I.

Introduction

Quasi- Experimental Potency of Soil Type on the Cultivation of Fruit Bearing Trees

Shrine Hills is one of the most radiating biodiversity ever on earth. With its wide range of
variation within its flora and fauna, and strategic location, through this, it makes life possible
to establish and grow. Shrine Hills has always been the epitome on how biodiversity can be
beneficial to the society as it helps in developing and improving our economic and social
growth. Several positive impacts of biodiversity in the community living in the area is being a
source of living to the people such as growing crops and shepherding animals. In the social
aspect, even though we hardly recognize it, we are able to appreciate the beauty lies within
the area, we are encouraged to conserve the location’s biodiversity as what it plainly
deserves.

However, current challenges are continually facing the location due to the threat of
deforestation. This certain issue is caused by several modernizations happening in the area,
illegal cutting of trees and with poor regulations and monitoring mechanism. With that
matter, in this research study, we aim to discover and to develop a suitable fruit trees
species to solve the current situation that can lead to further problems such as landslides
and to maintain the biodiversity in the area. We would also consider certain abiotic factors
such as the soil, environment, and many more.

Soil is one of the most essential abiotic component in order for a plant to survive and to
sustain its life. It contains nutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).
However, we failed to realize that each soil is unique from another, from its type, pH level,
so on and so forth. This clearly means that the type of plant that would be used must be
clearly examined and verified to be rightful to the type of soil in our area and able to achieve
our goal.

In able to achieve our goal, there are certain methodology that were practiced in order to
find accurate results. The procedures are as follows:

Quadrat Sampling
A. Biotic Factors
1. Identify the exact location of your field and determine or get the total area of the
place by measuring the length and width using a tape measure or steel tape. Record
the calculations.
2. Use the tape measure and rope and measure a specific area in that place (e.g. 1
meter by 1 meter). This will be your quadrat.
3. List all the different species that you can see inside your quadrat. (can be the name
or description of that organism or you can draw or take a picture)
4. Count the number of species found in your quadrat.
5. Estimate the average density of each species.
6. Record the date you have collected.
 7. Repeat procedures 2-6.

Soil Sampling and Soil Analysis

B. Abiotic Factors
8. Observe some characteristics of the soil in your quadrat. (e.g. color, type, texture,
temperature, moisture)
9. Write your data.
10. Collect soil samples
a. Determine your soil unit area’s topography
b. Use a trowel, spade or bolo to dig 25cm (10 in) for shallow rooted plants or 31
cm (12 in) for fruit trees and permanent crop. (slightly slanting position as “V”
shape)

The needed materials are as follows:

 Trowel/shovel/bolo
 This is used to dig the soil that will be analyzed.
 Rope
 This used for the Quadrat Analysis.
 Tape measure
 This is used to measure the total area of the place. This was also used to
help us measure the depth of the hole that was dug.
 Barbecue sticks
 This is used to keep the rope stable.
 Gloves
 This is used for sanitary purposes.
 Ziploc
 This is used as container of the soil sample that we gathered.
 Camera
 This is used to document the activity.
 Based on the data analysis we did, we have identified that the sections of 8- Berchmans, 8-
Jogues and 8- Xavier have a clay type of soil. However, in our given hypothesis, we predicted
that if the soil type is loamy, then the population of fruit trees would increase. We will
conduct further experiments to identify what type of floras would suit the type of soil
available in the area.

We specifically chose fruit bearing trees due of several reasons. One of the reasons, fruit
trees are easily varied, there are a lot of types such as coconut, durian, mango, banana and
many more. Variation in plants is highly required so it can able to sustain the area’s
biodiversity. If choosing only one option, there are tendencies that a single disease can wipe
everything out. Second, it can also bring source of income to the families in the community.
The fruits that will be harvest can be a source of income in the family without harming the
biodiversity in the area.

This research, however, is limited the study of the Quasi- Experimental Potency of Soil Type
on the Cultivation of Fruit Trees. This research is primarily focused on how soil type serves
as a component in order for a fruit plant to survive in a specific location which is the Shrine
Hills. Thus, this research must neither be used a comparison nor a reference of further
studies that involves other location from Shrine Hills or used other abiotic component rather
than the soil type.

