PENANAMAN PADI MENGGUNAKAN POLYBAG YANG DI KOMBINASIKAN DENGAN IKAN LELE

Planting rice in polybags combined with catfish cultivation is a modified form of the Budikdamper system (Fish Cultivation in Buckets) or simple aquaponics. This method is perfect for those with limited space, such as a home garden. ​Here's a practical guide to get you started: ​1. Preparing the Planting Medium and Container ​The main concept is to place the polybags above or inside the catfish rearing container so that the nutrients from the fish waste can be absorbed by the plants. ​Catfish Container: Use a plastic drum, a large bucket (80 liters), or a mini tarpaulin pond. ​Polybag: Use a medium-sized polybag (minimum 30 cm diameter). Make holes in the bottom and sides to allow water and nutrients to enter. ​Planting Medium: A mixture of soil, burnt rice husks, and manure in a 2:1:1 ratio. ​2. Placement System (Combination) ​There are two popular ways to combine them: Method of Operation ​Hanging System: The polybags are hooked with wire and hung from the edge of the drum so that the bottom of the polybags is submerged in about 5 cm of catfish water. ​Rack/Floating System: Create a rack above the pond or use perforated Styrofoam to keep the polybags upright and the roots in contact with the water. 3. Planting Stages ​A. Rice Seeding ​Sow superior rice seeds in a separate container until they are 15–20 days old or have 3–4 leaves before transferring them to the polybags. ​B. Spreading Catfish Seedlings ​Fill the container with water and let it sit for 2–3 days to allow chlorine gas to dissipate and plankton to grow. ​Add catfish fingerlings (5–7 cm in size). Don't overcrowd the container; for an 80-liter bucket, 50–60 are sufficient. ​C. Rice Planting ​Transplant the rice seedlings into the prepared polybags (1–2 seedlings per polybag). Ensure the planting medium is compact enough to prevent the rice from collapsing. ​4. Care and Nutrition ​The advantage of this system is mutualistic symbiosis: ​Automatic Nutrition: Catfish pond water is rich in ammonia (from waste and leftover feed). Bacteria in the growing medium convert the ammonia into nitrate, which is the rice's primary food source. ​Watering: You don't need to water regularly if the bottom of the polybag is submerged in pond water (capillary system). ​Catfish Sorting: Sort the catfish by size every two weeks to prevent cannibalism and ensure even growth. ​Advantages of This Method ​Double Harvest: You can harvest carbohydrates (rice) and protein (catfish) simultaneously. ​Space Saving: Can be done on a terrace or balcony. ​​Organic: Rice grows more fertile without much chemical fertilizer because it receives natural nutrients from catfish waste. ​Water Efficient: Catfish water doesn't need to be changed frequently because the rice plants help absorb ammonia toxins that are harmful to fish. ​Important Note: Ensure rice plants receive full sunlight (at least 6–8 hours per day) because rice is a plant that relies heavily on light for photosynthesis and grain filling.