Soil fertility assessment in agroforestry farms within community-based forest management areas in Diffun, Quirino, Philippines

Devorah Jane B. Beltran, Elizabeth T. Carig, Arvin P. Vallesteros, Paul B. Pablo

Abstract


Soil fertility assessment is crucial for sustainable land management, especially in agroforestry areas. This study assessed the soil fertility status of agroforestry farms within community-based forest management sites in Diffun, Quirino, using 120 georeferenced soil samples collected at 15 cm depth. From these, 49 composite soil samples were generated by combining samples within each plot with similar soil type, color, and vegetation. Chemical analyses, conducted at the regional soil laboratory, included parameters such as (%OM), available P, K, Mn, Fe, and soil pH. Results showed varying soil acidity across the sites, with Campamento having the most acidic soil (pH 5.79), followed by Rafael Palma (5.97) and Magsaysay (6.20). Campamento also exhibited the most favorable soil fertility, with 3.10% OM, 12.47 mg/kg phosphorus, and 259.07 mg/kg potassium, aligning with the standards set by Evangelista (1992, as cited by Rodriguez, 2009) and the ASEAN Standards for Soil and Nutrient Management. High potassium levels at Campamento, along with elevated manganese and iron, suggest a complex nutrient dynamic likely influenced by intensive crop production and excessive nitrogen fertilizer use. These findings highlight the need for targeted soil management to optimize nutrient availability and improve plant growth.


Keywords


agroforestry practices; community forestry; iron; manganese; organic matter

Full Text:

PDF

References


Parikh SJ, James BR. Soil: The Foundation of Agriculture. Nature Education Knowledge. Available online: https://www.nature.com/scitable/knowledge/library/soil-the-foundation-of-agriculture-84224268/ (accessed on 2 December 2024).

Amara DMK, Patil PL, Kamara AM, Saidu DH. Assessment of Soil Fertility Status Using Nutrient Index Approach. Academia Journal of Agricultural Research. 2017; 5(2): 28–38.

Carandang AP, Bugayong LA, Dolom PC, et al. Analysis of Key Drivers of Deforestation and Forest Degradation in the Philippines. Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH; 2013.

Jose S. Agroforestry for Ecosystem Services and Environmental Benefits: An Overview. Agroforestry Systems. 2009; 76: 1–10. doi: 10.1007/s10457-009-9229-7

Dollinger J, Jose S. Agroforestry for Soil Health. Agroforestry Systems. 2018; 92: 213–219. doi: 10.1007/s10457-018-0223-9

Kabir A, Hematzade Y, Barani H. Agroforestry and its Role in Soil Conservation Erosion Protection. 2008. Available online: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3226&context=igc.

Mou RR. Soil and water conservation through agroforestry. Available online: https://bsmrau.edu.bd/seminar/wp-content/uploads/sites/318/2018/04/Rashida-Rocksana-Mou-Soil-and-Water-Conservation-through-Agroforestry.pdf (accessed on 2 December 2024).

Palma JHN, Graves AR, Bunce RGH, et al. Modelling Environmental Benefits of Silvoarable Agroforestry in Europe. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment. 2007; 119(3–4): 320–334. doi: 10.1016/j.agee.2006.07.021

Rodriguez RS. Sustainability Analysis of Dominant Agroforestry Practices in Barobbob Watershed, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines [PhD dissertation]. UPLB; 2009.

The Committee on Soil Fertility Management. The Philippine Recommends for Soil Fertility Management. 2006. Los Banos, Laguna, Philippines: Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD), Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Sekhar M, Lallawmkimi MC, Rani DV, et al. Agroforestry Practices and Their Impact on Soil Health and Fertility: A Review. Journal of Experimental Agriculture International. 2024; 46(9): 511–528. doi: 10.9734/jeai/2024/v46i92849

Mitchell M. Advantages and disadvantages of agroforestry. Available online: https://farrellymitchell.com/agroforestry/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-agroforestry/ (accessed on 2 December 2024).

