Crop suitability and soil fertility mapping using geographic information system (GIS)
2008
Adornado, H.A.(Tokyo Univ. of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu (Japan)) | Yoshida, M.
This study has developed soil fertility map and determined crop suitability in the province of Bukidnon, Mindanao Philippines using GIS. It entails combining and analyzing agro-environmental, soil information and crops biological requirements for growth. Result of analyzed soil samples revealed that light clay soils dominated the province. Combining these results with the determined soil chemical properties showed that the province is of high soil fertility in 300-500 mas1, medium fertility in 501-900 mas1 and medium to high fertility in 901-1500 mas1 part of the province. GIS analysis also showed that 44.87% of the total area of the province was suitable for farming purposes given their slope and geologic characteristic. Overlaying the generated agro-climatic map with land suitable for farming practice map and soil fertility map, a crop suitability map has been developed. Matching crops biological requirements for growth to the crop suitability map was able to identify the specific crops applicable in certain part of the province. Among the recommended crops are rice, sugarcane, corn, coconut and cassava which were found out to be suited in lower areas with high temperature, highly suitable for farming due to low slope condition and high soil fertility. Pineapple, mango and banana on the other hand were suited in above-said areas including those up to 900 mas1 due to their capability to survive in high and relatively low temperature but of medium soil fertility. Tomato and potato however were suited in higher areas where temperature is cool and medium to high soil fertility. GIS analysis showed that there were areas in the province that are still high potential and suitable for farming purposes given the parameters used.
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