Sand Bed Configuration – A Few Thoughts

by garyd | Mar 28, 2018 | Linked

1. The top surface (both before forming furrows and in the bottom of the finished furrows) should be level from side to side and also from end to end (and thereby from corner to diagonal corner).  Since water ALWAYS seeks ‘its’ own level’, the easiest way to accomplish this is to block the drainage outlet, flood the beds to saturation and slightly more, and then adjust the sand (and furrow) surfaces to be consistent with the water level.  Note, all sand will settle some what during the first one to three saturation/drainage cycles.  Some sand more so than others and not necessarily uniformly along the length and/or width.  Therefore, it is suggested that one allow the bulk of this settling to occur before finalizing the surface preparations.

2. Because the top surface is level but the bottom of the bed is sloped down toward the outlet (drain) end, then the longer the bed length is, the greater the change of sand depth will be from one end to the other.  The 30 to 33 cm depth suggestion is meant to reflect average depth at the shallow (uphill) end.  The longer the bed is, the deeper the mean depth will become at the drainage (downhill) end.

3. To accomplish complete drainage of the bed (strongly advised), the longer the bed length is, then the more drainage assistance in the form of a longitudinal drainage pipe/tile is advised.  As long as the bottom plane is sloped toward the exit, then beds of 3 to 4 meters in length may not require (but may still benefit from) drainage lines.  Beds longer than 4 meters will probably benefit from drainage assisancet.  Beds of 6 or more meters in length WILL require drainage assist provided by drain pipe/tile.

4. Beds of from 1 to 1.5 meter in width would require a single central drainage line.  If beds are wider than this (for whatever reason you resist our recommendation), then two or more parallel drainage lines spaced approximately 2 meters apart (as many as needed) is suggested.

5. When using drainage lines, these need (do) not penetrate the end wall or cap of the bed.  Merely terminate the lines into a small mound of pea gravel covering the drain line exit and also covering the the bottom slit (exit) of the drain end wall.  This pea gravel covers the slit that is cut into the liner at the bottom of the end wall (NOT cut into the bottom plane of the bed).

-o0o-

USDA-funded Commercial iAVs Trial – Notes on the Yield and Adjusted ‘ratio’.

by garyd | Jun 1, 2017 | Linked

• Total area 929 m2,  FT 200 m3, Tilapia yield 22,700 kg/yr (first ‘try’)
• Hort. area (min.) 400 m2 total,  264 m2 net,   1,056 plants @ 4/m2
• Fruit (mix Cucumber, Pepper, Tomato) : greater than 45,400 kg/yr   (45 MT)
• 2016 estimated wholesale value $325k/yr ($350 m2/yr)

• 8,000 to 10,000 indeterminate tomato plants (on 12 mo cycle)  (9,000 applied below)
  • (or 3 times that if a 4-month crop interval 3x/yr, and/or equivalent crops)

2016 estimated  US ‘organic’ bulk wholesale valuations:

• tilapia (live): 22.7k kg x $3.30/kg = $75k/yr 
• No. 1 ‘organic’ tomato: 170k kg x $5.5/kg = $935k/yr
• No. 2 ‘organic’ tomato: 40k kg x $3.5/kg = $140k/yr
• Total above (without intercrops etc) = $1,150k ($300/m2/yr)

At 2015 Philly Terminal wholesale prices. 

• Organic No 1 @ $6.90/kg -10% = $6.20/kg  (> $1,056k)
• Organic No 2 @ $4.80/kg – 10% = $4.35/kg  (> $174k)
• Total w/ fish $1,305k or $343/m2/yr)
•        w/ very hi-tech GH with intercrops from $450 to 500/m2/yr) 

• …   + 30-50% or more when retailed, direct-marketed, NTM value-added processing

-o0o-

Nature Bats Last

by garyd | Jun 1, 2017 | Linked

“Nature Bats Last.  Our days are numbered.  Passionately pursue a life of excellence.”

While I wish I’d said that because it sums up my personal view of the world.

As it turns out, it actually belongs to Guy McPherson (Professor Emeritus – University of Arizona) – an outspoken (albeit very interesting) commentator on the future of human civilisation.

Regardless of its origin, or circumstances, it’s a prescription that would be useful for all of us.

-o0o-

SAND particle size distribution recommendation and Costs – AGAIN!

by garyd | Apr 17, 2017 | Linked

SAND particle size distribution recommendation – for the LAST time

I know what I know, did what I did, documented it … and this is what (ALL) I can speak to from authority/experience (recommend).

The sand that I used performed spectacularly well in every aspect/way – IMO – I can’t image a greater efficacy.  I’m not saying that some other fractionation will not ‘work’ … however defined/determined/felt  … but how well is good enough for you is for you the decide?

