PHYSICO-CHEMICAL ASSESSMENT OF RICE SOILS IN QUIRINO PROVINCE, PHILIPPINES

Abstract

Optimum crop production is achievable with scientific soil analyses. Thus, the study was conducted in Quirino province covering rainfed and irrigated rice fields. The purpose of this study is to establish an updated database on the physical and chemical properties of these soils which intends to guide farmers in their rice farming activities, particularly on soil management. Results of the soil physicochemical analysis revealed that irrigated rice soils from Aglipay are Loam to Sandy Loam with a pH of 5.7-6.1 (medium acidic to slightly acidic) while rainfed soils are clayey with a pH of 5.3-7.1 (with strongly acidic to very slightly alkaline found to be generally). Samples collected from irrigated rice areas of Cabarroguis are majority Silty Loam with a pH of 5.8 (medium acidic), and soil samples from rainfed areas are found to be Clay Loam with a pH of 5.7 (medium acidic). On the other hand, samples gathered from irrigated areas of Diffun are dominated by Silt Loam with pH ranges from 5.4-6.3 (medium to slightly acidic); while samples from rainfed areas Clay to Clay Loam and pH of 4-5.5 (strongly acidic). Irrigated soil samples collected from Maddela are Loamy to Sandy Clay Loam with a pH ranging from 5.4-6.3 (medium to slightly acidic); while samples from rainfed were revealed to be silty Loam with a pH of 4.6 (strongly acidic). Irrigated rice soils of Nagtipunan are sandy clay with a pH 0f 6.0 (slightly acidic) while rainfed areas are found to be Clay Loam and Sandy Clay with slightly acidic to very slightly alkaline pH.With this current status of rice soils in the area, it is suitable for rice production. Furthermore, the soils assessed are also suitable for other high-value crops to avoid a monocropping system of farming.