How to Increase Milkfish Production through Adequate Pond Bottom Preparation

The step by step procedure compiled here started to shape during my field work (early 1990) in Negros Occidental (Cadiz and Silay City) while doing my Master Degree in Agriculture (major in Soil Science). I did my MS Degree Thesis field experiment in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental. While in Negros, we worked on prawn ponds particularly those setting on acid sulfate soils. As a “Soils Man”, I and my colleague at the Bureau of Soils and Water management, Dr. Perfecto P. Evangelista focused on the improvement of prawn pond bottom soils. While doing works in the area, we learned and tried several technologies. Most of these technologies are from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and SEAFDEC, while others are indigenous in the area.

Some of the technologies were modified to suit in the specific site. We religiously noted the combinations we tried and the modifications we did. Then we tried to come up with the general procedure for milkfish production. Specifics of the methods depend on the site characteristics which vary from one location to another. Our works were also inspired by the earlier work of Dr. Paul Singh on acid sulfate soils. The knowledge/technologies gained in Negros were tested first in-part in Hagonoy, Bulacan in the Milkfish production ponds of Mr. Marcelo Crisostomo while I’m advising several students from the Far Eastern University doing their BS Thesis. I also have a chance to validate the methods in Quezon province while working on “Toxicity Study”. To date (October 2006), the technology is being used in La Union, Pangasinan Milkfish production ponds.

In general, ideal pond site for good milkfish production requires high tidal range; can hold water at least 1 meter depth; with good water quality (constant salinity and temperature; long dry season-milkfish grow bigger during the dry season); with sandy clay loam or silty clay loam soil; away from domestic and industrial pollution; and with sufficient clean fresh water supply. In terms of pond design, ponds must have separate inlet and outlet gates so that incoming water is clean and kept separate from pond effluents. Pond bottom must be even and flat but inclined towards the outlet gate so that the ponds can be drained properly.

Step by step procedure to improve milkfish pond production (Note the quantity of material stated here could vary depending on the site characteristics).

For more info:

Call: Dr. GavinoIsagani P. Urriza

At: (02) 923-04-59 or email at: gurriza258@yahoo.com or visit us at: conservationist.wordpress.com

Conservationist Job

Conservationist manages natural resources, such as the watershed. They make conservation plans and programs that both make resources productive, healthy, sustainable and very conducive to live on.  We, conservationist protect the natural resources ensuring that minimal degradation happens to the resources. As a “conservationist”, we constantly faced with a range of challenges to help support the needs of human  with emphasis on the needs of nature’s replenishment and flourishment. The job is a balancing act of careful management and scientific practice which aims to ensure the sustainability of human’s co-habitation with its natural environment.

An example of this is the management of farmland so that it supports the most number of stocks (diversity) while maintaining the land for the natural wildlife and its staple requirements. A “conservationist” would be responsible for investigating ways to ensure that people meet their needs (water and food), and fulfilled their goals with minimal effect on the natural ecosystem. Most of the “conservationist” makes intricate decisions to come up with plans that give sense of balance economic goals with minimum environmental impact and meet government policy and worldwide standards.

The perfect aspirant for a “conservationist”  would be someone who is an exact nature lover, appreciate inter-relationship and enjoys working outdoors. He must be very attentive and watchful  who likes coming up with innovative solutions to problems and issues. He should get pleasure from the sciences and math; statistics probability and relationships will probably be a large factor in the job as a means for assessing and forecasting progress or trends. He must be able to work by himself and at the same time communicate with many types of people. Some “conservationist” become popular figures and pose as role models and mentors for society. Many “conservationist” won’t look for public recognition but still offer an important behind-the-scenes contribution to help human and nature live together in harmony.

If you are fascinated in “conservation job” as a career, you’ll need to pursue further education.  Most universities will offer an agriculture and biology degree with a major in a specific conservation work. Alternatively, you could pursue a marine sciences or socio-economic degree depending on where you’re interests lie and the flow you’d like to take forth for a career. There are several related “Short Courses” that offer training in applied sciences which may also be relevant. If you’d like to give “conservation Job” a try, volunteer with a local nature park or eco-rebuilding program and you’ll get a good overview of the type of work a conservationist is involved in and it may help you determine which area of conservation you’d like to take on as a career. 

