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The word, aquaponics, may still sound new and foreign-sounding, but the term is beginning to get the attention of many who see it as one sustainable agricultural solution for an increasingly crowded planet.  This might be especially true for poverty stricken countries.

A Georgia-based author, Bevan Suits, has written an engaging new e-book about the topic, “The Aquaponics Guidebook, Access to Personal Agriculture.” For those interested, and there are plenty of good reasons to be interested, the book acts as a doorway to the world of aquaponics, “so you can learn about it quickly and get started, no matter your experience, budget or available space.,” says Suits. “Even beginners on a small scale will see amazing results. Greens like lettuce or basil can grow to harvest in four weeks.”

Aquaponics is an established growing system combining fish in tanks with vegetable grow beds. Water is recirculated continuously with a pump. One way of describing it might go something like this:  Aquaculture (growing ­fish) + Hydroponics (growing plants) = Aquaponics.

Suits says until now, there hasn’t been a single reference on the topic. The book covers the technology, science, history and economics of aquaponics.

The book is available as an interactive PDF download, and provides links in the text to supporting websites to get a tour of the aquaponics world, which is gaining popularity in the United States.

In its review of the book, the Ecologist wrote, “The ultimate inspiration for anyone interested by the idea of producing vegetables and raising fish on a micro-scale and in a sustainable way.”

Suits says his book is being promoted across this country by several hydroponics retailers, adding that Colorado is one of the states where interest in aquaponics is most noticeable. The book is available in a PDF format for $12.00. Sample pages can be read at http://www.accesstoaquaponics.com/book.html