I used sharp (crushed) quartz (SiO2), which was chemically inert (does not effect pH) in the following grain size distribution (summarized):

• 30% by volume in the size range between 1 to 2 mm  (+/- 2%)
• 40% by volume in the size range of 0.5 to 1 mm  (+/- 2%)
• 25% by volume in the size range of 0.25 to 0.5 mm  (+/- 2%)
• less than 0.25 mm (combined, including silt) at a maximum of 8% by volume (less is better).

FYI, with this particle size distribution I experienced lateral water movement in pristine furrows (very first irrigation) of  approximately 4 to 5 meters in length – no problem.   For furrows of 8 to 10 meters in length I laid a 4-6″ wide strip of 5 mil clear polyethylene film in the furrow and cut closely spaced slits/holes in that film to help the water/wastes reach the end, but only for approximately the first week.  After that, the biofilms and detritus layer had developed to the point where I removed the temporary perforated film (leaving any detritus on the actual film in the furrow).  With or without an initial ‘film assist’, I observed virtually no erosion of sloughing of the ridges from day one or at any other point in time in any ‘system’.  Believe it or not.  Everything I say is intended for YOUR benefit, not mine.

For further discussion on sand, please use the search function (upper right) to access previous discussions – including as it compares to gravel.

==============

And while on the sand topic (AGAIN) … I keep hearing complaints about it being so hard to find (in the US that’s BS) and also that is so damn expensive (also BS).  In the US virtually anywhere, sand, pea gravel and 3/4″ gravel are basically the same price by volume and/or by weight, whether from a quarry or in bags at your local big-box store.  Price varies by location and volume ordered, typically from $20 to $40 per ton (as low as $11yd3 in upper Midwest States).

In fact, for our US friends, it’s as close as your nearest Home Depot or Lowe’s. A company called Quikrete supplies both retailers with a diverse range of aggregates…including graded sands in many types and sizes…and for all manner of purposes. 

Examples: ALL Purpose Sand – Product #1152….  AND   Commercial Grade Sand options. (click links)

For example,  in the Quikrete product line: product # 1961 is 30-70 mesh or 0.2 to 0.6mm), #1962 (20-50 mesh or  0.3 to 0.8 mm) and #1963 (12-30 mesh, or 0.6 to 1.7 mm).  With these particle size distributions, one might get away with using all as #1963, but personally, for every 10 bags, I’d make 3 of them #1962 to increase SSA, improve moisture retention and also improve lateral water flow along the furrows until such time as a detritus layer is established.

Bag prices (50 lbs or 22.7 kg) range from $4 to $8 per bag at retail outlets everywhere – varies by location – but bags are the most expensive route possible.   One cubic yard = 52 bags of 50# at 2,600 lb/yd3 for dry sand

1 cubic yard of dry sand weights from 1.3 to 1.35 ton, so per cubic yard quarry tonnage rates range from $26 to $54/ yd3, or $34 to $71/ m3.   Bulk bags in the midwest states (e.g. Oklahoma): 3000# bulk-bag of 20-40 US sieve #24 filter sand = $206 delivered to OKC (from Wisconsin, March ’17)).  At 2600#/yd3 = 1.15 yd3 or 0.88 m3. for  $179/yd3 or $234/m3. 

Here in Montana, bags (sand, pea gravel, etc) at Lowe’s (et al) are $4.25 /50#. (in bags you’re paying 3 to 4 times as much by volume than in bulk)   Local quarry prices range $35 to $45/cubic yard for single units of washed graded sand or $30 to $35/cubic yard in 10-yard truck loads (plus $0.25 to $0.30 per mile)  I have a choice of at least 3 quarries, 2 concrete batch plants and a cinder-block plant just within 60 miles in one direction – each with multiple grades (size distributions) to choose from or mix and match).  In other words I can have 10 yards delivered (enough for 30 square yard of biofilter for under $500  – all day long from multiple sources. (<$1.85 ft2, <$20/m2).  Yes, it cost much more in bags …  but still damn CHEAP compare to clay ball crap.

Compare sand prices to Hydroton at Walmart (today) for $86 / 50 liter = $1,720 m3 ($1,338/yd3)  –  you order and go pick it up.  – or compare with Gyco branded Hydro-Clay, at $27 per 50 liter bag (online) plus shipping (one bag at $59.72 UPS ground to me) which for 8 bags (most they would calculate shipping on)  = $659.36/ 400 liter  = $1,650 m3

To summarize Basically, (in the US) gravel, pea gravel and sand are nearly the same price whether by the cubic yard, ton, or in bags,  Varies by location and volume purchased.   Cost ranges from $20 to $40/ton (bulk) or $4 to $8 /50# bag (as low as $11 cu yd in Michigan or Wisconsin)

Delivered quarry sand at $50/yd3 is 25 times LESS (+/- 4%) than expanded clay pebbles (which is a vastly inferior  media relative to sand in several aspects and it also degrades (breaks down) over time (sand does not degrade).

