CENTRAL Philippines State University (CPSU) has started embracing “Conservation Agriculture” which preserves and improves soil fertility, at the same time, increasing crop productivity.
According to CPSU president Dr. Aladino Moraca, Conservation Agriculture (CA) is a “sure-win” formula that can solve the economic dilemma that the country is facing today.
“This farming system ensures stable supply of farm produce to answer issues on food security, particularly on rice sufficiency, at the same time guarantees sustainable livelihood for our marginalized farmers,” Moraca stressed.
This innovation in agriculture was introduced to the CPSU by Dr. Manny Reyes, a research professor at Kansas State University, in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development, through a series of webinars that started month-ago.
The webinar series, which is conducted every Thursday, is participated in by CPSU personnel, as well as representatives of public and private sectors, like partner local government units, state colleges and universities on Negros Island such as Negros Oriental State University, Carlos Hilado Memorial State College, Northern Negros State College of Science and Technology, La Carlota City College, and other stakeholder.
On the side of the private sector, among the notable participants is Ramon Uy Sr., of Bacolod City-based RU Foundry and Machine Shop Corporation, who has been aggressive in promoting the “no till” system of farming.
Conservation Agriculture or the “no till” farming is also known as regenerative agriculture that increases yield while enhancing soil heath.
Reyes explained that the CA is done through three components: minimum soil disturbance (permanent no till); permanent organic soil cover; and diversification of species in rotation, sequence or associations.
“If one is lacking, it could no longer be called Conservation Agriculture,” Reyes pointed out, stressing that “constant plowing disturbs and rubs the natural elements and compounds present in the soil.”
“It is like stripping off the soil’s clothing resulting in depletion. In CA, the soil is regenerated through organic enhancers,” he added.
Reyes shared that mulching is one way to fertilize the soil, and cover crops produce organic nitrogen, are used as soil conditioner or fixer.
Part of this process is diversification to maximize soil produce, which means planting various varieties of crops and plants in an allotted area.
“Add residue to cover the soil regularly and don’t monocrop. Instead, diversify in species,” he emphasized.
As starter, Reyes has encouraged the CPSU to make “legacy plots” or permanent areas that are not and will not be plowed.
“These areas will be regularly added with compost, and mulched with hay or straw to retain moisture, encourage development of good microorganisms and minimize if not eliminate weeds,” he said.
CA likewise promotes the idea of “SAVE & GROW” – saving resources while growing food.
“With the collaboration and commitment of other SUCs to advocate this new system in agriculture on the entire Negros Island, and in partnership with RU Foundry, Department of Agriculture, and Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, this practice will help fast-track the process of regaining economic stability, especially during these drastic times,” Moraca said./PN
