Aquaponic Garden Ecosystems by Jonathan Martin

AGE

AQUAPONIC GARDEN ECOSYSTEMS

Aquatics :: Hor ticulture :: Sur vival

“Obedience In Action: Building Off-the-Grid Living Communities For Hebrew-Israelites & Achieving Unity In the Process.” A Limited Liability Corporation For Hebrew-Israelites

Introduction

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A Balanced Ecosystem Sludge Ponds

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Water Storage Systems

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Harvesting Solar Energy Hydroponics Aquaponics

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AGE, Inc is a registered Member of the Association for Camps of Hebrew-Israelites A J O N AT H A N M A R T I N D E S I G N

A PURPOSEFUL INTRODUCTION

Purposeful & Strategic Natural Resource Management “Can We Build a Self-Sustaining Ecosystem for Plant-Growing and Raising Fish to Provide Nourishment for Hebrew Families in Good Times and During the Tribulation to Come?” We can all imagine a “Worst Case Scenario,” one that involves a catastrophic event of biblical proportions that effects our world on a global scale. Hollywood has depicted these types of “ELE’s (Extinction Level Events) countless times, and has made an entire genre of television shows that portray real world survival techniques from acclaimed experts and certified survival guides. Some of these shows are very extravagant and fictional, while others offer us a more realistic and objective look at possible futuristic outcomes.

The Scriptures speak very clearly about “End of Age” events in prophecy. For some ancient nations and kingdoms, an end has already come. These nations may have had their own folklores about how and when they would see some large scale catastrophe that would signal the end of the world as they knew it. It is only a matter of time before America and the Western Empire comes a’tumbling down.

To paraphrase the Bible, “no man knows the day or the hour” that the end will come, and rather than trying to predict when this age will end, the biggest hurdle should be trying to learn and apply specific survival techniques for ourselves, and adapting them to fit into our Hebrew faith, and our walk with the Most High.

Not only does the Bible give us an in-depth look at an approaching apocalypse, for those of us who are blessed to see the truth, Scripture also gives us key information on how to survive it. “Fleeing into the wilderness,” it says, “the place of safety” away from the major cities, will be how we as Hebrew survive the old world and enter into the new one. We need to be pro-actively preparing now, while the information and product resources

What does the Bible say of an Apocalypse? “FLEE INTO THE WILDERNESS”

INTO THE WILDERNESS FOR SURVIVAL

Retention pond ecosystems are a sustainable way of raising consumable resources. They require a balance between aquatic plant life and animal life, but are also remarkably self-sufficient and easily maintained.

AQUAPONIC GARDEN ECOSYSTEMS

are plentiful. We should prepare a place of refuge where we can exercise our faith and build our communities while we wait for Yah to perform His miraculous wonders.

reckless. Furthermore, many doomsday prepping companies charge outrageous prices for their expertise and constructs, and many people are absolutely unable to afford them.

SURVIVAL ESSENTIALS

A VIABLE SOLUTION

Now, there are essential survival tools that we need to first gather to facilitate preparedness, knowing that an apocalypse is not science fiction. Create a “bug out” bag. This survivor’s toolkit should include several items, like a fire starter, a first aide kit, a knife, hatchet or other sharp edged object, fishing wire and hooks, a steel mess kit for cooking, a canteen, and a host of other goodies that may come in handy for surviving from day to day.

The best survival strategy is to “lay in wait.” Laying in wait, in longterm or semi-permanent dwellings, means having a viable resource on the land or in the immediate vicinity that you can utilize to support the vitality and prosperity of all the members your survival community. Being equipped to provide long-term preparations presents its own set of challenges, which this proposal addresses.

But, not knowing how to sanitize water for drinking, the inability to hunt with consistency, and the need for sustainable shelter really make “surviving” the way Hollywood showcases it highly unlikely, improbable, and

Perhaps the most important step in establishing a wilderness refuge is acquiring the land to found it on. Without having a piece of land to flee to, even the best laid plans are sub-par. Seek to acquire some land in a rural area with some friends that you can

trust; cooperation brings about Unity. After obtaining land, the next step is making the land self-sufficient. You may find that you need electrical power; look into alternative energy sources. Will you need stables for livestock? A method for storing and purifying water? Tents or shacks for dwelling in? Security measures? Exit plans and escape routes with rendezvous points? Although this may seem like a large investment, requiring a tremendous amount of construction and forethought on your part, there is a level of preparedness that will ensure a sufficient level of comfort, longevity, and security for you and your refuge community. Do what works best for you. We will exist within a delicate balance of viable solutions. The longer you think about these things, the more you practice and research, the better off you will be. This presentation will help you do just that. Shalom.

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BUILDING AN AQUAPONIC ECOSYSTEM

Building A Balanced Ecosystem Understanding & Manipulating Nature’s Delicate Balance A good place to start our study of how Aquaponic Garden Ecosystems work is to understand what these gardens really are. An Aquaponic garden is an interconnected web of life; a community of living organisms (plants, animals and microbes) in conjunction with the nonliving components of their environment (things like air, water and mineral soil), interacting as a system. These biotic and abiotic components are regarded as linked together through nutrient cycles and energy flows. As ecosystems are defined by the network of interactions among organisms, and between organisms and their environment, they can be of any size but usually encompass specific, limited spaces.

“An Aquaponic ecosystem offers excellent opportunities to learn about how mankind and the natural world are inter-connected.”

