Development of farming systems models integrating Jatropha curcas in various production systems:component 4.4: Plantation establishment of Jatropha curcas in lahar laden and other marginal areas of Central Luzon [Philippines]

The study was conducted at RMTU[Ramon Magsaysay Technological Univ.] San Marcelino, Zambales [Philippines] from Aug 2007 to Aug 2009 which specifically aimed to characterize and assess the bio-physical and agro-ecological conditions of lahar-laden areas of Central Luzon [Philippines], assess the suitability of the lands for Jatropha production, test the response of Jatropha to different planting distance and observe the nutritional requirement of Jatropha curcas under lahar-laden areas, monitor potential insect pest and diseases of Jatropha, document the indigenous knowledge of rural folks on the production and use of Jatropha and evaluate profitability of Jatropha production in lahar-laden areas. Seedlings propagated by cuttings and seeds from Tarlac College of Agriculture, Camiling, Tarlac [Philippines], were purchased and used as planting materials. It was laid out following a split plot design in RCBD [randomized complete block design] with three replications. The treatments evaluated were: Main treatment (fertilizer level, kg NPK/ha); control; 15-15-15; 30-30-30; Sub treatment (planting distance) 3m×3m; 3m×3.5m, 3.5m×3.5m. Jatropha seedlings were planted on Aug 17-18, 2007 during which a tropical depression was present which favored transplanting activities easier and faster. Blanket application of organic fertilizer at the rate of one ton per hectare was done at transplanting while in organic fertilizer was applied of four splits starting at transplanting every month thereafter. A total of 25 plants per sub plot were transplanted. The soil analysis of the plantation area revealed a very low N, 0.68% OM, 27.09 ppm available P2O5, 280.30 ppm exchangeable K2O, pH of 5.43, 60-75% sand, low water holding capacity and very high infiltration rate. The lahar deposits ranges from 1-2 meters deep. With this soil characterization, there is a need for high production input to compensate for the very poor soil quality so that it can maximize production. Data on the percent survival, height of the plants, number of developed branches and stem diameters on plants propagated by seeds and cuttings as influenced by fertilizer levels and planting distance were taken at 1, 1 1/2 and 2 years after tranplanting while yield data were taken on the 22-24 months after tranplanting. Fertilizer application of 30-30-30 kg NPK/ha and 3.5m×3.5m distance of planting resulted taller plants, higher number of developed branches, bigger stem diameter and higher yields. The treatment combination using seeds planting materials produced 2136.7 kg of dried seeds/ha at 24 months after transplanting. For two years, mealy bugs and leaf miner were the insect pests observed during the months of Sep to Jan, while leaf spot, leaf mold and leaf blight were the disease observed also on the same months. The treatments were not sprayed with pesticides throughout the duration of the study. The financial profitability of one hectare Jatropha production in lahar-laden areas of San Marcelino, Zambales was evaluated using a cost and return analysis. The expenses and yield are actual data in two year operation (Jul 2007-June 2009) whereas the yield and cost per year from year 3 to year 5 are estimates. In this particular investment, only the cash operating costs and cash income from sales of seeds are considered. Net cash income i.e. total cash cost minus cash operating expenses was used as the ultimate measure of profitability. Investment analysis was done for Jatropha production over five years period. The net present Value (NPV) Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR) were computed with 18% guess interest rate. The NPV is positive at Php16, 168, BCR is more than 1 at 1.32 while IRR is more than the guess rate at 43%. These indicators show that Jatropha production is lahar-laden areas is financially viable. The social component was analyzed given data collected from 31 respondents in two barangays [villages] in San Marcelino, Zambales. They were personally interviewed to determine their knowledge and practices on Jatropha. The respondents were asked of what they perceived will be the future of Jatropha production in their areas. About 26 percent have no idea, 6 percent mentioned biofuel and source of medicine (6%). Some said there could be a bright future as income source especially for large production areas if there is a good market (9%). For others, it could be planted as fence if space is the problem (3%). On the other hand, few (3%) of the respondents are not interested because they have no area to plant. The number of respondents who are less interested to plant is an indication that they do not recognize the potential of Jatropha as source of biofuel hence income.