope of the grow bed is an important factor in the design of an iAVS system. The ideal slope is between 1% and 2%, which means that for every meter of length, the height difference should be between 1 and 2 centimeters. This slope ensures that water flows evenly through the grow bed, providing adequate oxygenation to the plants and fish. If the slope is too steep, water will flow too quickly through the grow bed, leaving some areas dry and others flooded. This can lead to poor plant growth and fish health. On the other hand, if the slope is too shallow, water will not flow evenly through the grow bed, leading to stagnant areas where anaerobic bacteria can thrive. To ensure proper slope, it is important to use a level during construction. The level should be placed across the width of the grow bed at several points along its length to ensure that it is even throughout. In addition to ensuring proper slope during construction, it is also important to monitor and adjust it over time. Over time, sediment can build up in certain areas of the grow bed, causing uneven flow. By monitoring and adjusting the slope as needed, you can ensure optimal plant growth and fish health in your iAVS system.

Surface Irrigation, also known as Furrow irrigation is a widely recognized agricultural system that is used in iAVS systems. It involves the use of channels, or furrows, between the rows of plants to facilitate the uniform distribution of irrigation water across the surface and through the volume of the filter bed.

The channels are typically created by shaping the upper surface of the plant/filter bed to a level grade that is configured as appropriate to accommodate the specific vegetable crops/species to be cultivated. The height and spacing of furrows will depend on factors such as crop type, soil type, and water availability.

Furrow irrigation can be done manually with a bucket or with mechanical water pumps (human or animal powered) or electric pumps operated by automated timers. The choice of irrigation method will depend on factors such as cost, availability, and labor requirements.

One advantage of furrow irrigation is that it allows for precise control over water application rates. This can help to prevent overwatering and reduce water waste.

Furrow irrigation also helps to ensure even distribution of water throughout the grow bed, which can improve plant growth and fish health.

Overall, furrow irrigation is an important component of an iAVS system that helps to ensure optimal plant growth and fish health. By using appropriate furrow spacing and monitoring water application rates, you can ensure that your iAVS system is functioning at its best.