Energy, water, nitrogen and soil minerals are other essential abiotic components of an ecosystem. The energy that flows through ecosystems is obtained primarily from the sun. It generally enters the system through photosynthesis, a process that also captures carbon from the atmosphere. By feeding on plants and on one another, animals play an important role in the movement of matter and energy through the system. They also influence the quantity of plant and microbial biomass present. By breaking down dead organic matter, decomposers release carbon back to the atmosphere and facilitate nutrient cycling by converting nutrients stored in dead biomass back to a form that can be readily used by plants and other microbes.

Though an ecosystem’s survival depends on a delicate balance of resources, they are by no means fragile. Koi fish, like these pictured here, may not be able to survive very long out of water. But in frigid water, hot water, murky and stagnate water, while not suitable for most animals, Koi can survive in it for extended periods of time.

“ E C O S Y S T E M S I N T R O D U C E , H A R V E S T A N D R E C Y C L E N AT U R E ’ S E S S E N T I A L E L E M E N T S . ”

AQUAPONIC GARDEN ECOSYSTEMS

Solar panels come in all sizes, shapes, wattages, and forms. Harvesting the sun’s limitless energy source, mankind has converted solar radiation into a quantifiable electrical power. These solar panels, in various places on this property, power the electric motors that helps the water pumps for the Koi pond, restroom facilities, and the water purification plant, among other things.

I bet spiders creep you out. This species of spider, called a Banana Spider, can grow so large, that it regularly traps and eats large insects, but it is an excellent tool for controlling ravenous grasshopper populations. Your crops will be safer and healthier.

PRODUCING CROPS WHILE DECREASING DEPENDENCY By simply growing and harvesting our own food in back yard far ming operations, we can decrease our spending costs at the supermarket by nearly $17,000 a year. This will also make us less dependent on the charity of the government by an average of seventy percent. It’s a wonder that most people choose not to grow their own food. A J O N AT H A N M A R T I N D E S I G N

BUILDING AN AQUAPONIC ECOSYSTEM

Battling Nature’s Voracious Fury Without Poisons Or Pesticides Grasshoppers, like this Differential grasshopper (Melanoplus differentialis), are one of the most common grasshoppers species in Texas. The larger populations cause most of the damage seen by homeowners and urban residents in Texas. Because grasshoppers require relatively large breeding grounds in which to build large populations, most severe outbreaks occur near farmland and other less disturbed areas, such as in rural communities, farmsteads, and urban fringe areas. Damage to crops is difficult to completely prevent, but we should explore natural preventatives to minimize their impact. Some of the best methods are the use of barriers or infrastructure, spiders, chickens, or some other natural consumer of grasshoppers, and landscape plants that are less prone to damage. Generally only one generation of grasshoppers is produced each year; however, cool, dry weather during the spring months and the successive emergence of different grasshopper species can result in a seemingly endless procession of these insects throughout the summer and fall months. Grasshopper eggs are generally laid during the fall and late summer in rural, non-crop landscapes, such as along ditches, fence rows, and shelter-belts, and in weedy areas. They may also be laid in crop areas after harvest, within weedy fields, and in forage areas and pasture land. Eggs usually hatch the following spring, in June and July. The development of grasshopper nymphs to the adult stage requires 40 to 60 days or more. Adult forms of the differential grasshopper usually appear in mid-July. The adult grasshopper is the most voracious feeder, and is able to disperse over large areas due to its strong wings. The adult grasshopper is the most likely stage to invade and damage ornamental landscapes.

Vegetables and produce are highly susceptible to grasshoppers, who consume the plants and deposit fecal matter on the leaves and counter tops, spreading and breeding bacteria like E. coli. Greenhouses are one of the most efficient ways for growing and protecting delicate vegetables year-round. This homemade greenhouse covers an area of ninety-five feet by forty-five feet. All of the plants are grown hydroponically, and are supported by nutrient-rich sludge harvested from a nearby Koi pond.

“ S O M E P E S T S A R E N O T P E S T S B U T G I F T S F R O M G O D L I K E M A N N A F R O M H E AV E N . ”

AQUAPONIC GARDEN ECOSYSTEMS

Most of the plumbing that can be found in “off-the-grid” living structures is unconventional, and usually demonstrates only a basic knowledge of plumbing mechanics. These are things we can easily read about in DIY books, like using pipe-reduction to increase water pressure, the 1/8 “fall” principle, and several easy ways of filtering and sanitizing water.

While most plumbing, air conditioning, heating, ventilation, and cooling for ranches and barns falls into the realm of commercial or residential work, requiring county permits and licensed professional contractors, most Aquaponic ecosystems and water storage sheds can be successfully maintained with the most humble and crude methods. In this particular storage shed (top picture) the owner simply reused some used PVC piping from an old mobile home to pipe the rain water he collected into the two 5 thousand gallon above ground swimming pools you see. In his greenhouse, the owner had placed these portable propane heaters (right) to keep his green house and crops at a constant warmth and humidity during the winter months, allowing him to grow crops year round. Propane is a very inexpensive means of keeping greenhouses at temperatures that don’t damage the development of the plants. In smaller greenhouses, some growers fancy using heating coil type heaters, which run off of electrical power provided by solar panels. While not as powerful as propane heaters, electrical heating of this sort is truly a more self-sustaining method to use, because buying propane or storing enough propane resources may prove difficult in later years.

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BENEFITS OF SLUDGE PONDS

Retention & Sludge Ponds Could Harvested Sludge Really Be Nature’s New Black Gold DID YOU KNOW: Your pond can be used as an ecological natural resource for a variety of wildlife. Pond water can contain all kinds of nutrients, from fish droppings, excess fish food, and decaying leaves. Sludge, a residue of this nutrient-rich biomass, that collects at the bottom of the pond, can be harvested as a natural fertilizer. It can be placed around the bottom of a tree, plant or shrub to aid in its growth. Ponds attract and create a haven for beautiful fish, dragonflies, frogs and birds, adding to wildlife propagation.