For more info:  Call: Dr. Gavino Isagani P. Urriza  At:  (02) 923-04-59 Or email us a gurriza258@yahoo.com or visit us at: conservationist.wordpress.com 

Echoing the 11RR (Sept. 19 to Oct. 7, 2005; Silang, Cavite, Philippines) Training Experience…

Increasing Farmer Participation in Extension through Farmer-led

I. Course Description

This course was designed to advance rural development objectives through improved agricultural research and extension practices with increased community participation. From experienced, it is very clear that conventional, technology transfer-oriented agricultural extension has failed to promote rural development in much of the world, particularly those regions characterized as agro-ecologically diverse, resource-poor and risk-prone. Moreover, there is an on-going search for institutional arrangements which will foster 1) greater sustainability, 2) increased participation of rural communities, 3) the incorporation of indigenous technical knowledge into agricultural research and development strategies. Thus, there is a need to consider alternatives within a constantly changing environment.

Today, change rather than sustainability has become the operative norm within which most rural development institutions make decisions, allocate resources and plan programs and activities. Examining alternative extension approaches can provide a wealth of lessons and rich opportunities for comparing and contrasting extension programs that employ participatory approaches.

Using farmer-led approaches better integrates research and extension functions, combining knowledge and research capacities of local communities and research and development organizations in an interactive learning process. It involves identifying, generating, testing and adapting new techniques and practices to help solve local agricultural problems. The primary goals are to strengthen local capacity for experimentation and to support the adaptation of technology and its wider dissemination.

From this training, we were able to developed new capacities for planning, managing and evaluating participatory extension programs. We also developed an action plan appropriate to the Community-based Watershed Management Project.

II. Course Objectives

As participants, we were able to appreciate and discussed a historical perspective of the provision of agricultural extension services to farmers and their communities which was tackled in Module 1; we analyzed and explained basic concepts and principles which guide participatory and farmer-led extension approaches and methodologies (Module 2); we identified the advantages and disadvantages of various participatory extension methods (Module 2); examined the set of factors (i.e., social, institutional, financial, etc.) that influence the decisions and actions to incorporate participatory approaches into agricultural extension programs (Module 3); and prepared an action plan that will complement and strengthen participatory agricultural extension approaches into our own on-going programs/project (Module 4).

III. Course Content and Activities

In the course introduction, we discussed factors, which contributed to a conducive learning environment during the entire duration of the training. The training started with a getting to know each other, followed by leveling of expectations, and then course overview. Finally, different responsible team that was in-charged throughout the duration of the training was formed.

Module 1 Overview of Agricultural Extension Approaches: The Path Towards More Participatory Extension

In this module, we participants l have the opportunity to described our own experiences in our agency agricultural extension programs. Then, we looked at the historical overview of various agricultural extension approaches concluding with the emergence of participatory approaches. The module encouraged us to analyzed these approaches and reflected on the past and look to the future of extension.

Here, we engaged on activities such as the individual visualization exercise “what extension means to me?” We also shared our own of agricultural extension experiences and discussed the historical overview of agricultural extension approaches

Module 2 Participatory and Farmer-led Approaches to Agricultural Extension: Principles, Methods and Applications

In this module, we begin analyzing basic principles and concepts, which support participatory and farmer-led extension approaches. The module provided a forum for discussion on various components of farmer-to-farmer methodology which include issues about methods and techniques for creating learning/sharing opportunities for farmers; and management considerations of an extension strategy that is based on the use of participatory approaches.

This part focused on farmer participation, empowerment, capacity building and leadership development, combination of outside technical knowledge with practice-based farmer experience and Applications of farmer-led extension

Module 3 Transitions Toward Farmer-led and Participatory Approaches to Agricultural Extension: Challenges and Opportunities

For some agricultural development practitioners the introduction and use of farmer-led and participatory extension may just be a small step away. But for many, especially within the public sector, the application of the methodology may be very difficult given existing institutional and attitudinal constraints. Recognizing that these constraints are real, this module presented us the opportunity where we discussed the issues and challenges in moving toward more participatory extension approaches.

