REACTION PAPER ON SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION

RESEARCHES IN THE PHILIPPINES

Research Title:EVALUATION OF SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION TECHNOLOGIES IN VEGETABLE-

BASED UPLAND PRODUCTION SYSTEM OF MANUPALI WATERSHED, SOUTHERN PHILIPPINES
Author(s):A.M. DanoA and D.J. Midmore,B
Reference:ISCO 2004 - 13th International Soil Conservation Organisation Conference
� Brisbane, July 2004 Conserving Soil and Water for Society: Sharing Solutions

Abstract:
Soil erosion and declining productivity resulting in low farm income have
been the major constraints to the sustainability of the commercial vegetable
production systems in cultivated uplands of the Philippines. Steep slopes,
favorable climate, high fertilizer and pesticide application rates characterizes
these production systems. Sustainability of upland vegetable production system and
soil conservation technologies in Manupali watershed was analyzed. Farmers�
perceptions and attitudes toward various environmental issues were initially
gathered. Average soil loss in farmers' up-and-down cultivation practice was 50%
greater compared to the conservation practices. Conservation technologies tested
considerably reduced soil erosion but the level of adoption was less than hoped
for. Among crops, tomato had more soil erosion. The difference between crops on
their propensity for erosion was related to their canopy cover and tillage
operations. Compatibility of trees in the vegetable production system offers
encouraging results. Trees did not out-compete vegetable for below ground resources
but benefited from excess nutrients in the vegetable systems. Economic benefits
play prime consideration in the adoption of conservation technologies. Identifying
appropriate practice for soil erosion control while at the same time improves farm
income continues to be a great challenge for the sustainability of the upland
vegetable production system.

Reaction:
This study generally aims to evaluate the different soil and water
conservation technologies used in vegetable upland production system of Manupali
Watershed, Southern Philippines. The evaluation of these technologies is based on
its effect on the most common problems in upland vegetable production
sustainability, which is soil erosion and declining soil productivity. The soil
conservation measures being observed are up-and-down cultivation, contouring, strip
cropping, and hedgerows. It showed that the soil control measure that has resulted
to greater soil loss, runoff and nitrate loss was the adoption of up-and-down
cultivation practice, which obtained 50% loss compared to other conservation
technologies. It also showed that planting tomato crop has the greatest
contribution in soil erosion and declining soil productivity compared to corn and
cabbage which is determined through its canopy cover and tillage operation. This
study is very important especially in mitigating soil erosion and loss of soil
nutrients. Upholding an appropriate soil and water conservation technology will not
just conserve soil configuration and sustainability but will produce high yield
which in turn improve farm income. This study has also brought knowledge to farmers
specifically in selecting a suitable crop to be planted which has less impact to
soil especially in preparing the land for planting. It is will also serve as basis
for further study in soil and water conservation.