Over the past several years, ponds and water gardens have become a common landscaping trend throughout the United States. Most homeowners create a pond to add beauty to their yards or to increase their home’s living space by adding an outdoor living room around the water garden. Ponds create a solace from the world and a haven for prized Koi and other wildlife. However, few realize the countless environmental benefits to maintaining a pond or water garden.

The introduction of pond critters like frogs and dragonflies will have positive impact on the vitality of the pond environment.

Historically, when we speak about the maintenance of natural and artificial ponds, we are discussing how to eliminate algae from the pond. However, in this case, as more and more Hebrews are becoming environmentally conscious and looking to create safe havens for the coming times of global trouble, pond maintenance in this sense refers to the ecological benefits of cultivating and harvesting a pond’s “green wonder magic.”

According to the National G a r d e n i n g A s s o c i a t i o n’s (NGA) 2008 Environmental Lawn and Garden Survey, nine out of ten households believe it’s important to maintain their landscapes in a way that benefits the environment. However, only half of those are knowledgeable about how to maintain lawns and gardens in an environmentally friendly way. Many do not realize that by replacing some or all of their lawn with a pond, they can conserve energy, save money, support the environment and reduce personal stress. For years, pond owners

“ E M P O W E R I N G T H E F O R C E S O F N AT U R E T H R O U G H C U LT I VAT E D WAT E R G A R D E N S . ”

AQUAPONIC GARDEN ECOSYSTEMS

have been adding beautiful fish (such as Koi and Goldfish) to their pond for enjoyment, relaxation, and recreation. In addition to fish, ponds and water gardens attract other creatures, providing a sanctuary for breeding. Frogs especially gather at the pond as it provides a shelter as they reproduce in the spring and summer. Baby frogs and toads (known as tadpoles) are generally a desirable pond inhabitant for their algae-eating habits. Adult toads are also beneficial to the garden for their aid in controlling insects.

All forms of aquatic vegetation can add to the beauty of the pond and its efficiency, but it is important to have a balance and plant species that will be of the most benefit. It is important to talk to a local lake management or nursery professional to get info on the best types of aquatic vegetation for your pond and its purpose.

BENEFITS OF RETENTION PONDS AND RUNOFF

Bacteria can be added to a retention pond to assist in decomposing and breaking down organic materials such as petroleum products and dead plants, fish, etc. The bacteria will serve to assist in the overall water quality by reducing the pollutants that are added to the pond and also help with the existing decomposition. Allowing migratory birds regular roosting opportunities will introduce bacterial microbes to the pond, through their fecal matter and by other means. Plus, the plants will need to be decomposed after they die and the added bacteria will speed up the decomposition process and help ensure those nutrients get recycled back into the ecosystem. This step is another important one to consult a professional before you start.

Retention ponds are often landscaped with a variety of grasses, shrubs and/or wetland plants to provide bank stability, ecological health, and aesthetic benefits. Vegetation also provides water quality benefits by removing soluble nutrients through uptake. In some areas the ponds can attract migratory types of wildlife like ducks or geese, which further recycle and introduce nutrients into the ecosystem. Aquatic plants can add to the functionality, beauty, and diversity of your retention or sludge pond. Emergent vegetation is great at straining runoff before it enters the pond. Straining the runoff allows suspended solids, sediments, nutrients, and trash or debris to get blocked in the vegetation before it even reaches the pond. Floating and submerged aquatic vegetation, and emergent vegetation (plants that will naturally emerge near your pond) serve to use up the nutrients that are added to the water from runoff. They serve to filter the nutrients out of the water. They also can serve as a food source and hiding places for fish and wildlife.

LEFT: The Giant Water Lily (Victoria Amazonica) has leaves that can grow up to 3 meters in diameters, and sports atrocious thorns. Pond fish love to use them as hiding places. They will situate their nurseries near them to dissuade predators. These lilies also provide surface area for algae to grow. The brilliantly white flower that buds in late summer adds to the plant’s aesthetic value.

BENEFICIAL BACTERIA

DID YOU KNOW: Oxygen is essential for a retention pond to be productive. The pollutants that enter the pond, as discussed, either settle out or get used up in biological processes. The presence of oxygen helps oxidize certain elements that are suspended in the water. The oxidation process causes some materials to become heavier and they will settle out of the water column quicker.

Some aquatic plant species, like these pond reeds, are very invasive; meaning they grow and reproduce at such a rate that they can “overgrow” and become harmful or intrusive to other plants and animals. Failing to maintain these invasive species can cause imbalances in the ecosystem to occur, threatening the health of all the ecosystem’s benefactors. Composting unwanted surpluses of these plants is a good remedy to the problem of over-population. A J O N AT H A N M A R T I N D E S I G N

BENEFITS OF SLUDGE PONDS

AERATION Aeration (also called aerification) is the process by which air is circulated through, mixed with, or dissolved in a liquid or substance. Oxygen is the key ingredient in any healthy marine environment. Dissolved oxygen in the water is essential for aquatic life, such as fish, insects, bacteria, aquatic plants, etc. Without proper levels of oxygen, a pond will not be able to support life and serve as a healthy ecosystem. This is even more important when discussing a retention pond. As discussed, retention ponds tend to collect runoff pollutants and debris from the surrounding areas, holding that extra water, cleaning the water, and releasing it back into the ground, streams, wetlands, etc. Proper aeration is vital for the retention pond to settle, filter, and use up the pollutants that enter during runoff. The dissolved oxygen is also needed for decomposition of organic matter. The bacteria that are in the pond or that are added can decompose material aerobically (with oxygen) or anaerobically (without oxygen). Aerobic decomposition is a better process in your pond because it is quicker and produces less

harmful by-products. Without proper aeration, the bacteria will not be able to quickly or efficiently decompose the organic matter in the pond or that which is washed into it.

