Interest in aquaponics has grown considerably in recent years. Kentucky State University's Division of Aquaculture in the College of Agriculture, Food Science, and Sustainable Systems keeps up with the expanding industry by increasing infrastructure for research at the Aquaculture Research Center. The center now houses a production technologies building containing recirculating systems including six replicated aquaponics systems, as well as an aquaponics greenhouse.

aquaponics, have evaluated the growth of basil, Romaine lettuce, Bibb lettuce, kale, and Swiss chard under different types of indoor lighting technologies as well as using outdoor light in the greenhouse. Hager has also conducted sunflower growing trials in the aquaponics green house.

Aquaponics combines recirculating aquaculture systems with soilless plant production, essentially using fish waste as liquid fertilizer for the plants. In its most basic form, aquaponics systems include an area for fish production, a space for solids/waste removal, and a hydroponic production unit.

Recently, Hager teamed up with ACCESS Soup Kitchen and Men's Shelter in Frankfort to provide fresh produce to the soup kitchen. Funding for the project is provided by a grant that requires the focus of the research to be directed toward providing fresh produce to underserved communities, minorities, and food deserts. KSU has provided tilapia about every three to four months, and heads of lettuce are donated to the organization weekly.

At Kentucky State University, aquaponics research has mainly focused on leafy greens because they grow quickly, leading to higher profit turnover for producers than fruiting plants like tomatoes and cucumbers. KSU researchers lead by Janelle Hager, research associate in aquaponics, have evaluated the growth of basil, Romaine lettuce, Bibb lettuce, kale, and Swiss chard under different types of indoor lighting technologies as well as using outdoor light in the greenhouse. Hager has also conducted sunflower growing trials in the aquaponics green house.

“I think part of being at KSU, our goals are serving,” Hager says. “Using aquaponics, a growing field, to reach community members and be engaged that way is cool. This opportunity has been really special.”