For most people, the first image that comes to mind is one of plants firmly rooted in dirt. However, this may change with the addition of a unique type of farming new to the Dolores Schools: aquaponics.
"Aquaponics is a combination of aquaculture and hydroponics," said Kelli Meeker, of the Montezuma School to Farm project.
This means that fish farming and growing plants are combined into one symbiotic system - without using soil. The plants filter water for the fish, and the fish produce waste that is broken down into nitrate and nitrite nutrients that the plants use to grow. The whole system uses about 10 percent of the water used in traditional farming, because the water is recycled through the system by a pump.
The system is located in the space between the main gym and the cafeteria. It is made up of a 250-gallon fish tank, and seven halves of 55-gallon barrels topped with lava rocks. It is a media filled bed system, which means that the plants are on top, growing in the lava rocks of the barrels, and water is pumped up from the fish tank. The water then drains back through. Since it is inside, outdoor elements will not have an effect on the plant growth.
"The idea is that it's a space where we can grow year-round," said Meeker.
Right now, the project is still in the experimental phase. Successful aquaponics crops of lettuce, kale, and rhubarb have been planted. Cucumbers and onions seeds have also been planted, which are not typically grown in aquaponics. The fish will be added in the next few weeks before the students get there.
Thanks to this system, students will be able to learn in a lab setting. They will learn about pH, nitrogen, and ammonia. It will give them the opportunity to enhance their math and science skills.
Meeker said she was grateful for Gunther Hardt, who brought in the idea and inspired the Montezuma School to Farm Project to build the system and to the school maintenance staff and the administration.