Which of the following best describes the purpose of aquaponics?

The purpose of aquaponics is centered around creating a symbiotic environment between fish and plants, which is accurately captured by the chosen answer. In this system, fish and plants are grown together in a closed-loop environment where the fish produce waste that serves as a nutrient source for the plants. The plants, in turn, help filter and clean the water for the fish, leading to a mutually beneficial relationship. This method of farming integrates aquaculture (raising fish) with hydroponics (growing plants in water without soil), optimizing resource use and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

The other options either focus on outdated or less sustainable practices, or do not capture the essence of aquaponics. Specifically, combining fertilizers and pesticides does not reflect the innovative and organic nature of aquaponics, while joining plant parts for propagation is more related to traditional horticulture methods. Lastly, focusing solely on traditional soil farming overlooks the benefits and objectives of modern practices like aquaponics, which aim to maximize production efficiency and sustainability without the reliance on soil.