A circular tri-trophic system incorporating plants, fish, and insects turns waste into a resource: case study with the cultivation of cucumber.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Circular economy principles are key to enhancing agricultural sustainability and efficiency. In this context, a tri-trophic circular system comprising three types of organisms (plants, insects and fish) that feed each other has been implemented. The nutritional loop involved: i) fertilizing cucumbers with water containing fish metabolic waste through a recirculating water system known as aquaponics; ii) feeding black soldier fly larvae plant pruning residues and fruit; and iii) feeding tilapia fish insect larvae after they have been transformed into insect meal and incorporated into aquafeed. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate cucumber production in this circular system by investigating key physiological, growth, and yield parameters, and assessing resource u

SUBMITTER: Levizou E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12560244 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature