UTILIZATION OF AN AQUAPONIC SYSTEM FOR ENHANCING THE INTEGRATED PRODUCTION OF CATFISH (Clarias sp.) AND WATER SPINACH (Ipomoea aquatica Forsk.)
Keywords:
aquaponics; water spinach; planting media; catfish stocking density; integrated cultivation systemAbstract
This study aimed to determine the effect of planting media and catfish stocking density on the growth of water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) in a bucket-based aquaponic system, as well as to identify the most effective treatment combination for improving plant growth and catfish productivity in limited land areas. The study employed a quantitative experimental method using a factorial Completely Randomized Design (CRD) consisting of two factors: planting media (rockwool and foam) and catfish stocking density (5, 10, and 15 fish), with a total of 18 experimental units. Data were collected through observations of plant height, number of leaves, fresh weight, dry weight of water spinach, and catfish weight gain. The data were analyzed using the normality test, homogeneity test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at a 5% significance level. The results showed that the combination of foam planting media and a stocking density of 15 catfish (M2K3) produced the best growth performance of water spinach, with a plant height of 45.33 cm, 22 leaves, a fresh weight of 160 g, and a dry weight of 19 g. Meanwhile, the highest catfish weight gain was obtained in treatment M1K2, reaching 11.75 g. The ANOVA results indicated that planting media, catfish stocking density, and the interaction between the two factors had a significant effect on the growth of water spinach. Therefore, the use of foam as the planting media combined with a stocking density of 15 catfish can be considered an efficient, water-saving, and environmentally friendly alternative for bucket-based aquaponic cultivation.
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