Hanging Gardens of Hwa Chong Implementation Phases
Transcript of Hanging Gardens of Hwa Chong Implementation Phases
THE HANGING
GARDENS OF
HWA CHONGGroup No.: 12-25
Keven Loo Yuquan 4I106 (L)Ching Kai Xiang 4I202Fong Hok Shing 4I204
Koh Qian Siang, Gordon 4I208
Implementation Process: Part a1
Test Phase 1Aim:- To estimate the amount of nutrient
solution required in the entire system- To determine the volume capacity of the
plant trays- All these will help us to specify the
benchmark for replenishing lost solution into the system.
Implementation Process: Part a2
Procedure:We compared the difference in water level before and after the pump was turned on. When the final reading was taken, the trays were filled and there was constant drainage.
Implementation Process: Part a3
The MathInitial volume of water = πr2h
= (29.5)2 x 56 x 3.14 = 153L (3sf)Final volume of water = (29.5)2 x 26 x 3.14 = 71L (3sf)Total volume of plant trays = 153L – 71L
= ~82L
Implementation Process: Part a4
Analysis- Our system requires a substantial amount
of solution to run.
Follow-up- We have decided to refill the solution when
the water level drops in the water tank drops below 40L (at a depth of 15cm).
Implementation Process: Part b1
Test Phase 2Aim:- To investigate if the system would continue running
even after a long period of use- To check if the system would create regions of stagnant
water that would allow mosquito breeding- To estimate the water loss of the system by evaporation
Procedure:- We left the system on with the pump running for several consecutive days
Implementation Process: Part b2
Results:- The system with water remained running after six
days with no water flow problem.- When we inspected the water, there was no
evidence of stagnant water pools or mosquito larvae.
Analysis/Follow-up- Constantly-moving water eliminates threat of
mosquito breeding by preventing stagnant water from accumulating.
- Success. None required.
Implementation Process: Part c1
Test Phase 3Aim:- To investigate the efficiency of our solution
design in the growth and yield of crops.
Procedure:- We transplanted batches of 小白菜 seedlings
into the system and observed the changes and health of the seedlings over a period of time.
Implementation Process: Part c2
Results (1st batch of seedlings): - The seedlings died after two days, due to a
unnoticed fungus infection.
Analysis/Follow-up- Seedlings are very prone to “damping off”, caused
by a fungus infection that results in weak spiny stems and the rotting of the roots, thus slowly killing the seedling.
- We cleaned the system and made sure that the next batch of seedlings would not be contaminated.
Implementation Process: Part c3
Results (2nd batch of seedlings): - More than four-fifths wilted after five days, due to
other problems which did not have enough time to surface during the 1st batch of seedlings.
Analysis- There was too much water for seedling growth.- This also contributed to higher levels of water
wastage, and could lead to the problem of root rot.- Furthermore, the lack of a growth medium meant
the plants had a lacked anchorage for the roots.
Implementation Process: Part c4
2nd Batch of Seedlings: Most have wilted
Implementation Process: Part c5
Follow-up- We lowered the water levels in each tray to a more
suitable level.- We also introduced leca into all the trays.
Benefits of using leca include:• Has high absorbance capacity• Reduces amount of water needed for system• Provides anchorage for plants• Allows for growth of microbes and bacteria that
supports plant growth (mutualism).
Implementation Process: Part c6
Results (3rd batch of seedlings): - We are in the midst of growing our 3rd batch of
seedlings.- As of now, the seedlings look healthy and are
growing.
Follow-up- Due to the addition of leca, we had to cover the
opening of the connecting pipes with wire netting to prevent leca from falling into it and choking the water flow.
Implementation Process: Part c7
3rd Batch of Seedlings
Implementation Process: Part c8
Follow-up- We covered up opening of connecting
poles with netting to prevent leca and debris from choking them up
Test Phase 4Aims:- To check the sustainability of crop growth
over a prolonged period- To check the suitability of our set up for
growing vegetablesProcedures:- We left the system running for a period of
~50 days (after Phase 3) and made intermediate checks in between
Implementation Process: Part d1
Implementation Process: Part d2
Results (3rd batch of seedlings): - Problem of algae bloom within containment
vessels of system.- Some of the plants fell victim to caterpillars.
One was completely devastated, others were uprooted and thoroughly washed and cleaned before being re-inserted to the system.
- Ants were also found in the system. Eggs were laid on leaves, often resulting in bite holes in leaves.
Implementation Process: Part d3
Dead Plant (Due to Pests)
Implementation Process: Part d4
Analysis- Algae thrive quickly in oxygen, sunlight
and nutrient-rich environments. Favorable conditions exist within containment barrel and tray systems.
- Plants are still vulnerable to pests, which are usually flying and may lay eggs on growing crops. This is because our system is exposed to the outdoor elements.
Implementation Process: Part d5
Follow-up- Water tank was washed to clean off algae
and system was flushed.- More plants added to top layers of system
(Plant added – Kang kong) to reduce algae growth by providing more competition in the layers
Implementation Process: Part d6
Results (Final)- 3rd Batch of Seedlings: In adult stage, can
be harvested soon. Some uprooted due to inability to eliminate infestation by bugs.
- 4th Batch of Seedlings (Kang Kong): growing at fast rate. Some infestation observed and removed.
- 5th Batch of Seedlings (Kang Kong): some germinated.
Implementation Process: Part d7
3rd Batch Now:
Implementation Process: Part d8
4th (Left – Curling Plants) & 5th (Right – Germinating Seeds) Batches