According to the National Agricultural Library of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, hydroponics is the technique of growing plants using a water-based nutrient solution rather than soil. It uses less water and fewer pesticides, produces a higher yield, and most of its raw materials are reusable. These are just some of the reasons why a lot of farmers are advocating the use of different methods of hydroponics in agriculture.
This school year, the TLE and Science teachers, in collaboration with the Faculty and Staff Club, will start the “Hydroponics in PIQC” project. This project aims to encourage everyone in the community to engage in farming through a series of activities.
In preparation for this project, the teachers went to Guiguinto, Bulacan, to attend an actual training organized by Green Pasture Hydroponics Supply, courtesy of Mr. Arcie King Macapagal. Mr. Macapagal began the training by discussing the hydroponics system inside his green house. He also discussed his plan to start with aquaponics. Furthermore, he showed different crops that were planted and cultivated through hydroponics and the traditional way of planting.
Mr. Macapagal discussed and demonstrated the procedure of planting through the Kratky method and mixing nutrient solution. The teachers got to try transferring a 14-day plant to its new pot, moreover, the teachers asked for suggestions and recommendations for starting the hydroponics project in the school.
The training is concluded by presenting the certificate of participation to the teachers who attended. The certificate of appreciation is also presented to Mr. Arcie King Macapagal for sharing his knowledge and experience with the PIQC teachers. Mr. Macapagal also gave lettuce crops to the attendees as a token of his gratitude and appreciation.