TITLE:
Assessing Soil Fertility and Challenges in Organic Vegetable Farms: A Case Study in the Philippines
AUTHORS:
Takamitsu Kai, Maria Claret L. Tsuchiya, Jose Nestor M. Garcia, Simplicio M. Medina
KEYWORDS:
Outdoor Organic Vegetables, Microorganisms, Nitrogen Circulation Activity, Phosphorus Circulation Activity
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Agricultural Chemistry and Environment,
Vol.14 No.1,
February
18,
2025
ABSTRACT: Organic agriculture is gaining momentum in the Philippines as consumers become more health- and environment-conscious. This study investigated soil fertility based on soil chemistry and biological properties of organic vegetable farms in Sariaya, Quezon Province and Los Baños, Laguna Province, with the aim of developing organic agriculture in the Philippines. We utilized the SOFIX (Soil Fertility Index) technology, which is designed to evaluate soil fertility by focusing on the activity and diversity of microbial communities in the soil. This technology provides a scientific assessment of soil health, aiming to contribute to sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation. Soil fertility parameters from four different farms cultivating outdoor organic vegetables were below the recommended values for organic production. Essential macronutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium and total carbon content, which is indicative of soil organic matter, were insufficient. Bacterial biomass for soil organic matter decomposition, and nitrogen and phosphorus circulation was inadequate. These results indicated that organic plots lack the fertility needed for optimal organic crop growth. The poor fertility of these organic plots could be attributed to their recent shift from conventional cultivation, which used synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers, to organic cultivation approximately seven years ago. This shift may harm soil microorganisms, leading to decreased fertility, nutrient availability and hindering the ability to sustain organic production. Overall, the findings of this case study emphasize the significant soil fertility challenges on organic vegetable farms. Therefore, farmers and agricultural practitioners must adopt appropriate soil management practices to improve soil fertility, microbial populations, nutrient availability, and overall soil health for successful organic production.