Assessment of major soil series grown to sugarcane under different land utilization types in Negros Occidental, Philippines

Abstract

Five major soil series that were planted to sugarcane namely Guimbalaon (Andic Haplustept), Isabela (Aquic Hapludalf), Luisiana (Ustic Palehumult), San Manuel (Fluventic Eutropept), and Silay (Aquic Tropudalf) were studied to identify the sugarcane-based land utilization types (LUTs) in Negros Occidental; determine the suitability of major soil series for sugarcane production; evaluate the possible soil constraints in sugarcane management; and draw soil management recommendations for sugarcane production based on soil constraints of major soil series. All of the soil series evaluated were classified as marginally suitable for sugarcane production, although soil constraints for production varied across series. Topography and wetness were the severe constraints common to all series. Soil management recommendations for constraints on topography in Guimbalaon (LUTs 4 and 1) and Luisiana(LUTs 1 and 2) series, were the implementation of a good soil conservation cropping and tillage practices such as contour terracing or farming. Moreover, problem on wetness in Isabela (LUTs 2, 5, and 6), San Manuel (LUTs 1 and 3), and Silay (LUTs 1, 2, 3, and 4) series could be managed by raising the height of the soil surface and elevate the site by adding 25-30cm of well-drained topsoil, compost or other organic matter to raise the planting zone and build drainage canals to direct water away from plants or other spots that collect water.