Evaluation on the Feasibility of a Plant Cultivation System

• Main Authors: Shang-Chin Chen, 陳尚瑾
• Other Authors: Chien-Ming Chen
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2013
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/83428151023722558388

碩士 === 嘉南藥理科技大學 === 環境工程與科學系 === 102 === The purpose of the study is to evaluate a plant cultivation device, which combines hydroponics and fish farming with utilization of solar energy for system power. The patented device is designed as a small unit and can be used in a relatively limited space for operation. It was not assessed for feasibility. This plant cultivation device used filter sponge as a medium in planting spinach accompanied with a water circulating system for irrigation. After filtration and plant root absorption, the wastewater from the fish tank containing nutrients, which is mainly fish feces, can be treated and recycled back to the aquarium. For aquaculture, fish purchased from common market was used as experimental subjects. For vegetables, the device can use any kind of leafy crops. During this experiment, another set without fish served as the control group was used for comparison. The results of this study shows that the waters pH and conductivity were in accordance with the requirement for plants growth and survival of the fish. But the total Kjeldahl nitrogen and the total phosphorous were higher than expected probably due to over-feeding. The dissolved oxygen (DO) was noticed to be related to the operation time of submersible motor. Besides, during several consecutive raining days, DO were less than what was observed in normal days. The air and raising water temperature differences observed was about 3℃ in average. Normally, the water temperature, disregard in summer or winter, was very closely related to the change of the vegetation covering the tank material. For the study of the plant growth, that there is no difference between plant at L1 (grow in the higher level) and L2 (lower level).The differences was up to 8 cm in average; however, in term of weight, the difference was only between 1g to 1.5 g. After the raising period of 3 weeks, the fish were attrition average 7.88 ±1.19 all in good condition with increases of the weight. The device used in this study is relatively compact and can be utilized in the public area or home without occupying lots of space and also can be fully functional for different purposes, such as educational, leisure, and aesthetic. Currently, there are similar devices sold to primary and secondary schools or other public areas.