UW-Stevens Point opens aquaponics center in Montello
Wisconsin State Journal, Portage Daily Register
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By Lyn Jerde
Chris Hartleb examined the crop of butter lettuce, and noted that the leaves are turning yellow around the edges.
The lettuce, and several other species of lettuce in the same greenhouse tray, is being fed and watered by the droppings of tilapia, a hardy (and tasty) species of freshwater fish. Dozens of fish swim in two 500-gallon tanks.
Hartleb, a biology professor at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, took a close look at the lettuce to determine which species of plant has discolored leaves; whether the discoloration takes place on all the leaves, or just some of them; and what nutrient (probably potassium) could be lacking in the tilapia droppings, causing the yellowing leaves.
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Article Tags
Admissions; Alumni; Healthy; Prosperous; Sustainable
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