Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) productivity and nutritive value in aquaponic versus hydroponic systems

This study evaluated the effects of aquaponic and hydroponic systems on the germination and growth of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) in Nablus, West Bank, Palestine. A randomized complete block design with three treatments was employed. Barley seeds were pre-treated through washing, disinfection, and soaking, and germination was conducted in polyethylene trays under three conditions: aquaponic with tilapia, hydroponic with tap water, and hydroponic with a commercial nutrient solution. Growth parameters, including fresh and dry weights of barley sprouts, were measured on days 7 and 14. Water quality parameters, such as total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, pH, nitrite, nitrate, chlorine, carbonate, total hardness, and temperature, were monitored throughout the study. On day 7, the average fresh weight of barley trays was 7.13 kg, increasing to 10.21 kg by day 14. The aquaponic system exhibited superior performance, achieving a mean fresh weight of 11.80 ± 0.231 kg on day 14, compared to 9.27 ± 0.202 kg and 9.58 ± 0.219 kg in the hydroponic treatments. Additionally, barley grown in the aquaponic system had the highest dry matter net weight (1.963 ± 0.035 kg) and crude protein content (19%) by day 14. These findings highlight the potential of aquaponic systems to enhance barley growth and nutrient content compared to hydroponic systems. Key words: Aquaponics, hydroponics, barley, growth performance, water quality, crude protein.