Suitability assessment of bantog soil series for potential enhancement of rice-based cropping systems

Issue Date

1-2016

Abstract

Land evaluation was carried out on both irrigated and irrigation-supplemented rainfed lowlands of Bantog soil series using the Food and Agriculture (FAO) land suitability framework. This system was able to describe the land qualities of the land units, define important production constraints relative to its characteristics or properties, and suggest corresponding interventions for optimum and sustainable crop production. Suitability analysis disclosed that Bantog series is highly suitable to rice production. Relatively, both land units were limited by low to moderate level of organic carbon, low nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium except for the high phosphorus level in the irrigation-supplemented rainfed lowland. Such constraints on soil nutrient status can be addressed using the Quantitative Evaluation of the Fertility of Tropical Soils (QUEFTS) model for irrigated rice. Other crops showed moderate to high suitability on both land units. Alternative farming options such as crop rotation, relay cropping, and multiple cropping while infusing interventions associated with moderate drainage, low organic carbon, soil cracking, and marginal to moderate texture are recommended as it translate into a more profitable and sustainable farming. Moreover, information on crops’ fitness in Bantog series has of practical importance in selecting the type of crops to grow as well as in the planning of cropping system suited for the properties of the land unit. Besides, agro-technology transfer can be smoothly implemented since soils of the same series most likely assume similar limitations and management interventions.

Source or Periodical Title

Philippine Journal of Science

ISSN

0031-7683

Volume

145

Issue

3

Page

237-247

Document Type

Article

Physical Description

tables, graphs

Language

English

Subject

Agro-technology transfer, Bantog soil series, Land evaluation, Land units, Production constraints, Suitability analysis

Digital Copy

yes

Link to Full Text

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