In this third module, we identified institutional and attitudinal constraints specific to our work situation and context which face the inclusion or integration of participatory extension approaches into existing extension programs; and assessed the relevance of these experiences to overcome existing institutional and attitudinal constraints within our work context.

Module 4 Action Planning

Before beginning the action planning, we synthesized lessons from the previous course modules. We reflected on how these lessons may (or may not) be applied in our particular work situations, and then we developed an action plan for implementation in our assigned work. The action plan we prepared were presented for constructive critiquing and feedback from the other course participants and facilitator.

For more info:

Call: Dr. Gavino Isagani P. Urriza

at: (02) 923-04-59 or email at: gurriza258@yahoo.com

or visit us at: conservationist.wordpress.com 

Conservation Assistance for Your Farm

We want you to be informed consumers of our services and make use of our knowledge gained thru several years of working in the field of soil conservation. We hope you give us a call, so that we can assist you.

Who We Are

We are professionals in the field of Environmental Science, Chemistry, Agriculture, Engineering, Socio Economics and Cartography working at the Bureau of Soils and Water Management. Thru the years we obtained expertise in the various fields we are working. In the early years of our career as an organic component of the Bureau of Soils and Water Management, we help farmers minimize soil erosion, but now we help farmers and other landowners solve a variety of natural resources problems on their land by providing technical assistance for resources conservation.

As a group of “Conservationist” we strongly advocate – what we call “locally-led conservation” .

What Help Can We Give You?

The first step for you as a farmer/land owner public or private is to think about your operation. There are many issues with a farm business just as with any business, but farming is a profession that is often intimately connected with the land. So, start by thinking about your land and its natural resources. What are your natural resource needs, areas where you need more information, or suspect there may be a problem?

Ask yourself of the following:

• Do I have a good quality water supply?

• Is the water as clean when it leaves my property as when it arrived? Can I re-use the water leaving my land thru small water impounding? Could I be wasting water?

• Do I have too much manure around? Can I engage in organic farming?

• How much fertilizer should I use? When to apply? What to apply?

• What can I do to improve diversity on my land?

• Is there evidence of soil erosion or water runoff from my field like sheet erosion, rill erosion, rain splash, gullies or mass soil movement?

• How can I control pests without too many pesticides? Can I do IPM?

• How can I start bio-composting? Or combine other livelihood scheme?

• Do I have good access to my forest land? Is it well managed?

• Am I doing some things on my farm that I know are good for the natural resources?

These are just some of the natural resource questions that could come up when you are thinking about your farming operation. The questions can be limitless. Since it is our business to help people deal with their natural resources and promote good land stewardship, these are issues that we may be able to help you with.

Contacting Us

When you are ready to start working on your natural resource problems or want help identifying natural resource management opportunities, the next step is to contact us. We will be able to guide you with information about current resources available to you, your strength and weaknesses including the opportunities and threat you are facing in the farming business.

The Next Task

Please keep in mind that a “Conservationist” may need to visit your farm before answering all your questions. Also, the availability of Conservationists for field visits is limited due to the workload but we can arrange “Work Time” with you.

Conservation Plan

The major part of “Conservationist” assistance is helping people develop and implement a Conservation Plan for their farm. A Conservation Plan is a record of decisions on how to wisely manage your soil, water, plant, animal, and air resources.

A conservation plan is a working sheet/customized document that outlines the use and best management practices of the natural resources on public or private lands. The plan defines and explains the resources in a simple, easy to understand manner. Typically, the plan will include land use maps, soils information, and inventory of resources, engineering notes, and other supporting information. In the plan, the land user, make all the decisions, but we will help you tackle resource problems alone.

The Conservation Plan identifies opportunities to improve these resource conditions by solving problems. It seeks to balance natural resource issues with economic and social needs.

We believe all farmers need a Conservation Plan, the plan makes it easier for you and your conservationist to work together.

