By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff Reporter
LAOAG CITY—Massive use inorganic fertilizer has deteriorated soil fertility in the province.
With this, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) through the Sustainable Development Center (SDC) is urging farmers to “heal” their lands to boost their productivity.
Edwin Cariño, SDC office head said they have completed soil restoration in at least 18 towns and two cities of Ilocos Norte.
“Right now, we are eyeing other towns of the province such as in Adams, Dumalneg, and Carasi to have their soil rehabilitated because of too much use of inorganic fertilizer,” said Mr. Cariño.
Early on, experts conducted soil testing in various parts of the province to help farmers identify the crops suitable to be planted in a certain parcel of agricultural land.
In fact, they are now popularizing a color-coded soil fertility map among farmers in the province to informed then about the level of soil fertility and what to do about it.
Under the color-coded map, there is a corresponding fertilizer recommendation for rice.
Farmers can also use the map for other crops but with the guidance of agricultural extension workers to compute for the fertilizer requirement of a particular crop or they can also consult the nearest soil laboratory.
In response to President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive to the agriculture department to help farmers boost productivity, the Dept. of Agriculture is undertaking a nationwide soil analysis to determine areas most suitable for rice farming and optimize production with the use of effective soil rehabilitation and fertilization.
Various local government units are also currently distributing farm inputs such as organic fertilizers to let farmers appreciate the long-term effect of organic farming.
Aside from reducing cost of farm inputs and producing healthier foods for the people, the government is pushing for organic farming while encouraging farmers not to burn their farm wastes and use it instead as organic fertilizer.