Calubaquib MAM, Navarette IA, Sanzhez PB. Properties and Nutrient Status of Degraded Soils in Luzon, Philippines. Philippines Journal of Science. 2016; 145(3): 249–258.

Havlin JL, Beaton JD, Tisdale SL, Nelson WL. Soil Fertility and Fertilizers: An Introduction to Nutrient Management, 7th ed. Pearson Educational, Inc.; 2005.

Carig ET. Benefits and Constraints of Community-Based Forest Management in the Philippines. International Journal of Humanities and Applied Sciences. 2012; 1(2): 73–77.

Cornell Cooperative Extension. How to take a soil sample for pH testing. Available online: https://ccecolumbiagreene.org/gardening/soils-climate/how-to-take-a-soil-sample-for-ph-testing#:~:text=What%20is%20the%20proper%20sampling,is%20satisfactory%3B%20remove%20plant%20residue (accessed on 2 December 2024).

Government of B.C. Soil nutrient testing: Sample timing and depth. Available online: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/agricultural-land-and-environment/soil-nutrients/nutrient-management/what-to-apply/soil-nutrient-testing/sample-timing-and-depth (accessed on 2 December 2024).

Ferguson RB, Hergert GW, Shapiro CA, Wortmann CS. Guidelines for Soil Sampling. Available online: https://extensionpubs.unl.edu/publication/g1740/2007/html/view (accessed on 2 December 2024).

Hoskins B, Ross D. Soil Sample Preparation and Extraction. Available online: https://www.udel.edu/content/dam/udelImages/canr/pdfs/extension/factsheets/soiltest-recs/CHAP2.pdf (accessed on 2 December 2024).

Ackerson JP. Soil Sampling Guidelines. Available online: https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/AY/AY-368-w.pdf (accessed on 2 December 2024).

Patil GP. Composite sampling. Environmental and Ecological Statistics. 1995; 2: 169–179. doi: 10.1007/BF00456662

Hatten J, Liles G. A ‘Healthy’ Balance–The Role of Physical and Chemical Properties in Maintaining Forest Soil Function in a Changing World. In: Developments in Soil Science. Elsevier Ltd.; 2019.

Agrisight. Five benefits of soil organic matter. Available online: https://assets.ctfassets.net/3jf1t80tlft4/hD5G0kpa6yhmvYKNDe1vJ/92130a5114f58ac5f0dd910d450dd6f4/AgriSight_Issue_19-5_Benefits_of_Soil_OM_No_Bleeds.pdf (accessed on 2 December 2024).

Pathak N. The importance of soil organic matter. Available online: https://www.jliedu.com/blog/importance-soil-organic-matter/ (accessed on 2 December 2024).

Funderburg E. Organic matter serves important role in soil health. Available online: https://www.noble.org/regenerative-agriculture/soil/organic-matter-serves-important-role-in-soil-health/#:~:text=Organic%20matter%20serves%20as%20a,it’s%20often%20ignored%20and%20neglected (accessed on 2 December 2024).

Prasad R, Chakraborty D. Understanding Basics: Understanding Phosphorus Forms and their Cycling in the Soil. Available online: https://www.aces.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/ANR-2535-Phosphorus-Basics_041719L.pdf (accessed on 2 December 2024).

Reicks S. Potassium Behavior in Soil. Available online: https://www.pioneer.com/us/agronomy/potassium-behavior-soil.html (accessed on 2 December 2024).

Tajer A. What’s the function of potassium (K) in plants? Available online: https://www.greenwaybiotech.com/blogs/gardening-articles/whats-the-function-of-potassium-k-in-plants?srsltid=AfmBOooFS5kuPuYAtPOM8mCEPBJxc4xRQGNAhAXQpevahPGoPbS1nqPE (accessed on 2 December 2024).

