Environmental audit of vegetable farming practices in selected upland areas in Nagcarlan, Laguna, Philippines

Date

2000

Abstract

An environmental audit of selected tomato farms was conducted to determine the environmental impacts of vegetable farming practices in rainfed tomato production in three sitios (Suayan, Landing and Biraulya) on the slopes of Mt. San Cristobal in Barangay San Francisco, Nagcarlan, Laguna. Farm review for soil and crop management of Ontario Environmental Farm Plan of Canada was used. Agroecosystem characterization of the study sites and interviews with farmers on farm input handling, storage, management, farming practices, and their environmental perceptions on farming practices, and marketing of farm produce were done. Intensification of tomato production threatens landscape ecological services on physically and chemically suitable rooting zones for vegetable production, biodiversity and soil fertility.The modified farm review on soils and crop management of the Ontario Environmental Farm Plan was applicable to the rainfed tomato production in the study sites. The environmental risk of pesticide pollution to farmers' health and safety of tomato fruits for consumers are very high in most farms. Pesticide handling during transport, keeping of records of pests and disease control measures, use of protective gear, and time of pesticide application had fair to poor rating. Rill and gully soil erosion risk of sloping tomato farms in Sitio Biraulya was high. Sheet erosion risk was fair to high in other farms. Soil test was not used as a basis for fertilizer management.The recommended environmental management options including the conduct of training for the farmers to protect human and ecosystem health and ensure safety of tomatoes for human consumption were proposed.Further studies had been proposed to improve the environmental audit for small scale and rainfed tomato farms.

Document Type

Master Thesis

Degree

Master of Science in Environmental Science

College

School of Environmental Science and Management (SESAM)

Language

English

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

Call Number

LG 995 2000 E8 M34

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