Spatial variability assessment and land evaluation of selected salt-affected rice areas in Candijay, Bohol, Philippines
2024
Lao, L.S.
Salt-affected soils (SAS) are a major cause of decline in agricultural productivity. In the coastal municipality of Candijay, Bohol [Philippines], farmers have reported that seawater inundates periodically rice paddies; however, there is a lack of data to support management. This study aims to assess the physicochemical characteristics and spatial variability of a salt-affected lowland rice area in Candijay and conduct a GIS-based suitability analysis for rice production using multi-criteria decision analysis. Local farmers' knowledge and attitudes towards soil salinity and management were also assessed through interviews and focus group discussion. Spatial variability maps were generated showing saline, saline-sodic, and neutral-sodic soils with increasing salinity and sodicity towards the coast (ECe: 4-23 dS/m; ESP: 15-49%), likely caused by seawater inundation dictated by tidal cycles. However, the suitability analysis revealed that most of the study area remains highly or moderately suitable for rice production because of favorable conditions regarding other soil and climatic factors. Although farmers displayed adequate knowledge of SAS, they face numerous economic, cultural, and institutional barriers to implementing effective adaptation measures. Various recommendations are discussed, including possible alternative farming practices, improving social and institutional processes, and long-term considerations in light of climate change and sea-level rise.
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