Soil Physicochemical Properties Of Ube Production Areas In Quirino Province
Jem-jem B. Lawayan
Discipline: food and beverage studies (non-specific)
Abstract:
This study evaluated the
physical and chemical properties of
soils in ube (Dioscorea alata) farms
across selected barangays in Quirino
Province—Balligui, Jose Ancheta, San
Benigno, Baguio Village, and Ifugao
Village—and examined their
relationship with crop yield
performance from 2022 to 2024. Soil
samples were analyzed for texture, bulk
density, porosity, water-holding
capacity (WHC), pH, organic matter
(OM), and macronutrient content
(nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium).
Results indicated that the majority of
soils were clay loam with favorable bulk
density (1.0–1.4 g/cm³) and porosity
(50–60%), suitable for root crop
cultivation. However, WHC varied
significantly, with some farms falling
below the optimal 10–20% range.
Chemically, soils exhibited low OM
(0.1–0.175%) and nitrogen, critically
low phosphorus (~3.5 ppm), moderately
acidic pH (4.8–6.5), and variable
potassium levels (80–175 ppm). Yield
analysis revealed that farms with
higher productivity maintained
adequate WHC and balanced potassium
and phosphorus levels, underscoring
the importance of integrated soil
fertility management for optimal ube
production. Based on these findings,
the study recommends the application
of organic amendments and lime for pH
correction, along with site-specific
fertilization guided by the Bureau of
Soil and Water Management’s Fertright
app. Additionally, incorporating crop
rotation with legumes and other tuber
crops is suggested to enhance soil
fertility and sustain long-term
productivity.
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