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Original Research

SOIL FERTILITY STATUS OF VARIOUS ABACA- BASED AGROECOSYSTEMS IN ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA, PHILIPPINES

JANICE G. REPASO 1, and MYRNA G. PABIONA 2.

Vol 20, No 01 ( 2025 )   |  DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.14785040   |   Author Affiliation: Assistant Professor, School of Agriculture, Forestry, and Environmental Studies, J.H. Cerilles State College, Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines, Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture, Central Mindanao University, Musuan, Maramag, Bukidnon, Philippines 1; Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture, Central Mindanao University, Musuan, Maramag, Bukidnon, Philippines 2.   |   Licensing: CC 4.0   |   Pg no: 566-582   |   Published on: 31-01-2025

Abstract

The decline in soil fertility is considered the primary degradation process in major abaca-growing regions, as prolonged intensive cultivation has occurred without the application of fertilizers, leading to nutrient depletion in the soil. Abaca (Musa textiles, Nee) is cultivated alongside with anii, narra, coconut, fruit trees, and various forest trees. As a shade-loving plant, there is a wide area for possible abaca production expansion in the Zamboanga Peninsula. However, the soil fertility status of established abaca under different agroecosystems were not determined. Assessment of soil fertility status of the major abaca agroecosystems can help draw sound nutrient management strategy. The results indicate that the abaca agroecosystem possesses favorable soil texture, bulk density, and water-holding capacity. As far as the result of analyses after assessment, abaca agroecosystems demonstrate low levels of organic matter, soil organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, exchangeable bases, and available manganese, zinc, and copper, while exhibiting high levels of available iron. An inverse relationship between soil pH and water holding capacity (WHC); soil pH and available zinc; and bulk density and soil organic carbon content were observed. The addition of organic matter or fertilizers is essential for sustaining soil fertility and ensuring long-term productivity.


Keywords

Coconut, Essential Elements, Falcata, Mixed Trees, Rubber.