Alejandro S, Holler S, Meier B, Peiter E. Manganese in Plants: From Acquisition to Subcellular Allocation. Frontiers in Plant Science. 2020; 11.

Hochmuth G, Mylavarapau R, Hanlon E. Soil Testing for Plant-Available Nutrients–What is it and why do we use it? Available online: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/SS621 (accessed on 2 December 2024).

Jones JD. Iron Availability and Management Considerations: A 4R Approach. Crops & Soils. 2020; 53(2): 32–37. doi: 10.1002/crso.20019

Zhang YY, Wu W, Liu H. Factors Affecting Variations of Soil pH in Different Horizons in Hilly Regions. PLoS ONE. 2019; 14(6): e0218563. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218563

Gentili R, Ambrosini R, Montagni C, et al. Effect of Soil pH on the Growth, Reproductive Investment and Pollen Allergenicity of Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. Frontiers in plant science. 2018; 9: 1335. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2018.01335

Sawyer J. 2004. Nutrient deficiencies and application injuries in field crops. Available online: https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/files/article/nutrientdeficiency.pdf.

Raza MA, Bin Khalid MH, Zhang X, et al. Effect of Planting Patterns on Yield, Nutrient Accumulation and Distribution in Maize and Soybean Under Relay Intercropping Systems. Scientific Reports. 2019; 9(1): 4947. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-41364-1

Karlsson L. World Soil Day–Agroforestry can Help to Reverse the Trend of Global Soil Degradation. Available online: https://agroforestrynetwork.org/world-soil-day-agroforestry-can-help-to-reverse-the-trend-of-global-soil-degradation/ (accessed on 2 December 2024).

Gasch C. Soil Organic Matter in Cropping Systems. Available online: https://extension.umn.edu/soil-management-and-health/soil-organic-matter-cropping-systems (accessed on 2 December 2024).

Magdoff F, van Es H. Building Soils for Better Crops: Ecological Management for Healthy Soils. Available online: https://www.sare.org/resources/building-soils-for-better-crops/ (accessed on 2 December 2024).

Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development. Agroforestry and Multipurpose Trees and Shrubs R&D team. R&D status and directions (2000 and beyond): Agroforestry and Multipurpose Trees and Shrubs. 2003. Available online: https://www.scribd.com/document/373375087/R-D-Status-on-Agroforestry-and-Multipurpose-Trees-and-Shrubs-pdf.

Ebel, R. Effects of Slash-and-Burn-Farming and a Fire-Free Management on a Cambisol in a Traditional Maya Farming System. 2018. Available online: https://www.redalyc.org/journal/104/10454952011/10454952011.pdf.

Freidenreich A, Dattamudi S, Li Y, Jayachandran K. Influence of Leguminous Cover Crops on Soil Chemical and Biological Properties in a No-Till Tropical Fruit Orchard. Land. 2022; 11(6): 932. doi: 10.3390/land11060932

Giweta M. Role of litter production and its decomposition, and factors affecting the processes in a tropical forest ecosystem: A review. Journal of Ecology and Environment. 2020; 44. doi: 10.1186/s41610-020-0151-2

Nyi T, Philip V, Bujang A, et al. ASEAN Guidelines on Soil and Nutrient Management. 2017. Available online: https://asean.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/ASEAN-Soil-and-Nutrient-Management-Guidelines.pdf.

Nair PKR, Buresh RJ, Mugendi DN, et al. Nutrient Cycling in Tropical Agroforestry Systems: Myths and Science. CRC Press; 1999.

Chakraborty D, Prasad R. Phosphorus Basics: Deficiency Symptoms, Sufficiency Ranges, and Common Sources. Available online: https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/crop-production/phosphorus-basics-deficiency-symptoms-sufficiency-ranges-and-common-sources/#:~:text=Factors%20such%20as%20soil%20compaction,also%20can%20cause%20phosphorus%20deficiency (accessed on 2 December 2024).

