Not a few people became curious when the Foundation University College of Agriculture embarked on its hydroponics program in 2009. After all, growing plants without using soil seemed like an idea that was out of this world.
Fortunately, Engr. Mark Espedilla, the dean of the FUCA, did not have to reinvent the wheel. By then, hydroponics already had many converts who unselfishly shared their technology. Soon, the small group of hydroponics hobbyists were learning from each other.
As part of its summer course offerings, the FUCA decided to offer Urban Gardening with emphasis on hydroponics and aquaponics, with a little discussion on urban composting and vermi-tea brewing. In addition to available literature on the subject, Espedilla also banked on their experience with urban gardening which became the college’s research and extension project throughout the academic year.
Each meeting lasted for three hours which included discussions on the basic principles and actual hands-on each of these topics. The participants were required to make their own projects and went on field trips to the University demo farm and other hydroponics gardens to give them a better understanding of the technology. They got a lively group of agriculturists coming from various backgrounds:
Narain Hassaram, a professional airline pilot, sees himself retiring in a few years and wants to run his own hydroponics farm when that time comes.
For his final project, Hassaram chose to construct a portable 40-plant Nutrient Film Technique hydroponics set-up, which can provide the daily fresh herb and vegetable requirements of a medium-sized family.
Reah Gentilis, on the other hand, was more interested in organic farming and decided to do a project on aquaponics. She wanted to build a system that combines aquaculture and hydroponics into one unit.
The project used a recycled 200-liter drum as an aquarium tank and grow beds that can accommodate different crops such as tomatoes, lettuce and other vegetables in one system — a replication of the natural ecosystem right at their backyard. They were also able to make their own compost brewer, a machine that convert solid compost into liquid form.
Graciano Jose Pal, a junior Animal Science student from Silliman University, enrolled to seek a diversion from his usual courses in college. But his interest in the subject increased after he learned of the potential of hydroponics in attaining food sustainability.
For Wilma Portugaleza, agriculture and beautification go hand-in-hand. She plans to put up her own hydroponics system as part of her lawn beautification project. She learned that some hydroponics designs can allow her to grow vegetables instead of the typical ornamental plants.
Eduardo Banogon, a banana grower and trader, is interested in setting up his own system of commercial hydroponics. “I found the subject very informative,” Banogon said of the two-week course. He said he appreciated the fact that the FU College of Agriculture was able to bring down the cost of a hydroponics system by using locally-available materials. “The technology has now become more affordable,” Banogon said.
Buoyed by the success of the course, Engr. Mark Espedilla, the dean of the FU College of Agriculture said the University will offer more short-term courses that are relevant in today’s evolving agriculture. “We will have courses on tissue culture, organic farming and other courses and we will offer them regularly to cater to the rising need and interest of Dumaguetenos,” Espedilla said.
