Biodegradable Fertilizer Machine
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65339/ijsis.V1.I1.28Keywords:
Biodegradable Fertilizer Machine, Biodegradable Waste, Environmental Sustainability, Fertilizer Production, Organic Waste Management, School-Based Waste Management, Sustainability, Waste ReutilizationAbstract
This study aimed to design, fabricate, and evaluate a Biodegradable Fertilizer Machine for small-scale school-based management of biodegradable waste, particularly mowed grass and mango leaves. The study was anchored in the Product Development Life Cycle (PDLC) theory of Ulrich and Eppinger (2015), the Engineering Design Process (EDP) of Pahl and Beitz (2013), and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) of Davis (1989). It employed a developmental research design supported by a quantitative approach involving planning, fabrication, calibration, testing, revision, and evaluation of the prototype. The machine's efficiency was assessed through ten trials based on fertilizer output, operation time, and production rate, while its acceptability was evaluated using a validated Likert-like questionnaire administered to 60 respondents consisting of 54 teachers and six school utility workers from the Bansalan West District, Davao del Sur. Results showed that pure mowed grass produced the highest average fertilizer output at approximately 3.19 kg and the highest production rate at approximately 3.86 kg/h, while pure mango leaves produced the lowest average output at approximately 2.74 kg and production rate at approximately 2.99 kg/h. The mixed feedstock yielded moderate results, and the machine achieved approximately 60% recovery efficiency. The machine was rated Highly Acceptable in usability, with an overall mean of 4.55, and safety, with an overall mean of 4.77. The main areas requiring improvement were vacuuming and collection performance, noise, and vibration. The study concluded that the machine provides a practical, safe, and convenient approach to school-based biodegradable waste management and fertilizer production. Improvements to the screw conveyor, material loading system, power source, noise and vibration control, and testing with additional biodegradable materials were recommended. The study supports SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 4 - Quality Education, SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and SDG 13 - Climate Action through waste reutilization, environmental learning, technological innovation, and environmentally responsible waste management. Its sustainability impact lies in reducing organic waste, supporting school gardening and environmental education, and promoting a practical technological solution suitable for resource-limited schools.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Niann Grace T. Colipano, MTE, Matt Edison G. Alcantara, PhD (Author)
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