At the end of the study, our team is hoping to develop methods on how to preserve the
biodiversity found in Shrine Hills. We are wishing that our research will be a tool for further
studies and references for more advanced researches in preserving and developing the
beauty lies within the community.

II. Review of Related Literature

Factors Leading to the Difference in Values:

pH:

One of the factors leading to the difference in values for pH level is the environment of the
soil. Acidic soil are more likely to be found in natural forests due to several factors like
decomposition of leaves, pine needles and dead trees. If the area frequently receives high
rainfall level, the soil might be slightly acidic because the natural leaching action of rain
encourages acidity in soil. On the other hand, alkaline soils are more likely to be found to
the areas where the climate is mostly dry and warm. “The low level of rainfall that these
areas receive doesn’t rinse off, dissolve or evaporate the salts and chemicals that usually
build up in the soil,” according to agverra.com. Another factor is the presence of limestone
which makes the soil basic or alkaline. In Shrine Hills, there was a light rainfall when we had
our experiment, but afterwards the sun showed. Meaning to say the soil in Shrine Hills was
slightly alkaline to neutral.
Reference: Leineriza, (2011). Soil pH – Guide to Acidic Soil and Alkaline Soil Adjustment.
Posted May 30, 2011 from http://agverra.com/blog/soil-ph/

Organic Matter (OM)

The factors leading to the change of values of Organic Matter are climate (Tropical Climate –
has 2 seasons: dry and wet seasons) and soil organisms. According to fao.org, soil organisms
are responsible for the decay and cycling of both macronutrients, and their activity affects
the structure, tilth and productivity of the soil. In natural humid and sub humid forest
ecosystems without human disturbance, the living and non-living components are in
dynamic equilibrium with each other. The litter on the soil surface beneath different canopy
layers and high biomass production generally result in high biological activity in the soil and
on the soil surface. Mollison and Slay (1991) distinguished the following five mechanisms:

• a continuous soil cover of living plants, which together with the soil architecture
facilitates the capture and infiltration of rainwater and protects the soil;

• a litter layer of decomposing leaves or residues providing a continuous energy source

for macro- and micro-organisms;

• the roots of different plants distributed throughout the soil at different depths permit
an effective uptake of nutrients and an active interaction with microorganisms;

• the major period of nutrient release by micro-organisms coincides with the major period
of nutrient demand by plants;

• nutrients recycled by deep-rooting plants and soil macrofauna and microfauna.

Reference: Bot A. and Benites J. (2005). The Importance of Soil Organic Matter (Chapter 3 –
Natural Factors Influencing the Amount of Organic Matter, pp. 11 –
14): FAO Soils Bulletin

http://www.fao.org/3/a-a0100e.pdf

Phosphorus

Some factors leading to the difference in value of Phosphorus are climate, soil properties,
fertilizers and the pH level of the soil. According to nrcs.usda.gov, Inherent soil properties
and climate affect crop growth and how crops respond to applied P fertilizer, and regulate
processes that limit P availability. Climatic and site conditions, such as rainfall and
temperature, and moisture and soil aeration (oxygen levels), and salinity (salt
content/electrical conductivity) affect the rate of P mineralization from organic matter
decomposition. Organic matter decomposes releasing P more quickly in warm humid
climates and slower in cool dry climates. Phosphorus is released faster when soil is well
aerated (higher oxygen levels) and much slower on saturated wet soils. Soils with inherent
pH values between 6 and 7.5 are ideal for P-availability, while pH values below 5.5 and
between 7.5 and 8.5 limits P-availability to plants due to fixation by aluminum, iron, or
calcium, often associated with soil parent materials. Soil P cycles in many different forms
some that are readily available and some that are not.

