Characteristics and fertility constraints of degraded soils in Leyte, Philippines

Navarrete, Ian A.; Tsutsuki, Kiyoshi; Asio, Victor B.

Characteristics and fertility constraints of degraded soils in Leyte, Philippines

2013

Navarrete, Ian A. | Tsutsuki, Kiyoshi | Asio, Victor B.

Knowledge of the characteristics and fertility status of degraded soil is fundamental to planning suitable soil management strategies for crop production purposes. Such knowledge can be obtained through quantitative appraisal of soil properties and assessment of soil fertility status. Sixty soil samples were collected from five locations at Ormoc, Baybay, Bontoc, Bato and Matalom on the western side of Leyte island, Philippines. An important physical constraint in most of the soils is the high clay content, particularly in the soils of Baybay and Bato where it is a problem for cultivation. The strongly acidic and strongly alkaline pH, low available P and, in some cases, low exchangeable K are the chemical constraints. Variation in the physical and chemical constraints of these degraded soils is directly or indirectly related to the nature of the parent material, geomorphic position and anthropogenic effect. Soil fertility characteristics are distinct within similar soil types, primarily because they are related to the dominant soil-forming processes. Consideration of the soil physical and chemical constraints is essential for the long-term planning of soil management strategies that will lead to sustainable utilization of these problematic soils.

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