Village-level integration of lowland rice technologies in the 'Laboy' soil areas of San Luis, Aurora [Philippines]
2004
San Gabriel, R. C.,Philippine Rice Research Inst., Maligaya, Science City of Muñoz, 3911 Nueva Ecija (Philippines) | Casiwan, C. B. | Redondo, G. O. | Rillon, G. S. | Juliano, A. S. | Herminigildo, E. | Osmundo, O. | Joshi, R. C. | Regalado, M. J. C. | Tabalno, R. F. | Laguna, R. J. P. | Cruz, R. T.
In the Municipality of San Luis alone, 300 hectares of the current rice soils are 'laboy'. 'Laboy' soil has a very high organic matter content, high water holding capacity, low bulk density and nutritional deficiencies. Its soft and 'deep mud' characteristics make field operations difficult. Average rice yield in the area is close to 1 t/ha. Therefore, PhilRice and the local government unit (LGU) of San Luis introduced technologies in the village (Barangay Bacong with 23 farmer-cooperators) to address the problems mentioned. Results showed that introduction of the floating tiller reduced length of tillage operation by 67% and that the machine can be operated by women. The authors observed a stable ratio of insect pests and natural pest enemies and hence recommended not to apply insecticides. Minus-One Element Technique (MOET) test showed that 'laboy' soil had nitrogen (N), potassium (K) and sulfur (S) deficiencies. The Leaf Color Chart (LCC), a handy plastic ruler to assess leaf greenness, was introduced and utilized by the farmers to assess the real time crop need for N fertilizer. Ammonium sulfate (source of N and S) was applied following LCC reading. Application of ammonium sulfate, phosphorus for maintenance, and K fertilizers doubled the grain yield of PSB Rc18 (0.9 to 2.0 t/ha). Consumers and millers preferred PSB Rc18. Based on cost return analysis of palay production for two cropping seasons, farmers gained as much as P2,358.30 to P4,521.50 per hectare. Agricultural technologist played a major role in the village-level integration of lowland rice technologies in the 'laboy' soil areas of San Luis. Agricultural technologist of San Luis were updated on the current rice production technologies, including the usefulness of the introduced technologies to other 'laboy' soils of the province.
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