In iAVS, the sand does it all  = 1) mechanical filtration (99+% particulate removal) , 2) exponentially superior Nitrification substrate than ‘alternatives’, 3) Oxygen rich ‘home’ for biofilms and soil microbial community including robust rhizosphere, and 4) excellent, aerated anchor for vascular plant roots. That’s 4 critical (key) functions all in one package, at 4% of the cost of a significantly inferior ‘alternative’.  What’s not to love (complain about)?

I can’t speak for Gary but I am DONE with the entire sand subject.  If sand is felt to be too difficult to source and/or deemed to be too expensive for what it can do for you, then you would probably not be successful in maintaining a functional iAVs or any other AP so-called ‘system’  – IMO.

Effect of pH on plant assimilation of elements

by garyd | Apr 17, 2017 | Linked

I can’t stress strongly enough the importance of pH on biofilter performance and on plant growth (yield).

The recommended pH for iAVs (water) is 6.4 +/- 0.4.    pH will not only influence nutrient availability for the plants but also influences microbial metabolism (activity, efficiency and even community/species composition).  Nitrification is most efficient at pH 7.0.  In iAVs, there is such a vast surface area available for biofilms that more than adequate nitrification occurs at even as low as pH 5.0 (at least over intervals of several weeks).  The toxicity of True Free Ammonia for fresh water fish rises above pH 7.0 and goes exponentially more toxic above pH 8.0.  In other words, TAN is far more toxic at higher pH and than at lower pH.

Effect of pH on plant assimilation of elements, varies by soil type (and/or if soilless).

Hydroponic nutrient solutions are NOT organic – repeat NOT and never can/will be – so the above chart applies more in hydroponics (and likely DWC) than does the ‘organic soil’ chart below.

An iAVs biofilter prior to the inclusion of detritus/organics would be considered as mineral.  With the addition of organic solids (detritus) and with a developed soil microbial community, the biofilter becomes (is) ‘organic’ – aka includes Carbon-based biomolecules – (except for the ammoniacal Nitrogen fraction (TAN)).   However, TAN is not the only N source in iAVs.  Nitrogen is also sourced from amines, amino and nucleic acids (proteins), chlorophyl, peptides, some enzymes (hydrolases), ureides, et al. – each (with rare exception) being made plant available via microbial transformations (often  in a sequence involving multiple microbe species, as too with most other elements when sourced from complex organic biomolecules).

IMO, so-called ‘aquaponicists’ need to loose their apparent ‘fixation’ on (obsession with) Nitrification (‘seriously’) and start to include active consideration of the availability of ALL the plant essential elements.

NOTE:  Calcium toxicity rarely occurs. HOWEVER, high levels of Calcium can compete with (inhibit) both Magnesium and Potassium (and possibly Phosphorus) uptake by plants, resulting in assimilation deficiencies of Mg and K regardless of how much of these elements are in the media/solution.  In animals (vertebrates), excess Ca is antagonistic with Phosphorus metabolism.

Additional Note:  I’ve seen several submitted sand composition analysis recently indicating a percentage (1 to 2% by volume range ) of Calcium oxide (CaO).  This compound is highly water soluble and extremely basic (WILL strongly raise pH in a proverbial heart-beat).  I suggest avoiding media that includes CaO as well as similarly significant levels of Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) as well as Ca(OH)₂ and/or  CaO_2.

Charts sourced from “Knott’s Handbook for Vegetable Growers, 5th Edition”, an Industry Standard reference for many decades.

PDF version  KnottsHandbook2012

Hardcopy version available on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Knotts-Handbook-Vegetable-Growers-Maynard/dp/047173828X/ref

Feed and feeding notes:

by garyd | Apr 11, 2017 | Linked

• First week input rate at 4.5% of biomass/day tapering off to 2.1%/day (last week avg.)
• Total feed (mean) per individual = 257 g
• Input rate as % of Pm (day 7)= 9.7%/day
• Input rate as % of Pmf (day 103) = 1.8%/day…BTW:  “P” = individual, “m” = mass (weight), “i” – initial, “f” = final

The one-year feed input rate averaged 133 g/m3/day….which at v:a 1:6 = 22.17 g/m2/d. 

• 2/3rds of that time was with fish larger than 300g (reduced feed as % of biomass/day and w/ lower FCR than smaller tilapia)…BTW: feed rate %/size and FCR are NOT linear functions
• also included a 40+ day interval without any plants (intentional), then another month trying to raise pH again (with a reduced feed rate)