Philippine Journal of Science
153 No. 6A: 2087-2095, December 2024
ISSN 0031 – 7683
Date Received: 01 Feb 2024
Soil Fertility Assessment of the Rehabilitated Riparian Areas in Mt. Kitanglad, Lirongan, Talakag, Bukidnon, Philippines
Arnele Mie A. Fanuga1,2*, Kirk Patrick Loise E. Uy1,2, Sherwin S. Sevilla1,2, Khyzer Jake P. Cabañelez1, Joylinber P. Tandingan1,3, Ruben F. Amparado1, Peter D. Suson1, and Hilly Ann Roa-Quiaoit1,4
1Environmental Science Graduate Program, Department of Biological Science, College of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University– Iligan Institute of Technology, Iligan City 9200 Philippines 2Department of Fisheries, Marine and Environmental Sciences, North Eastern Mindanao State University, Lianga, Surigao del Sur 8307 Philippines 3Department of Environmental Science, College of Forestry and Environmental Science, Central Mindanao University, Musuan, Maramag, Bukidnon 8710 Philippines 4Cagayan de Oro River Basin Management Council, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Cagayan de Oro City 9000 Philippines
*Corresponding author: arnelemie.fanuga@g.msuiit.edu.ph
Fanuga AM et al. 2024. Soil Fertility Assessment of the Rehabilitated Riparian Areas in Mt. Kitanglad, Lirongan, Talakag, Bukidnon, Philippines. Philipp J Sci 153(6A): 2087–2095.
ABSTRACT
Soil resource degradation is one of the recurring problems in the Philippines, mainly driven by deforestation and poor agricultural practices, leading to decreased fertility and soil erosion. In Mt. Kitanglad, Lirongan, Talakag, Bukidnon, a restoration method is introduced using Calliandra calothyrsusto eradicate the dense Imperata cylindrica spreading in the area and causing impairment to the landscape ecosystem. This study determines the soil’s available nutrients and quality in areas rehabilitated with Calliandra calothyrsus, compared to a control site dominated by Imperata cylindrica. Soil samples from six rehabilitated sites and one control site were analyzed for physical and chemical content. Composite samples were collected from six to ten soil subsamples from each site to analyze the physical and chemical properties of the soil. The temperature and moisture of the soil were measured on-site using soil test kits. The hydrometer and core methods assessed soil texture and bulk density, respectively. The findings suggest that the control site had higher soil fertility indicators – including organic carbon, organic matter, and nitrogen (N). The rehabilitated sites with Calliandra calothyrsus had an optimum N content of 0.49 ± 0.18% and bulk density of 1.08 ± 0.11 g cm3 but showed deficiencies in the soil pH (5.30 ± 0.39), phosphorus (0.50 ± 0.16 mg kg–1), and potassium [0.17 ± 0.16 cmol (+) kg–1]. Thus, a revision of the management approach such as increased fertilizer application and agricultural lime is recommended to improve the soil fertility and neutralize the soil pH in the rehabilitated areas. Periodic physicochemical monitoring, soil micronutrient assessment, and microbial analysis will further aid in assessing the effects of Calliandra calothyrsus on soil fertility at the study site.