Suitable Crops for Sitio Acub in Koronadal City: An Alternative Soil Analysis Kit

Chapter 1
Introduction

Background of the study

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7279 defines "Resettlement areas" as areas identified by the

appropriate national agency or by the local government unit with respect to areas within

its jurisdiction, which shall be used for the relocation of the underprivileged and homeless

citizens; theoretically, a resettlement community aims to uplift a family’s standing from

subsistence to lower-middle income status. But according to (Rodriguez, 2015) those who

settle in resettlement areas are facing problems on hunger, poverty and lack of job

opportunities. Furthermore (Palafox, 2017) concluded that families which have been

relocated in these communities continue to be dependent on donations for subsistence

living.

An ideal program, the Gawad Kalinga’s community development program does

not merely provide relocation site or shelter but also means to make a living by providing

skills training to give opportunities for the mother and father of a family to have decent

income (Blank, 2005). Agriculture is an example of an income-generating event, it is both

a way of life and a business. It is a way of life to, possibly, all participants, but it is a

business to only some. Large-scale "commercial farms" clearly act like

businesses. Agriculture is Philippine Economy’s foundation and food production is the

major reason for agriculture given our fast increasing population. Agriculture is a broad
term which is referred to as the science and art for the systematic production of animals

and plants intended for man’s use(De Leon, 1995).

Soil plays a great part in agriculture; it is the upper thin layer of the earth’s surface

derived from the weathering of rocks and minerals. The soil is considered a natural

medium for plant growth. It provides support for plants. The solid particles of soil have a

capability to store nutrients and water which is helpful for plant growth and the activity of

releasing nutrients from the soil was proven relevant to plant survival. It provides

anchorage for plants.

Different plants need different amount of minerals. Good soil usually has sufficient

minerals to keep the plants healthy and strong. It is important to consider the quality of

soil in choosing a garden site because the success of the crop production depends on

the amount of nutrients that it can get from the soil. Considering the type of plants to be

planted in the variety of soil is also important as stated in the study conducted by (Avenir,

1975).

The process of soil test provides a scientific basis for formulating a sound fertility

management practice. It consists of chemical analyses of soil samples to determine the

amount of available nutrients in the soil. With the process, the researchers could easily

identify the right fertilizer and additional nutrient to use.

For a land to have a proper management, it must know the texture of the soil since

it affects the proper drainage, protection against erosion, the maintenance of soil fertility

and the holding capacity of the soil which influences the production of the land. Soil has

a lot of variety that differs from its texture such as clay, loam, etc. The plants depend on
the soil characteristics, especially in terms of the nutrients that they may get from it. That

is why, the type of soil where the crops are planted, is also a factor of the quality of the

harvest (Dagoon, 2000).

In the Philippines and other countries, low yields in general are a result of infertile

poor soil. Proper identification of soil types, with regards to the basic properties, is

necessary to properly sort out the compatibility of plants to different soil types. Plants

needed soil types that can sustain its nutrient needs for high yielding. With the given facts

and data, the researchers decided to conduct a study to identify, test, and suggest useful

ways for the sustainability of agriculture particularly in the locality to produce ways for

supporting food consumption as well as creating an avenue for growers to earn money.

Furthermore, the researchers seek to know the relevance of classifying soil samples in

the farming industry and production of crops.

Statement of the Problem

This research aims to address problems of food shortage and lack of job opportunities

in resettlement areas by conducting a soil analysis from Sitio Acub in Koronadal City,a

resettlement area for the B’laan, to determine the basic properties and chemical

characteristics of the soil samples through the proposed alternatives and compared with

the standard laboratory procedures. The specific objectives are the following:

1. Determine the soil texture and structure of the different samples through a

laboratory process compared with an alternative process

2. Identify the percentage of the Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium that are

present in the different samples through a laboratory process compared with an

alternative process

3. Determine if the sample is acidic and basic through a laboratory process compared

with an alternative process.

Purpose of the Study

This research aims to contribute to the agriculture of Koronadal City, the nearby

localities, as well as the trade and industry by conducting a soil analysis from soil samples

obtained, and develop a soil kit out of the soil analysis results. Through a soil analysis kit,

people from the said resettlement area can engage in agriculture to provide for their own

food consumption and products that may be sold to earn money with the knowledge of

the suitable crops for that specific area shown in a visual presentation inside the kit as

well as tools needed to conduct a soil analysis through alternative measures.

Significance of the Study

This study will benefit the following groups of people:

 The farmers, gardeners and home owners of Sitio Acub to maximize their available

resources, minimize crop yield failure and ensure the safety of their workers with

regards to the toxicity level of the soil.

 To the residents of Sitio Acub, that they may be given an opportunity to produce

crops for food consumption as well as for selling

 To the people interested in agribusiness that they may be duly informed of the

importance of soil to plant growth.