Maintenance by the farmer is also required to ensure that the conservation practice functions properly as it was designed.

The Conservationist Guidance

Some conservation work requires that a “Conservationist” visit your property for a topographic, soil survey, land use, socio economics and other engineering survey. This various survey will include focus discussion and other means of appraisal. The activities are needed in order to design practices that will fit your property and continue to work long after installation. The complexity of the project will often determine how long it takes to complete the design, and install the practice.Conservation work done on your land need to be maintained by you and periodically inspected by the “Conservationist” to verify that the plan is being carried out.

Remember –

The more informed you are about soil and water quality, land management, habitat improvement, nutrient management, soil erosion control, and other natural resources issues… the better you will be prepared to develop and apply a Conservation Plan that is right for your land.

For more info:

Call: Dr. Gavino Isagani P. Urriza

At: (02) 923-04-59 or email at gurriza258@yahoo.com or visit us at: conservationist.wordpress> com

WHO NEEDS CONSERVATION FARM PLANNING?

You want sustainable production, higher income and healthy environment?

It is difficult to succeed without goals and a plan of how to get there.

The “CONSERVATIONIST”

Professional staff of the BSWM with technical expertise on Soil Conservation and Fertility Rehabilitation (Dr. Gavino Isagani P. Urriza), Soil Conservation (Mr. Joseph Rojales), Soil Chemistry (Ms. Florpina Sanches), Soil Survey (Mr. Oscar Costelo), Land Use Plan (Engr. Eduardo Alberto), Socio Economics (Filipina Ventigan), Soil Engineer (Engr. Bony de la Cruz) and Cartography (Patricio Yambot) can help you reach informed decisions about soil, water, air, plants, and animal resources while considering human, social and economic concerns…

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION FARM PLAN?

A conservation plan is a working sheet/customized document that outlines the use and best management practices of the natural resources on public or private lands. The plan defines and explains the resources in a simple, easy to understand manner. Typically, the plan will include land use maps, soils information, inventory of resources, engineering notes, and other supporting information. In the plan, the land user, make all the decisions, but we will help you tackle resource problems alone.

Conservation Farm Planning is a process which can be used by the farm family to balance the quality of life they desire with the farm’s resources, the need for production and profitability, and long-term stewardship.

WHO NEEDS CONSERVATION FARM PLAN?

Farmers and land users on public or private land who want to achieve a healthy working landscape; develop a vision for their farm twenty, or fifty years into the future; improve the profitability and efficiency of the farm operations; and make the farm a safe and healthy place for the family.

FARM VIABILITY

A conservation plan can result in more viable and productive land, giving the farmer a sustainable production and higher income.

Conservation Farm Planning is distinct from other farm planning approaches because it ties all the planning you do together for the whole farm and bases it on the long-term vision your family has for itself and the farm in the future. It is farmer controlled, voluntary, and flexible. The plans are owned by the farmer and the information contained in the plans is confidential.

WHY YOU NEED A CONSERVATION PLAN

We can help you develop a conservation plan one step at a time, while looking at your parcel of land.

• Would you like the opportunity to enhance the natural resources on your land?
• Do you have muddy runoff, carrying precious soil nutrients and water away?
• Are your surface soil depth decreasing and gullies growing and difficult to cross?
• Do you see sediment accumulations at the lower part of your land or field?
• Are your fields less productive now than before?
• Is your fertilizer usage increasing? Do you need more and more fertilizer and water to sustain yields?
• Is your property providing wildlife habitat?
• More resource problems?

BENEFITS OF CONSERVATION FARM PLANNING

• Maintaining or improving profitability while enhancing sustainability.

• It can also lead to protection and enhancement of the soil quality, water, and other natural resources on and near the farm.

• More importantly, the planning process helps the farm family define long- and short-term goals which lead to an improved quality of life and a better relationship with the community.

MAKING A CONSERVATION FARM PLAN

When you are ready to start a conservation plan, we will meet with you to discuss your goals, plans, resource problems, the soils. We will ask which crops you want to grow, the livestock you want to keep, the wildlife or recreation uses you want to plan, and any other interests you have that will affect the land. We will help you consider the effects a planned practice may have on an adjacent farms or parcel of land and the down slope areas. We will help you think on-site as well as offsite.