Reference: United States Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources Conversation

Service (USDA and NRCS). Soil Phosphorus: Soil Quality Kit – Guides for
Educators (pp. 1 – 2) from:
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcs142p2_053254.pdf

Potassium

The factors leading to the difference in value of Potassium is the soil itself (characteristics of
the soil), the quantity of available K in the soil, the nonexchangeable or slowly available K,
the K fixation capacity of the soil, the amount of K in the subsoil and the density or
consistency of subsoil layers, soil temperature, soil moisture and soil tilth.
• The characteristics of the soil refers to the material from which the soil was formed.
• Of course, the quantity of the available K means the value of K that the soil test reflects
and the nonexchangeable or slowly available K is the K that is in equilibrium with available K
and renews the soil’s supply of exchangeable K.
• The K fixation capacity of the soil is of course the capacity or limit of the soil to perform
the K fixation.
• If dense layers (fragipans, etc.) develop in the subsoil, root penetration and rooting
volumes are decreased, reducing the availability of K and other nutrients that are there.
Root systems are frequently shallow, with roots concentrated in the upper layers where K
supply may be adequate, but where shortage of water can make it unavailable to plants.
• Low soil temperatures reduce K availability and uptake rate by crops. The optimum soil
temperature for K uptake for a crop such as corn is about 85ºF. Effects of low temperature
can be somewhat offset by increasing soil K levels. Row K can be important with lower soil
temperatures, especially for early planted and minimum till crops.
• Moisture is needed for root growth through the soil to “new” supplies of K. It is needed
for mass-flow movement of K to the plant roots with water and for the diffusion of K to the
roots to resupply that taken up by the roots. Drought stress or excess moisture reduces K
availability and uptake by crops. Increasing soil K levels can help overcome the adverse
effects.
• Tilth is related to the friability and ability to get air into the soil. Air is needed for root
respiration for K uptake. Tillage when soils are too wet leads to compaction.

Reference:

Better Crops (1998). (Vol. 82, No. 3)

 http://www.ipni.net/publication/bettercrops.nsf/0/68FBD2B2A6A305BF852579800082035
B/$FILE/Better%20Crops%201998-3%20p14.pdf

III. Results and Discussion

Results:

As seen on the chart, for the class of Berchmans, the pH level of the area is 6.0, 6.0, 6.1 for
the three samples which is Moderately Acidic and Slightly Alkaline. In terms of organic
matter which is 1.5, 1.5, 1.7 for the three samples, indicates low levels of such. Its
phosphorus having medium and low ratings for the three samples. And the Potassium levels
which had very high ratings respectively.
As seen on the chart, for the class of Jogues, the pH level of the area is 6.8, 7.0, and 6.3 for
the three samples which is Near Neutral, Neutral, and Slightly Alkaline. In terms of organic
matter which is 3.3, 1.5, 1.3 for the three samples, indicates low and medium levels of such.
Its phosphorus having very high, high, and medium ratings for the three samples. And the
Potassium levels which had very high ratings respectively.
As seen on the chart, for the class of Xavier, the pH level of the area is 7.0, 7.2, 7.4 for the
three samples which is Neutral, Near Neutral, Slightly Alkaline. In terms of organic matter
which 1.5, 0.6, 0.7 for the three samples, indicates low and very low levels of such. Its
phosphorus having high and medium ratings for the three samples. And the Potassium
levels which had very high ratings respectively.

Discussion:

Inherent factors affecting soil pH such as climate, mineral content and soil texture cannot be
changed. Temperature and rainfall control leaching intensity and soil mineral weathering. In
warm, humid environments, soil pH decreases over time in a process called soil acidification,
due to leaching from high amounts of rainfall. In dry climates, however, soil weathering and
leaching are less intense and pH can be neutral or alkaline. Soils with high clay and organic
matter content are more able to resist a drop or rise in pH (have a greater buffering
capacity) than sandy soils. Sandy soils commonly have low organic matter content, resulting
in a low buffering capacity, high rates of water percolation and infiltration making them
more vulnerable to acidification.
(USDA-United States Department of Agriculture. Soil Quality Kit - Guides for Educators: Soil
pH. Retrieved January 6, 2018 from
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcs142p2_053293.pdf)

