The Design and Testing of a Specialized Self-sustaining System with Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) Manure for Tomato (Lycopersium esculentum) Cultivation

(5th Place - Regional Science Fair)

Researchers:

Edyll Joshua Binaday

Larry Lao III

Madel Tutor

Jasmine  Espineda

Cedrick Capati

Research Adviser: Mrs. Ma. Regaele A. Olarte

ABSTRACT

 The country’s growing interest in aquaponics and prevalence of animal farming led the researchers to devise an innovation of the existing design of aquaponics that fuses it with animal farming.

            The researchers designed a self-sustaining system that used the science of aquaponics to come up with a system that could manage on its own after proper installation. They also developed a farming technique that could be practiced in any adequate place since the system does not require land to propagate the plants and minimal space is needed.

            The rabbit manure was used since it is known to contain the right quantity of potassium and nitrate for tomato plants, which grow well in aquaponics.  Rabbit manure was also chosen because it could be applied fresh unlike other manures that need to undergo composting before application.

            The researchers set up the system following the same procedures in making aquaponics and incorporated the design they came up with.

            The system worked as the water was pumped into the reservoir then to the grow bed to supply the plants.  After the distribution, the pea gravels filtered the water and when it flowed to the cage to carry another set of manure, the water was cleaned, hence no maintenance was required. Small amount of water was applied due to evaporation.

            The innovated system worked well and the structure and mechanism developed showed commendable results compared to customary aquaponics system.