Experts from the Philippine Council of Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) joined the discussions with other experts from the Philippines and Australia at the 1st National Soil Health Summit last June 21-22 in Manila.
Ms. Adoracion B. Armada, Officer-in-Charge of DOST-PCAARRD’s Agricultural Resources Management Research Division (ARMRD) presented the Council’s programs and initiatives on soil health. As a significant component of the country’s agriculture ecosystem, soil health R&D continues to be a priority for the Council.
In recent years, DOST-PCAARRD had supported various programs to promote soil health across the country through R&D. Currently, the soil health efforts of the Council are focused on the following areas: 1) soil conservation and management; 2) crop-based nutrient management; and 3) organic agriculture and improvement of soil microbial population.
Moreover, Ms. Armada also took pride in the DOST-PCAARRD's holistic approach to addressing soil health concerns through effective technology transfer efforts. To date, the Council had established 37 Science and Technology-Based Farms that aim to enhance farming technologies and serve as centers of agricultural innovation within communities. Meanwhile, learning materials such as E-learning modules and IEC media were developed to further expand the reach of information to farmers.
Moving forward, Dr. Juanito T. Batalon, Officer-in-Charge of DOST-PCAARRD’s Office of the Executive Director for Research and Development (OED-RD) assured everyone that the Council will remain steadfast in providing support for farmers, scientists, and researchers to address the threats of soil degradation in the country.
Further collaborations with other agencies are also to be expected. Dr. Batalon expressed the Council’s plan to intensify partnerships with all soil stakeholders. “We will develop an integrated 5-year program together with all soil stakeholders taking into consideration all the existing initiatives and plans among different institutions at different levels and sectors at the national and international levels,” said Dr. Batalon.
Excellence in Soil Science Research
The second day of the summit also showcased various research and development initiatives funded by DOST-PCAARRD. Dr. Adeflor G. Garcia from the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) presented the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR)-PCAARRD project on Land Management Technologies in Diversified Cropping Systems in the LGUs. Engr. Nepthali F. Morgado, Head of the Agusan del Sur Information Management Office discussed the Geographic Information System Portal in LGUs. Second District of Agusan del Sur Rep. Eddiebong Plaza showcased the Program in Farming Communities: Learnings from the Upland Sustainable Agri-forestry Development (USAD) Convergence Program.
On the othe hand, Dr. Marilyn B. Brown, Director of the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at the University of the Philippines Los Banos (BIOTECH-UPLB), talked about Biofertilizer Technologies for Improving Farm Productivity. Following her was Dr. Lilia M. Fernando-Corpuz, Associate Professor and
Associate Dean for Research and Extension at the College of Agriculture and Food Science, UPLB (CAFS-UPLB). Lastly, Dr. Fleurdeliz F. Maglangit from the University of the Philippines Cebu shared their results on the R&D on Black Soldier Fly (BSF) for Waste Management and Agricultural Productivity.
Experts from Australia also shared their expertise at the summit. Dr. Johnvie Goloran of the Australian Rivers Institute-Griffith University presented their research results and the Significance of Soil Test-Based Fertilization in Soil Health and Agri-food Production. Meanwhile, Dr. Stephen Harper of the University of Queensland focused on the Limitations of Vegetable Productivity in Acidic Upland Soils. Both projects were made through the collaborations between DOST-PCAARRD and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).
The livestream recording of the 2-day event is now available on PCAARRD’s Facebook page.
1st National Soil Health Summit Day 1: https://tinyurl.com/3w6y5ccw
1st National Soil Health Summit Day 2: https://tinyurl.com/4fwpyxwm