MICROBIAL COLONIZATION

It is important that each pond have healthy microbial colonies for the sustained breakdown of bacterial and other potentially harmful materials in the ecosystem. How can one maintain a microbial colony in their pond? One such owner, littered his pond with lava rocks. These porous rocks floated near the surface of the water, and allowed for the appropriate amount of air and sunlight necessary for algae to grow. The algae served as food for the fish and insects, and also as a breeding structure for microbial habitation. The microbes attach to the lava rocks, which float around the ponds, driven by the wind, and serve to disperse and deposit the microbial life evenly around the pond. This method tends to work better than chemically treating water or pouring bacteria starter-kits into the ecosystem. The chemicals are harmful to fish, and bacteria starter-kits are toxic and can introduce potentially lethal diseases into the water.

“ M I C R O S C O P I C L I F E F O R M S B O O S T E C O L O G I C A L H E A LT H A N D P L A N T G R O W T H . ”

AQUAPONIC GARDEN ECOSYSTEMS

Harvesting the sludge from the bottom of the pond serves many wonderful purposes. In one particular pond we observed, the sludge formed a layer nearly a foot thick, accumulated over a three year period. Once it was reaped from the pond, the fish had a lot more room to swim, and the owner begin the process of drying and bagging the sludge to sell on the market as fertilizer. This nutrient-rich biomass can be bagged wet or spread out in the sunlight to dry. Plants that wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t normally have access to such biomass, like fruit trees, oaks, pines, and shrubs, explode with life and foliage once this sludge is spread at their trunks. One problem though: beware the smell!

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W AT E R C ATC H M E N T TA N K S A N D A Q U E D U C T S

Water Containment 101 How to Turn Rain Water Into a Harvestable Natural Resource RAIN WATER COLLECTION Rain water catchment, also called rain harvesting, is the simple process of channeling and storing rain water for use in other applications. These simple systems connect downspouts (gutters) to a central water tank capable of holding massive amounts of water. For most of us, the issue is not that it never rains, but rather that when it does, most of the runoff is lost. But, by utilizing a water catchment system, we make the best use of what little rain there is. TYPES OF WATER STORAGE TANKS Water storage tanks come in all sizes and forms, from 50, 70, and 100 gallon drums made of steel, aluminum, or any number of composite materials, to swimming pools, tubs, tanks, and cylinders. In fact, any variety of quantifiable catchment space can be transformed to a water storage device; some are better than others. BUILDING AN AQUEDUCT SYSTEM An aqueduct is a watercourse constructed to convey water. In modern engineering, the term aqueduct is used for any system of pipes, ditches, canals, tunnels, and other structures used for this purpose. The term aqueduct also often refers specifically to a bridge on an artificial watercourse. The word is derived from the Latin aqua (“water”) and ducere (“to lead”). Aqueducts were used by the Ancient Greeks, Ancient Egyptians, and Romans. In modern times, the largest aqueducts built in the United States, supply water to the country’s biggest desert-area cities. The simplest aqueducts are small ditches cut into the earth. Much larger channels may be used in modern aqueducts. Aqueducts sometimes run for some or all of their path through tunnels

constructed underground. Modern aqueducts may also use pipelines. Historically, agricultural societies have constructed aqueducts to irrigate crops and supply large cities with drinking water. WATER FILTRATION Water filtration removes impurities from water by means of a fine physical barrier, a chemical process or a biological process. Filters cleanse water to different extents for purposes like irrigation, drinking water, aquariums, ponds and swimming pools. Types of water filters include media filters, screen filters, disk filters, slow sand filter beds, rapid sand filters, cloth filters, and biological filters such as algae scrubbers. Slow sand filters, also called bio-sand filters, are used in water purification for treating raw water to produce a potable product. This method mimics the same natural process of water purification that occurs when a well in dug in sand. The weight of the water creates a tremendous pressure, that compacts the sand to the point that only fresh water can manage to seep through. Over time, a microbial layer builds up on the surface of the sand, which must be skimmed off to keep the filtration process from being contaminated. Using a plant box is another effective way to filter water. Plants strain impurities out of the water and thrive on the continuous cycle of streaming water. Water stagnation occurs when water stops flowing. Stagnant water can be a major environmental hazard. It can cause mosquitoes to breed and reproduce, which may lead to dengue, diseases, sicknesses, and other contractible viral pathogens. It is important to have several different water filtration systems in place, especially if the plan is to support permanent or semi-permanent habitation by a large number of people.

“ WAT E R I S T H E E S S E N C E O F H U M A N L I F E A N D I S W O R T H I T S W E I G H T I N G O L D . ”

AQUAPONIC GARDEN ECOSYSTEMS

This single water storage shed houses two aboveground swimming pools. Each pool holds about 5 thousand gallons of rain water. These two pools were filled to the top with potable water.

This unconventional aqueduct system, made from recycled old farm materials, channels rain water from off of fourteen different structures spread over the ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s property. During just one rainy season, the owner was able to channel and store nearly 50 thousand gallons of water that would have normally runoff into the Colorado river behind his property. His catchment tanks include two above ground swimming pools, that hold 5 thousand gallons each, two 3 thousand gallon steel cylinders, an 18 thousand gallon industrial catchment unit (that he purchased before he knew how to DIY), a 150 gallon composite feed barrel, and a number of steel feed troughs. We estimated that he had enough potable water to supply over 100 people with a gallon of drinking water every day for over a year.

