Agriculture.ph Blog

Several researches have found that declining crop yield is related to the loss of soil quality. Soils are threatened by water and wind erosion, Stalinization, and nutrient depletion, chemical interference that kills microbiological soil born organisms and other things.

Soil depletion is causing sever impact on agriculture like what is now happening in the Philippines. We are just now waking up to the growing magnitude of soil depletion in most agricultural lands using conventional farming, heavily dependent on chemical fertilization, herbal, pest and disease control. The Ecological Society of the Philippines headed by its president Antonio M. Claparols is very much concerned on the deteriorating soil condition of the country.

Global warming makes things worse. As the ground heat up, organic matter decomposes more rapidly, reducing soil fertility, releasing carbon dioxide which increases the warming effects. High priority for soil restoration through carbon sequestration or storing carbon in the soil securely so that it is not easily re-emitted through soil conservation and incorporation of organic fertilizers.

Composts are natural fertilizers that supply soils with vital plant nutrients helping to retain water and air. It restores soil structure, soil carbon anti-biotic activity. Compost or organic fertilizers improves soil texture, helps to control weeds, pest and diseases.

The prices of commercial chemical fertilizers price are skyrocketing, beyond the purchasing power of the marginal farmers. Attention is now focused on teaching and encouraging farmers and entrepreneurs to invest on the production of organic fertilizers.

Organic fertilizers can easily be made by farmers from readily available materials such as plant leaves and residues, animal waste and other biodegradable substances. They do not have to buy or get credit to make their own fertilizer and soil conditioners. Soil fertility and health can also be restored with resting the soil for a year or two, green manure, incorporating crop residue with soil during land preparation or cultivation, and planting of trees along farm boarders and banks of waterways.

The Philippines is among the 17 most bio-diverse countries in the world. Part of the Philippines treasure is the large forest trees which are rapidly vanishing. Trees are contributing to the ecological balance as they help clean the air and conserve water. One hectare of forest is needed to supply the fresh nitrogen needed by 40 persons.

Trees and wild vegetation are not only needed in the countryside and farming areas, but more so in communities and urban areas where population density is high. Urban gardens and soils can be improved by growing trees and using organic compost fertilizers.

Written by: Mr. Rex Rivera