Students develop soil-less farming using fish waste
Standout student projects serve as gateways to broader horizons across scientific research, economic sectors and entrepreneurship, like the bio-aquatic project initiated by Abu Darda School for Basic Education in Ibri, Dhahirah.
The project involves fish farming and cultivating crops of leafy plants without the use of soil. The plants rely on nutrition from fish waste, serving as plant nutrient delivered by a water circulation system channeled through the crop.
Project manager Yousef bin Muhammad al Hinai stated that the project aims to educate students on establishing and managing agricultural projects, fostering entrepreneurship and encouraging an economic mindset in local and school communities. He further said that the project prioritises producing a natural product without chemical fertilisers and pesticides, while addressing water conservation through modern farming methods.
Hinai envisions the project evolving into a student company specialising in agriculture, promoting healthy farming alternatives and environmental friendliness.
He informed that the project revolves around farming tilapia fish in designated ponds and utilising fish waste as organic fertiliser. The waste undergoes filtration to convert it through specific bacteria, benefiting the crops. The project diversifies crops, including broccoli, lettuce, basil, cucumber and various leafy vegetables, providing an opportunity for cultivation around the year, unaffected by seasonal weather variations.
He added that the team involved in the project also plans to develop two greenhouses equipped with an integrated hydroponics system and establishing a laboratory with small aquaculture ponds and fish incubators to contribute to the governorate's economy through fish farming.
Additionally, the team aims to commercially formulate a fertiliser, further enhancing the project's economic impact.