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W AT E R C ATC H M E N T TA N K S A N D A Q U E D U C T S

These high-rise aqueducts move thousands of gallons of water across this owner’s property during rain storms. The water is channeled to storage tanks, to the several Koi ponds on the property, to the restroom facilities, and for other general uses. What you can’t see is that there is a 1/8 fall to the system, from the right side to the left, which easily moves the water where it needs to be. This aqueduct system descends 5 feet from its highest point.

Taken from roof to shutter to pipe, and from small pipes to increasingly larger and larger pipes, rain water channeling can amass large amounts of potable water in little to no time at all. In water catchment farms, the land may be filled with literally hundreds of corrugated tin roof sheds (without walls) that are used for nothing other than catching water to be channeled for allocation. There is no limit to the amount of structures that can be set up as a catchment surface. Once water is collected, the creation of a “Water Fall” system will provide sufficient pressure to use the water for showering and other necessities that require pressures above 100 PSI (pounds per square inch). A gallon of water weighs 8.46 pounds. A storage unit that holds one hundred gallons of water, standing at a height of six feet, piped through a half-inch release tube would produce enough pressure to clean surfaces and spray across a room (if you restrict the flow of water with your thumb). A simple experiment will prove this. Take a trip to your local home and garden store, or use the internet to Google or Youtube DIY water pressure/water catchment projects for “off-the-grid” living. You may be surprised at the amount of information out there that is freely and readily available to the endtime prepper.

“ A N C I E N T C I V I L I Z AT I O N S W E R E B U I LT O N T H E E D G E S O F R I V E R B A N K S . ”

AQUAPONIC GARDEN ECOSYSTEMS

This water catchment unit holds more that 18 thousand gallons of rain water, which is piped into it from an aqueduct system that spans more that 300 feet in length, from end to end. “Do not marvel at the size and sophistication of this system,” the owner warned us. “I’ve amassed all of this over the course of two decades, and designed it as a show piece to demonstrate how grand and spectacular water storage can be.” What most surprised us was the fact that this owner was a retired English teacher, not an engineer.

After calculating the average rainfall in this part of Texas, we concluded that it probably took this owner just over two years to fill this tank with a volume of 18 thousand gallons. The best way to optimize or speed up this process is by building structures specific to water catchment. Remember, in a world apocalypse scenario, you can never have too much fresh water.

These four composite tanks, enclosed in a reinforced steel cage, are sold in surplus via the internet. Companies like Coca-Cola and Pepsi use them to ship the syrups that later go on to make their classic beverages. They are reinforced so that they can be stacked so many layers high in storage warehouses. They cost anywhere from $80 to $300 each, and can quite easily be retro-fitted to serve any number of water catchment needs.

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I N F I N I T E P O W E R G E N E R AT I O N F R O M S O L A R PA N E L S

Harvesting Solar Energy Sunlight Has Influenced Human Architectural History & Urban Planning Methods Since the Days of Ancient Egypt Solar energy is radiant light and heat from the sun harnessed using a range of ever-evolving technologies such as solar heaters, solar photovoltaics, solar thermal electricity, solar architecture, and artificial photosynthesis. Solar technologies are broadly characterized as either passive solar or active solar harvesting, depending on the way they capture, convert and distribute solar energy. Active solar techniques include the use of photovoltaic panels and solar thermal collectors to harvest the energy. Passive solar techniques include orienting a building to the Sun, selecting materials with favorable thermal mass or light dispersing properties, and designing spaces that naturally circulate air.

Solar energy can be harnessed at different levels around the world, mostly depending on the distance from the equator.

In 2011, the International Energy Agency said that “the development of affordable, inexhaustible and clean solar energy technologies will have huge long-term benefits. It will increase countries’ energy security through reliance on an indigenous, inexhaustible and mostly import-independent resource, enhance longevity, reduce pollution, lower the costs of mitigating climate change, and will keep fossil fuel prices lower than otherwise. These advantages are global. Hence the additional costs of the incentives for early deployment should be considered learning investments; they must be wisely spent and need to be widely shared.”

The Earth receives 174 petawatts (PW) of incoming solar radiation (called insolation) at the upper atmosphere. About half the incoming solar energy reaches the Earth’s surface. Approximately 30% is reflected back to space while the rest is absorbed by clouds, oceans and land masses. The spectrum of solar light at the Earth’s surface is mostly spread across the visible and near-infrared ranges with a small part in the near-ultraviolet.

“HARNESSING SOLAR THERMAL TECHNOLOGIES TO CRADLE HUMAN LIFE.”

AQUAPONIC GARDEN ECOSYSTEMS

Artificial photosynthesis is a chemical process that replicates the natural process of photosynthesis, a process that converts sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into carbohydrates and oxygen. The term is commonly used to refer to any scheme for capturing and storing the energy from sunlight in the chemical bonds of a fuel source. By photosynthesis, green plants convert solar energy into chemical energy, which produces food, wood and the biomass from which fossil fuels are derived.

Solar thermal technologies can be used for water heating, space heating and cooling, and power plant processes. Photovoltaics generates electrical power by converting sunlight into direct current electricity using semiconducting materials. A photovoltaic system employs solar panels composed of a number of solar cells to supply usable solar power. It is both clean and sustainable.