Flaten D. What are sources of phosphorus for crops? Available online: https://soilsmatter.wordpress.com/2019/09/15/what-are-sources-of-phosphorus-for-crops/ (accessed on 2 December 2024).

Dyer MH. Potassium Rich Soil: Tips for Lowering Potassium Levels. Available online: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/lowering-potassium-levels.htm (accessed on 2 December 2024).

Heinrich A, Falen J, Stone A. High Soil Test Phosphorus and Potassium Levels on a Long-term Organic Farm: Trends, Causes, and Solutions. Available online: https://eorganic.org/node/20735 (accessed on 2 December 2024).

Taiwo AA, Adetunji MT, Azeez JO, Elemo KO. Kinetics of Potassium Release and Fixation in Some Soils of Ogun State, Southwestern, Nigeria as influenced by organic manure. International Journal of Recycling of Organic Waste in Agriculture. 2018; 7: 251–259. doi: 10.1007/s40093-018-0211-0

Kaiser DE, Rosen CJ. Potassium for crop production. Available online: https://extension.umn.edu/phosphorus-and-potassium/potassium-crop-production#soil-moisture-598160 (accessed on 2 December 2024).

Titus A, Pereira GN. What’s the function of manganese in coffee agroforestry. Available online: https://ecofriendlycoffee.org/whats-the-function-of-manganese-in-coffee-agroforestry/#:~:text=Manganese%20(Mn)%20is%20one%20of,as%20are%20the%20major%20nutrients (accessed on 2 December 2024).

Koch Agronomic Services. The importance of manganese in your crops. Available online: https://kochagronomicservices.com/knowledge-center/the-importance-of-manganese-in-your-crops (accessed on 2 December 2024).

Kaiser DE, Rosen CJ. Manganese in Minnesota soils. Available online: https://extension.umn.edu/micro-and-secondary-macronutrients/manganese-minnesota-soils (accessed on 2 December 2024).

Porkodi G., Ramamoorthi P. and David Israel Mansingh M. (2023). Effects of Iron on Crops and Availability of Iron in Soil: A Review. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(6): 71-78.

ST Biologicals. How Iron Affects Soil Health and Plant Growth. Available online: https://stbiologicals.com/how-iron-affects-soil-health-and-plant-growth/ (accessed on 2 December 2024).

Marzorati F, Midali A, Morandini P and Murgia I (2022) Good or Bad? The Double Face of Iron in Plants. Front. Young Minds. 10:718162. doi: 10.3389/frym.2022.718162

United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service. Soil health-pH. Available online: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2022-11/pH%20-%20Soil%20Health%20Guide_0.pdf (accessed on 2 December 2024).

Arnall B. Cause and Effects of Soil Acidity. Available online: https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/cause-and-effects-of-soil-acidity.html (accessed on 2 December 2024).

Gazey C, Azam G. Effects of Soil Acidity. Available online: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/soil-acidity/effects-soil-acidity?page=0%2C2 (accessed on 2 December 2024).

James DW. Urea: A Low-Cost Nitrogen Fertilizer with Special Management Requirements. Available online: https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/research/urea-a-low-cost-nitrogen-fertilizer-with-special-management-requirements (accessed on 2 December 2024).

Goulding KWT. Soil acidification and the importance of liming agricultural soils with particular reference to the United Kingdom. Soil Use and Management. 2016; 32(3): 390–399. doi: 10.1111/sum.12270

Bugayong LA. Socioeconomic and Environmental Benefits of Agroforestry Practices in a Community-Based Forest Management in the Philippines. In: Proceedings of the International Conference on Rural Livelihoods, Forests and Biodiversity; 19–23 May 2003; Bonn, Germany.

Tsufac AT, Awazi NP, Yerima BPK. Characterization of agroforestry systems and their effectiveness in soil fertility enhancement in the south-west region of Cameroon. Current Research in Environmental Sustainability. 2021; 3: 100024.




DOI: https://doi.org/10.18686/ss2297

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.