Conservation Farm Planning involves four steps:

• Setting goals

• Making an inventory and assessment of farm resources

• Developing and implementing an action plan

• Monitoring on-farm progress toward goals

Examples of goals for your long range vision of the farm:

• Might include wooded or grassland areas around streams which benefit wildlife and improve water quality; windbreaks for fields, livestock, and buildings;

Goals for how your farm will produce the income and good living environment:

• Listing the enterprises or livelihood undertaking you would like to continue, or add to your farm, such as locally marketed vegetables, or a cash crop corn, beans, and other.

Some examples of short-term goals:

• Include adopting conservation tillage, crop diversification, improving your livestock feeding system, and profitable marketing strategy.

The second step in Whole Farm Planning involves

• Inventory and assessment of resources, including the natural resources, human resources, financial and capital assets, crops and livestock systems.

• Information needed to complete the inventory and assessment may include soil maps, soil test results, cropping and animal management records, and financial data.

The third step in the process is to identify and evaluate management alternatives, and to develop and implement an action plan

• For instance, you may want to evaluate the effect that a change from a continuous cropping system to an agro-forestry system would have on your income, quality of life, and natural resources such as soil and water.

• You may want to evaluate the impact of adopting soil conservation practices such as conservation tillage, vegetative control measures or the income possibilities of direct marketing.

• You might consider the effect of organic farming and chemical management alternatives on the safety of your drinking water and your family’s health, as well as profitability.

The final step after developing an action plan is to monitor progress toward these goals.

• Try to evaluate how the plan is working, and make minor corrections and refinements as time goes by.

• Keep records and check your progress toward the goals set, so you can see how your plan is working.

• If the work you’re doing isn’t helping reach your goals, or if something just isn’t working out the way you expected, its time to make adjustment.

THE DECISION IS YOURS

• You make the decisions. We will give you many good alternatives and make some economic comparisons. However, you decide how, what, and when. It’s your plan!
• Decisions are needed on both the uses of the land and its treatment. When you make a decision on land use, you will need to consider how to treat each field to get the desired results. These treatments are known as conservation practices. Several practices may be used in combination to solve resource problems.
• We can help you understand how the conservation practices fit together in a farm management system, and what is necessary to provide the maintenance for continued effectiveness in the future.
• The plan can be a guide for you for several years, and can be modified as your goals and objectives change.

APPLYING THE CONSERVATION PRACTICES

Once planning decisions have been made, we will assist you in implementing the planned conservation practices.

KEEPING YOUR PLAN UP TO DATE

Your written conservation plan provides you with a ready reference guide for your year-to-year operations. However, economics or other circumstances may change, and prevent you from following your conservation plan. We conservationists can help you revise the plan when needed.

REMEMBER…

CONSERVATION FARM PLANNING process is voluntary, flexible and open ended. You make the decisions and carry them out, including maintenance. It is your plan for your own land for your own use. We are ready to help you.

Feel free to contact: Dr. Gavino Isagani P. Urriuza

Call: (02) 923 04 59

E-mail at gurriza258@yahoo.com or

visit: conservationist.wordpress.com

Training For “Sustainable Farming Methodologies for Marginal Soils“.

The Course will be conducted in accordance with the following:

Title of Training

The Course will be entitled “Farmers Training on Sustainable Farming Methodologies for Marginal Soils“.

Purpose

• To teach and introduce to the farmers the sustainable and readily available farming methodologies for the improvement of productivity of sloping marginal soils,

• To identify farmer cooperators who will be willing to use his farm as demonstration farm and who is willing to provide his labor, farm equipment and animals for free;

• To recommend them the crops, soil conservation and farming practices suitable to marginal lands;

• To encourage farmers the concept of “learning while doing”,

Expected Output

At the end of the training, farmers should learn the following:

· Familiarize themselves with the readily available farming methodologies in sloping marginal areas;

·  Assess and identify potential problems/limitations in sloping marginal lands;

· Learn to characterize (simple) their own land;

· Design an appropriate technologies to the identified problems/limitations;

· Test and validate their own recommendation; and

· Learn, disseminate and share their findings/experiences on the designed technologies through the conduct of Cross Visits and Farmers Field day.