WAT E R D I S T I L L AT I O N W I T H PA R A B O L I C S O L A R R E F L E C T O R S Solar distillation can be used to make water potable. S olar water disinfec tion involves exposing water-filled bottles to sunlight for several hours. The World H e a l t h O rg a n i z a t i o n suggests it as a viable method for household water treatment and safe storage. Over two million people in developing countries use this method for their daily drinking water. A J O N AT H A N M A R T I N D E S I G N â&#x20AC;&#x201A;

I N F I N I T E P O W E R G E N E R AT I O N F R O M S O L A R PA N E L S

On this property, the owner has enough solar panels to produce more than 30,000 volts of electricity a day. To put that in perspective, standard house voltage in the United States is 110-120 for the outlets in most rooms, and 220-240 for the big outlets like the dryer, stove, water heater, and large air conditioners.

Other uses for solar energy harvesting includes cooking. Solar cookers use sunlight for cooking, drying and pasteurization. Solar cooking offsets fuel costs, reduces demand for fuel or firewood, and improves air quality by reducing or removing a source of smoke. Flat surface solar cookers can be used effectively with partially overcast skies and will typically reach temperatures of 50–100 °C. Parabolic solar cookers use convex reflectors to concentrate solar energy onto a cooking container. Most parabolic cooker heat faster and at higher temperatures (up to 350 °C in direct sunlight). Concentrated Solar Power (also called CSP) systems use mirrors or lenses to concentrate a large area of sunlight, or solar thermal energy, onto a small area. Electrical power is produced when the concentrated light is converted to heat, which drives a heat engine (usually a steam turbine) connected to an electrical power generator or powers a thermo-chemical reaction. Fresnel reflectors are made of many thin, flat mirror strips to concentrate sunlight onto tubes through which water (for distillation) or some other working fluid is pumped. Flat mirrors allow for a more reflective surface area in the same amount of space as a parabolic reflector, thus capturing more of the available sunlight, and they are much cheaper than parabolic reflectors. Fresnel reflectors can be used in various size CSP’s.

“ O P T I M I Z I N G D AY L I G H T H O U R S F O R M A X I M U M P O W E R G E N E R AT I O N . ”

AQUAPONIC GARDEN ECOSYSTEMS

Small-yield solar panels, like these pictured here, generate enough electrical power to operate the small water and air pumps located at the bottom of this trough full of Koi and aquatic plants. DID YOU KNOW: Solar energy can be stored in the form of hot water? Here’s how. Heat up water, but don’t allow it to boil or vaporize. This hot water can be piped under floors or in walls to heat up rooms during the winter.

This diagram illustrates how sunlight (solar energy) is concentrated using CSP methodology to convert water into steam, to power a wind turbine motor. As the steam passes through the system, looking for a way out, it hits and turns the turbine’s fan blades, causing a copper coil to spin around and creates electrical energy. This is not a complicated power plant. Most retail stores offer small-scale versions of this system, safe for use by children as young as 3rd grade.

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H Y D R O P O N I C G R O W I N G M E D I U M S A N D H U M I D I F I C AT I O N

Hydroponic Gardening Growing Vegetables, Herbs, & Healing Aloes Year Round THE HISTORY OF HYDROPONICS The word hydroponics comes from two Greek words, “hydro” meaning water and “ponics” meaning labor. The concept of “soil-less” gardening or hydroponics has been around for thousands of years. The hanging Gardens of Babylon and The Floating Gardens of China are two of the earliest examples of hydroponics. Scientists started experimenting with soil-less gardening around 1950. Since then, other countries, such as Holland, Germany, and Australia have used hydroponics for crop production with amazing results. THE BENEFITS OF HYDROPONICS Hydroponics is proven to have several advantages over soil gardening. The growth rate on a hydroponic plant is 30 to 50 percent faster than a soil-based plant, grown under the same conditions. The yield of the plant is also greater. Scientists believe that there are several reasons for the drastic differences between hydroponic and soil plants. The extra oxygen in the hydroponic growing mediums helps to stimulate root growth. Plants with ample oxygen in the root system also absorb nutrients faster. The nutrients in a hydroponic system are mixed with the water and sent directly to the root system. The plant does not have to search in the soil for the nutrients that it requires. Those nutrients are being delivered to the plant several times per day. The hydroponic plant also requires very little energy to find and break down food. The plant then uses this saved energy to grow faster and to produce more fruit. Hydroponic plants also have fewer problems with bug infestations, fungus and disease. In general, plants grown hydroponically are healthier and happier plants.

Vine-attaching plants are messy, highly invasive, and have a reputation for being very difficult to grow indoors. This particular farmer had rigged a line from the ceiling of his greenhouse and hung attachment lines on it so his vine plants could climb up. It was a brilliant idea.

“ R E A L I Z I N G T H E A D VA N TA G E S O F H O R T I C U LT U R E I N A W O R L D M O R E G R E E N . ”

AQUAPONIC GARDEN ECOSYSTEMS

It was amazing to see over a hundred different edible plant species being grown in this farmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greenhouse. From herbs and spices, to aloe vera and cactus, to vegetables and fruits, potatoes and ginseng, the range of diversity that one solitaire greenhouse can accommodate is baffling and amazing. The extent to which a farmer can manipulate the natural processes of nature is unlimited.

Try to remember the 1/8 rule. That is, put a 1/8 inch fall on all of your hydroponic plant trays to allow gravity to do all the heavy work of moving the water along the hydroponic network. It will save you time and energy.

