Writer: Robert Burns, 903-834-6191, rd-burns@tamu.edu
OVERTON – People interested in starting up or refining an aquaponics system will get a unique chance to participate in hands-on workshops in January and February at Overton, said Dr. Joe Masabni, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service vegetable specialist.
On Jan. 23 and Feb. 27, Masabni will host workshops on aquaponics system construction and maintenance at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at 1710 N. Farm-to-Market Road 3053, Overton. Each workshop will start at 8:30 a.m. and end by 4:30 p.m.
Registration for either workshop is $100, which includes a discounted registration for one future educational program and educational materials. Each workshop is limited to 15 registrants. To register, go to https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/.
“When we say, ‘hands-on,’ we really mean ‘hands-on,’” he said. “Participants must be prepared to get their hands dirty. This is not a sit-down and just watch event.”
During either workshop, participants will actually help assemble and set up a fully functional aquaponics system at one of the greenhouses at the Overton center, Masabni said. He will be assisted by Clint Kripki of Emerald Aquaponics, Katy.
“This should be a rewarding opportunity for participants to get hands-on practice on all aspects of construction and maintenance of a system with all necessary components for a successful operation and production, whether on a commercial scale or for personal use in the backyard,” Masabni said. “Handouts will be available on practical aspects, such as what type of fish and sources, what type of foam pads and sources for them, and what type of analytical equipment that is best to use to measure pH, nutrient concentration, nitrate levels and more.”
These workshops are part of a series that Masabni is planning for 2016, he said.
For additional information, contact Masabni at jmasabni@tamu.edu.
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