4. Duration of the Training

The training will be composed of several activities (ANNEX 1):

Activity 1: Lecture Training Proper.

Duration of the training will be five (5) days; compose of lectures (2 days), field tour, hands-on exercise (field practicum) and workshop (Details are provided in ANNEX 2).

Activity 2: Establishment of Techno-demo sites.

One techno-demo site each will be established, a Farmer participant, willing to be a Farmer Cooperator and have his farm as Farmer-Managed Techno-demo site will be identified. The Farmer Cooperator should have the following qualification:

· Can read, write and speak “Tagalog” or English;

· Has his own farm; willing to provide resources for the techno-demo i.e. land, animal and labor;

· Member of cooperative/ peoples organization

· Not over 55 years old;

· In good health, both physically and mentally; and

· Willing to continuously attend other training’s such as Cross-visit, Farmers Field day and share experiences

Activity 3: Farmers Cross-Visit

Once, the techno-demo sites were established, one-time Farmer Cross-Visit will be organized. The participants for this activity will be the participants during the Lecture Training Proper (Activity 1). This activity will be done during the third year of the techno-demo. The objective is to expose the farmers to variety of technologies on marginal soils being adopted in other areas. During the said Cross-visit activity, the participants will share experiences observed and learned in the techno-demo site in their own area.

Activity 4: Farmers Field Day

One-day Farmers Field Day will be done during the third year of the techno-demo. The Field Day will coincide with harvest time. This activity will be highlighted with sharing of Farmer Cooperator experiences and lessons learned.

5. Curriculum

List of topics during the Lecture Training Proper are listed below and details of the training is provided in ANNEX 2.

1.  Sloping Marginal Soil Management

Status of soil resources

Extent and severity of soil erosion

Farming in sloping land

Concepts and principle of SLM

Importance of conservation farming

2. Soil Erosion

Process of soil formation

Soil erosion: mechanics and process

Factors affecting soil erosion

Principle of erosion control

3.  Major Technologies of Conservation Farming

Appropriate technologies for sloping marginal lands

Biological

Mechanical

Combination

4.  Supporting Technologies

Farm characterization

Farm Problem Identification

A-frame

Water harvesting

Livestock integration

Forestry integration

5.  Basic Soil Fertility

Soil sampling and analysis

Use of Soil Test Kit

Deficiency symptoms

Fertilizer computation

Seed inoculation

Amelioration

Composting

Balance Fertilization Strategy

Cropping Pattern and Crop Rotation

6.  Economics of Soil Conservation

6. Qualification of participants

Can read, write and speak “Tagalog” or English

Willing to attend in all the activities

Has his own farm

Member of cooperative/people organization

Not over 55 years old

In good health, both physically and mentally

For more info:

Call at: Dr. Gavino Isagani P. Urriza

At: (02) 923-04-59 or email at: gurriza258@yahoo.com or visit us at: conservationist.wordpress.com

Farming Methodologies For Marginal Soils Management

I. Introduction

Soil and environment

The need to manage the soil

What it takes to manages the soil (farm level)

II. Farm Characterization (Farmer level)

A.  Soil Characterization

At the end of this lecture, the farmers at the farm level should learn to characterize their own farm. The farmers know essentially their own farm, the characteristics, the strong point and the weak point in their present practices.

How to collect farm level information and its importance

topography

Other physical information (i.e. land-use, slope, and drainage system)

2. How to do soil sampling, the need to analyze the soil and its importance

Lay-out for sampling

Auger boring

Composite sampling

Representative pedon

Soil analysis (what is needed, where this can be done, recommendation and other

3. How to do conventional way of soil fertility mapping of the area(N, P, K, pH)

B) Socio-Economic Information

The topic will focus on teaching the farmer how to collect and manage the following information’s and enabling them to use this information.

Farm income (i.e. corn farmer, rice, etc.)