R E C YC L I N G O L D M AT E R I A L S F O R N E W C O N S T R U C T I O N M any times, farmers can build their greenhouses from materials that they have in great supply on their property already. This greenhouse is made from rec ycled scraps and heaps. Remember, there is no rule book for constructing your greenhouse. Whatever works the most efficiently and cost-effectively is always the best. A J O N AT H A N M A R T I N D E S I G N â&#x20AC;&#x201A;

H Y D R O P O N I C G R O W I N G M E D I U M S A N D H U M I D I F I C AT I O N

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS Hydroponic gardening also offers several benefits to our environment. Hydroponic gardening uses considerably less water than soil gardening, because of the constant reuse of the nutrient-rich solutions. Due to lack of necessity, fewer pesticides are used on hydroponic crops. Most crops are grown indoors or in greenhouses, where insect populations can be controlled. Since hydroponic gardening systems use no topsoil, erosion isn’t even an issue. And, considerably, if agricultural trends continue to erode topsoil and waste water, hydroponics may soon be our only solution. GROWING MEDIUMS The purpose of a growing medium is to aerate and support the root system of the plant and to channel the water and nutrients. Different growing mediums work well in different types of hydroponic systems. A fast draining medium, such as Hydrocorn or expanded shale works well in an ebb and flow type system. Hydrocorn is a light expanded clay aggregate. It is a light, airy type of growing medium that allows plenty of oxygen to penetrate the plant’s root system. Both types of grow rocks can be reused, although the shale has more of a tendency to break down and may not last as long as the Hydrocorn. These grow rocks are very stable and rarely effect the pH of the nutrient solution. Rockwool has become an extremely popular growing medium. Rockwool was originally used in construction as insulation. There is now a horticultural grade of Rockwool. Unlike the insulation grade, horticultural Rockwool is pressed into growing cubes and blocks. It is produced from volcanic rock and limestone. These components are melted at temperatures of 2500 degrees and higher. The molten solution is poured over a spinning cylinder, comparable to the way cotton candy is made, then pressed into identical sheets, blocks or cubes.

This corrugated paper wall is called a Greenhouse Humidification Wet Wall. An evaporative cooling system like this one is used as major environmental control in greenhouses in most areas of the world. Evaporative cooling systems consist of exhaust fans and a wall of absorbent material like paper. As warm air passes through the wet paper it replicates a constant sub-tropical climate to protect plants from damage due to extreme hot and frigid temperatures.

“ T H E S E C R E T O F L I F E A N D L O N G E V I T Y I S H I D D E N AWAY I N T H E P L A N T S . ”

AQUAPONIC GARDEN ECOSYSTEMS

Since Rockwool holds 10 to 14 times as much water as soil and retains 20 percent of its volume in air it can be used in just about any hydroponic system. Although the gardener must be careful of the pH, since Rockwool has a pH of 7.8, it can raise the pH of the nutrient solution. Rockwool cannot be used indefinitely and most gardeners only get one use per cube. It is also commonly used for propagation.

Tomatoes, a relatively hard plant to grow outdoors, does surprisingly well in greenhousebased hydroponic operations. The delicate fruit benefits from a lack of predation by insects, snakes, and birds, and the added aeration and nutrients that it would normally have to vie for in the ground.

After being grown in a hydroponic nursery, most plants can be easily replanted into another medium, such as pea gravel or soil. This works especially well for heartier plant species, such as shrubs, aloes, and cactus. Plants that are replanted after being hydroponically grown have a better start in life and will generally last as long as or longer than normal plants. This frees up your space to grow more plants.

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F I S H I N G , FA R M I N G , A N D L o n g e v i t y

Aquaponics & Fish Raising Urban Fish Farming Designed To Feed Your Community Forever WHAT IS AQUAPONICS? Aquaponics is a food production system that combines conventional aquaculture (raising aquatic animals such as fish, in tanks) with hydroponics (cultivating plants in water) in a symbiotic environment. In normal aquaculture, excretions of waste from the animals being raised can accumulate in the water, increasing toxicity. In an Aquaponic system, water from an aquaculture system is fed into a hydroponic system where the by-products are broken down by nitrogen-fixing bacteria into nitrates and nitrites, which are utilized by the plants as nutrients. The water is then recirculated back to the aquaculture system. As existing hydroponic and aquaculture farming techniques form the basis for all Aquaponic systems, the size, complexity, and types of foods grown in an Aquaponic system can vary as much as any system found in either distinct farming discipline. If we were to ignore all the environmental problems of over-population, famine and our coming Tribulation, the benefits of creating an Aquaponic garden would still vastly outweigh the costs associated with buying food from the grocery stores and storing it in refrigerators or

pantries. And, creating an infrastructure that would provide for the needs of our growing people (as we are commanded by Torah to do) would soon have us upside down, swallowed in debt, spending unfathomable amounts of cash each and every year, and wasting more and more resources.

AQUAPONICS VS. HYDROPONICS Hydroponics is a subset of hydro-culture and is a method of growing plants using mineral nutrient solutions, in water, without soil. Terrestrial plants may be grown with their roots in the mineral nutrient solution only or in an inert medium, such as perlite or gravel. But, where this method of growing falls apart is in acquiring the solutions. Being a necessary part of the plant’s development, without the blue and green soluble chemicals, the plants will not prosper. Without soil as a buffer, any failure to the hydroponic system leads to rapid plant death. Other disadvantages include pathogen attacks such as damp-off due to Verticillium wilt caused by the high moisture levels associated with hydroponics and over-watering of soil based plants. Also, many hydroponic plants require different

“ G I V E A M A N A F I S H A N D Y O U ’ L L F E E D H I M F O R A D A Y. ”

AQUAPONIC GARDEN ECOSYSTEMS

fertilizers and containment systems. These solutions can be very expensive and can require massive storage facilitation to stockpile the necessary chemicals for times of crisis, fallout, or product storages. Aquaponics is a superior method for this very reason. The “gray water” produced by the fish is fully loaded with the nitrates, nitrites, and microbial nutrients, which can be pumped into the soil that will help your plants thrive. The plants then return oxygenated, filtered water, suitable for human consumption and for the fish to survive.

