Application of Dissolved Oxygen in Agricultural Water Quality in the Philippines

Introduction

In the Philippines, agriculture is a vital part of the national economy, with about one-third of the population relying on it for their livelihood. With the intensification of climate change and environmental pollution, the quality of irrigation water sources—especially the levels of dissolved oxygen (DO)—has increasingly impacted crop growth and productivity. Dissolved oxygen influences not only the survival of aquatic organisms but also the health of soil and the growth of plants. This case study explores how a local agricultural cooperative in the Philippines effectively monitored and improved the dissolved oxygen levels in water sources to enhance crop yield and quality.

Project Background

In 2021, a rice-growing cooperative in southern Philippines faced a problem of insufficient dissolved oxygen in its irrigation water. Due to excessive use of fertilizers and pollution, the water bodies suffered from severe eutrophication, significantly impacting aquatic ecology and water quality, which led to an increase in crop diseases and a decrease in yield. Consequently, the cooperative launched a project aimed at improving water quality by enhancing the levels of dissolved oxygen, thereby promoting better rice growth.

Monitoring and Enhancement Measures for Dissolved Oxygen

1. Water Quality Monitoring System: The cooperative introduced advanced water quality monitoring equipment to regularly assess dissolved oxygen concentration, pH levels, and other critical parameters. With real-time data, farmers could promptly identify problems and take appropriate measures.

2. Dissolved Oxygen Enhancement Technologies:

   • Aeration Systems: Aeration devices were installed in the main irrigation channels, increasing the dissolved oxygen in the water through the introduction of air bubbles, thus improving water quality.
   • Floating Plant Beds: Natural floating plant beds (such as duckweed and water hyacinths) were introduced into the irrigation water bodies. These plants not only release oxygen through photosynthesis but also absorb nutrients, thus inhibiting water eutrophication.

3. Organic Farming Practices:

   • Promoted organic farming principles that reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, instead utilizing compost and biopesticides to minimize water pollution and improve overall water quality.

Implementation Process

• Training and Knowledge Dissemination: The cooperative organized multiple training workshops to educate farmers on the importance of water quality monitoring and various methods to enhance dissolved oxygen levels. Farmers learned how to use water quality monitoring equipment and operate aeration systems.

• Phase-wise Evaluation: The project was divided into several phases, with evaluations conducted at the end of each phase to analyze the changes in dissolved oxygen levels and compare rice yields.

Results and Outcomes

1. Significant Increase in Dissolved Oxygen Levels: By implementing aeration and floating plant bed technologies, the levels of dissolved oxygen in the irrigation water increased by an average of 30%, leading to noticeable improvements in water quality.

2. Improved Crop Yields: With enhanced water quality, the cooperative experienced a 20% increase in rice yield. Many farmers reported that rice growth became more robust, pest and disease incidence decreased, and overall quality improved.

3. Increased Farmer Incomes: The rise in yield resulted in significant income growth for farmers, contributing to the overall economic benefit of the cooperative.

4. Sustainable Agricultural Development: By promoting organic farming and water quality management, the agricultural practices of the cooperative became more sustainable, gradually forming a positive ecological cycle.

Challenges and Solutions

• Funding Constraints: Initially, the cooperative faced challenges due to limited funding, making it difficult to invest heavily in equipment at once.

  Solution: The cooperative collaborated with local governments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to secure funding support and technical guidance, allowing for phased implementation of various measures.

• Resistance to Change Among Farmers: Some farmers were skeptical about organic farming and new technologies.

  Solution: Demonstration fields and success stories were used to enhance farmers’ confidence and participation, gradually encouraging the shift from traditional agricultural practices.

Conclusion

Effectively managing dissolved oxygen levels in agricultural water quality is crucial for improving crop production and achieving sustainable development in the Philippines. Through systematic monitoring and improvement measures, the agricultural cooperative successfully enhanced water quality, promoting high-quality and high-yield rice production while providing valuable insights for similar practices in other regions. In the future, as technology advances and policies support these initiatives, more farmers will benefit from these practices, driving sustainable agricultural development across the Philippines.

For more water sensor information,

please contact Honde Technology Co., LTD.

Email: info@hondetech.com

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