Farm physical constraints (i.e. low soil fertility, degree of soil erosion, drought, pests and diseases)

Existing soil conservation technologies (i.e. tillage operation, cropping pattern, mulching, planting time, cropping system, manuring, waste recycling, erosion control, water harvesting structure)

What they feel about the technologies (Reason for adoption/non-adoption of technologies)

Preferred soil and water conservation technologies

6. Other management practices (i.e. Crop residue management practices such as. burning, chopping, incorporation, composting, mulching and animal feed)

C.  Selected climatic data

Enable the farmer to realize the minimum requirement and the importance on daily farming activities.

III. Assessment and Identification of Major Soil Fertility Problem (Diagnosis)

After this lecture, it is expected that the farmers will learn to identify and assess potential problems.

a. Household and gender analysis: task and control

b. Mapping nutrient flow on the farm

c. Assessment and analysis of soil fertility management

d. Analysis of cropping/fertility history

- Cropping history

- Nutrient addition

- Nutrient removal (by crops, erosion, run-off, volatilization, leaching, fixed by the soil, available to subsequent crops)

-Nutrient budget

- Nutrient balance

e. Nutrient deficiency symptoms documentation

f. Evaluation of soil fertility practice

g. Diagnosis

IV. Designing appropriate technologies for the potential problems identified

This lecture will give the farmers the various technology available for them that can be used and help them design appropriate technologies in their own farm.

a. Major consideration (Conservation tillage and conservation farming system, timing of fertilization, method, balance, organic use, optimization)

b. Soil Conservation technologies

b.1 tree-crop – livestock system

b.2 cropping pattern, rotation, improved fallow

b.3 introduction or improvement of legumes

b.4 soil and water conservation

I. Major Technologies

A. Conservation Tillage

1. Contour farming

2. Minimum tillage

3. Contour tillage

4. Contour ridging

5. Multi-storey

6. Alleycropping/NVS/hedgerows

7. Zero tillage

B. Mechanical

1. Stoneline

2. Stonewall/rockwall

3. Terracing

4. Brush dams

II. Support Technologies

C. Improved cover

1. Mulching

2. Inter-cropping

3. Mixed cropping

4. Relay cropping

D. Enhanced Organic matter

1.  Legume

2. Green manure

3. Compost manure

4. Rotation/fallow

5. Residue incorporation

6. Stubble’s mulching

7. Trash line

E. Water Harvesting Technologies

1. Trenching

2. Water collecting pond

3. Water reservoir

4. Water impoundment

c. Finalizing/selecting a recommendation

V. Test and validate their own recommendation

This will enable the farmer to put their self designed recommendation, how to conduct such test and validating the output.

VI. Monitoring and Evaluation of Test with the Farmers

a. crop growth

b. harvest

c. yield

VII. Follow-up Field Test

VIII. Dissemination of Results/ sharing with other farmers

Farmers will learn how their experiences can be shared with other farmers and the venue for sharing.

For more info:

Call: Dr. Gavino Isagani P. Urriza

At: (02) 923-04-59 or email at: gurriza258@yahoo.com or visit us at: conservationist.wordpress.com

You want sustainable production, higher income and healthy environment?

Contact…

The “CONSERVATIONIST”

Professional staff of the BSWM with technical expertise on Soil Conservation and Fertility Rehabilitation (Dr. Gavino Isagani P. Urriza), Soil Conservation (Mr. Joseph Rojales), Soil Chemistry (Ms. Florpina P. Sanches), Soil Survey (Mr. Oscar Costelo), Land Use Plan (Engr. Allan Anida), Socio Economics (Filipina Ventigan), Soil Engineer (Engr. Bony de la Cruz) and Cartographer (Patricio Yambot) can help you reach informed decisions about soil, water, air, plants, and animal resources while considering human, social and economic concerns…

It is difficult to succeed without goals and a plan of how to get there.

 For more Info:

Contact: Dr.  Gavino Isagani P. Urriza

at: gurriza258@yahoo.com

or (02) 923-04-59   or visit us at: conservationist.wordpress.com