RAISING CLEAN VS. UNCLEAN FISH There are some obvious advantages to the type of fish you decide to raise in an Aquaponic ecosystem. Clean fish are choice for their ability to be consumed, according to the Dietary Law. But, in eating your fish supply, fish farming becomes more of a necessity. Unclean fish would have a population protected from predation and your dinner plate, but, will not serve the double purpose of creating nutrientrich waste and a consumable food source. Perhaps the best ground is in keeping a mixture of both clean and unclean fish together. Catfish, algae-eaters, and even crawfish will serve the very purposeful task of being a secondary or tertiary layer in the breakdown, decomposition, and processing of waste matter.

DID YOU KNOW: Tilapia is what scientists call an “invasive” species. These fish reproduce on such a massive scale that they can easily out-compete and push out indigenous species of fish. It is illegal in some states to purchase live fish.

LEFT: Koi, a species of giant gold fish, can grow to monstrous sizes, but are generally not considered a tasteful fish to eat. Depending on the dimensions of the pond you build on your land, you may consider raising other types of fish, like bass, tilapia, red drum, or trout. Some species of fish will do better than others in the farming environment.

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F I S H I N G , FA R M I N G , A N D S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y

Peace of Mind & Therapeutic Benefits of Water Gardening It is amazing to notice how peaceful Aquaponic gardens are, and how they can bring peace and tranquility to a person and community. Their biological, chemical, zoological, and ecological complexity is masked only by their beauty and allure. Emerging science has only begun to explore the complex psychological and physiological benefits of owning and maintaining water gardens, These are attractions in a way, yet bring no disruptions to the natural environment, nor do they disrupt the daily operations of working ranches. Our aim is to show you how having Aquaponic Gardens is a way for your family and community to prosper. By now, if you’ve read this proposal all the way through, you are able to quantify how the many tiers that make up Aquaponic Garden Ecosystems offers those who are diligent with it peace of mind and opportunities to make a meaningful living. From Raising consumable fish, and crops, to purifying water, water catchment and storage, solar energy harvesting, steam and hydro-electric power plants, to sludge -to-fertilizer harvesting and pond and peripheral installations, getting your family and community involved with the whole experience will reinforce social bonds and help our Covenant Families stay connected with each other. Maintaining AGE ponds and passing down to others the knowledge of the sciences and intricacies of the process can be an enjoyable and harmonious living experience under Torah.

“ T E A C H A M A N T O F I S H A N D Y O U ’ L L F E E D H I M F O R A N E T E R N I T Y. ”

AQUAPONIC GARDEN ECOSYSTEMS

“How Good & How Pleasant It Is To Dwell Together in Unity” Can we find anywhere in Scripture that says where we should flee, or where the Wilderness is? Or are we Hebrews, in not preparing, hoping for a Wilderness place where all the work is done for us? Are we still looking for that rapture that the non-believer vainly seeks after? We talk to so many Hebrews that confess their dedication to the Laws and Commandments of the Most High. And yet, when asked how they have prepared for the coming times of trouble, all they can do is throw up their shoulders and speak about a direction of truth that they have never considered. But also are the “Naysayers,” that attest that Yah has not approved our departure to any wilderness living yet. But should we be waiting on a command from the Creator to come together with His People. His correction of us usually came in the form of a chastening rod. The Scriptures adamantly warn us to “Watch.” This action which the Bible calls “Watching” does not mean to use your eyes and simply observe. In its truest form, this means “to prepare,” or “to waken (or be roused) from inactivity.” So, how can we be actively preparing for the Wilderness time? We believe that Aquaponic Garden Ecosystems is a legitimate way of doing so. We stand by this product and welcome the opportunity to show how this amazing, amazingly affordable and efficient process works.

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Prepare For The Coming Tribulation “What A Wonderful Opportunity to Lead the People in the Way of the Wilderness.” -Louis Chapman, CEO of AGE, Inc. We would like to first extend a hearty welcome to you on behalf of our Board of Directors for taking the time to consider implementing this project in any of its various forms. You have been extended a tremendous opportunity to serve your community of Believers during what will be the most detrimental and developmental years of our national rebirth. You have been recommended to our Board’s Development Committee as a possible candidate for participation and partnership in a business venture, along with several other start-up and experienced entrepreneurs, based on the summary of your personal skills, talents, specialties and resources. We are asking you to give serious consideration to this opportunity. AGE (Aquaponic Garden Ecosystems) is a Resource Management Network for Holistic Living Communities. We specialize in agricultural farming infrastructure, rural development, and sustainable, community living—providing these services to an intricate group of Believers. Since its founding, AGE, Inc. has become recognized as an effective provider of support to neighbors in need, having a lasting impact within the communities. The next several years promise to be exciting ones for AGE, Inc. With dedication and support, AGE, Inc. will continue to have a positive impact on the lives of the people and families we serve. As an affiliate, you will play a central role in this important work. If you have any comments, questions or concerns, please contact Louis Chapman at (210) 739-7631 or Jonathan Martin at (832) 317-1254.

“AND THE WILDERNESS WILL BLOSSOM LIKE THE ROSE.”

AGE, Inc and its members welcome the opportunity to work with all Hebrews, regardless of doctrinal beliefs or affiliations. We do not teach or support division among camps or groups. We believe in the precepts of Truth that garner National Unity, Harmony and Cooperation..