Fish, plants and food security: Rowan On visits Rowan's aquaponics greenhouse

What do fish, basil, tomatoes and food security have in common?

In Season 2, Episode 3 of the Rowan On podcast, host Karen Holloway visits Rowan University’s aquaponics facility and sits down with Stephen Ordog, assistant teaching professor in the Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, to explore how fish and plants work together in a sustainable growing system on the University’s West Campus.

Aquaponics combines aquaculture, the raising of aquatic livestock with hydroponics, the cultivation of plants without soil. At Rowan’s facility, fish provide nutrients for crops through a carefully balanced recirculating water system, while plants help clean and use those nutrients as they grow. 

During the conversation, Ordog explains how the facility supports hands-on education, undergraduate research and community engagement while producing fresh food donated to The SHOP at Rowan, the University’s food pantry, as well as other regional organizations that serve people experiencing food insecurity.

The episode also highlights the student volunteers who help operate the facility year-round, monitor fish health and water quality, and harvest crops ranging from lettuce and Swiss chard to tomatoes, herbs and edible flowers. Ordog says students from a variety of academic disciplines, including engineering, environmental science, chemistry, biology and veterinary medicine, contribute to the operation. The collaborative effort exemplifies Rowan’s commitment to rolling up its sleeves, giving students hands-on experience while addressing real-world challenges related to sustainable food production and food access.

Listeners will get an inside look at Rowan’s growing alternative agriculture initiatives and hear Ordog discuss future opportunities in aquaponics, sustainable food production and education. He also shares how the greenhouse serves as a living laboratory for courses focused on indoor agriculture and sustainability.

Along the way, Holloway recounts her visit to the greenhouse, where she fed fish, tested water quality and sampled produce grown in the facility, including tomatoes, mustard greens and basil.

Listen to the full episode to learn more about the innovative aquaponics facility and the people helping it grow.

Audiences can listen through Spotify, Apple and other podcast platforms or watch each episode on YouTube.