Aquaponics was initially developed using the advances in other technologies like recirculated aquaculture and hydroponics. However, over the years, aquaponics become not just self-sufficient discipline, but also an inspiration for many scientists for new ideas and innovative approaches to fish and plant production. As a result, aquaponics research led to more efficient solids separation and aerobic bioreactor technology, which can benefit other sectors of agriculture. The results of many years of aquaponics research in Canada will be discussed.

The study of adaptable farm-level strategies for pathogen control is important to maintain water quality for cattle consumption and reduce the spread of pathogens in the environment. This study aimed to evaluate the techniques of aeration and UV radiation of water in reducing pathogens. Aeration Smartpond system was evaluated comparing aerated and non-aerated outdoor reservoirs filled with 800 L water inoculated with slurry at an initial concentration 1000 CFU/100 mL of Escherichia coli. Samples were taken on days 1, 2, 3, 7 and 8 to determine the concentration of bacteria. pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, and total dissolved solids were measured at the end of the trial. A water recirculation system in a typical 378 L trough coupled with a 9 W UV lamp was evaluated at an initial concentration of 500 CFU/100 mL of E.coli at 30, 60 and 360 min of recirculation. In the aerated reservoirs, there was a reduction of up to 60% at day 2 and an increase in dissolved oxygen. The same efficiency was reported in the non-aerated reservoirs at day 7. There was an increase in pH and no difference for temperature, conductivity, and total dissolved solids. At the exit of the UV-lamp, the bacteria concentration was less than 100 CFU/100 mL, while at the entrance of the recirculation a significant reduction was evidenced at 360 min of treatment. These results demonstrate the potential of both techniques under the established experimental conditions established in the reduction of pathogens in water for cattle consumption.

The intent of this project is to determine if shallow burial is a viable option for disposal of livestock mortalities in Saskatchewan.

The need for alternative methods of deadstock disposal arises from the high costs of other disposal methods. Above ground burial appears to be an alternative that is economical, practical, environmentally secure, and socially acceptable.

For this trial, two sites with different soils were selected. Background soil geochemical samples were collected prior to burial. Swine were buried in the trenches according to size between two layers of straw. Soil moisture and temperature probes were installed in the trenches and scavenger activity was monitored with trail cameras.

In 2022, the burial trial continued into its second year. Preventative measures were required to discourage scavenging and these measures proved to be effective. Geochemical results show that ion concentrations in the soil were elevated compared to background levels. When composting began, the carcass temperatures were higher than background but did not reach temperatures higher than 30.2 °C, which is not sufficient for virus deactivation.

In November 2022, the shallow burial trench in both locations were opened using a backhoe to assess carcass degradation. The carcasses in the north trench were further along in terms of decomposition. Large bones were observable but smaller bones were not. At the south site, in the feeder location, it seemed that some of the feeder carcasses were drying out, compared to decomposing. One more geochemical sampling campaign will be completed in the Spring of 2023.