Inherent factors affecting soil organic matter such as climate and soil texture cannot be
changed. Climatic conditions, such as rainfall, temperature, moisture, and soil aeration
(oxygen levels) affect the rate of organic matter decomposition. Organic matter
decomposes faster in climates that are warm and humid and slower in cool, dry climates.
Organic matter also decomposes faster when soil is well aerated (higher oxygen levels) and
much slower on saturated wet soils.
(USDA-United States Department of Agriculture. Soil Quality Kit - Guides for Educators: Soil
Organic Matter. Retrieved January 6, 2018 from
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcs142p2_053264.pdf)

Inherent soil properties and climate affect the growth of crops and their response to applied
P fertilizer and regulate the processes that can restrict the availability of P. Climatic
conditions, such as rainfall and air temperature, and site conditions, such as soil moisture
and aeration (oxygen level) and salinity (salt content/electrical conductivity) affect the rate
of mineralization of P as a result of decomposition of organic matter. Organic matter
decomposes, releasing P, more quickly in warm, humid climates than in cool, dry climates.
Phosphorus is released faster from well-aerated soils (higher oxygen level) than from
saturated soils (lower oxygen level). Soil pH of 6 to 7.5 is ideal for the availability of P for
plant use. Values of less than 5.5 and 7.5 to 8.5 limit availability of P as a result of fixation by
aluminum, iron, or calcium (fig. 2), which commonly are associated with soil parent material.
(USDA-United States Department of Agriculture (May 2014). Soil Quality Kit - Guides for
Educators: Soil Phosphorus. Retrieved January 6, 2018 from
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcs142p2_051878.pdf)

Inherent factors affecting potassium uptake by plants are soil moisture, soil aeration and
oxygen level, and soil temperature. Higher soil moisture usually means greater availability of
K. Increasing soil moisture increases movement of K to plant roots and enhances availability.
Research has generally shown more responses to K fertilization in dry years. Air is necessary
for root respiration and K uptake. Root activity and subsequent K uptake decrease as soil
moisture content increases to saturation. Levels of oxygen are very low in saturated soils.
Root activity, plant functions, and physiological processes all increase as soil temperature
increases. This increase in physiological activity leads to increased K uptake. Optimum soil
temperature for uptake is 60-80°F. Potassium uptake is reduced at low soil temperatures.
(University of Minnesota Extension (2018). Potassium for crop production. Retrieved
January 6, 2018 from https://www.extension.umn.edu/agriculture/nutrient-
management/potassium/potassium-for-crop-production/)

Shrine Hills is one of the living proofs of Davao City’s natural beauty, habitat, environmental
benefits, quality of life and the future of Davao. Davao City enjoys a mild tropical climate.
Compared with other parts of the Philippines in which there is a district hot and wet season.
It enjoys the privilege of a climate where the days are always sunshiny and mild followed by
nights of rain. Having this kind of climate, shrine hills experiences equal distribution of rain
every year.

With the research given above, it is said that the environment’s climate directly affects the
soil’s ph level, amount of organic matter, phosphorus level, and potassium intake. As seen
on the results above, the ph level ranges from 6-7 which is mainly neutral in acidity and
alkalinity, this is because the amount of rainfall is evenly distributed having equal levels of
acidity for the soil to contain. Since the area is elevated, there is not much amount of
organic matter to be found thus having low or very low levels of it as seen on the results per
class, it is also said on research that the total organic matter is higher in soils developed
under grasslands than those under forests. It can be seen above that there are medium –
very high levels of phosphorus despite the minimal amount of organic matter in the area,
this is because, soil pH of 6 to 7.5 is ideal for the availability of P for plant use. Higher soil
moisture usually means greater availability of potassium, increasing soil moisture increases
movement of potassium to plant roots and enhances availability, which is why given the
results, the area contains high levels of potassium.

Having all these said and based on the results gathered, we came to propose that fruit
bearing floras are best to plant within the area such as durian, banana, coconut, etc. Not
 only can this provide a living for the people in the area, but it also can help add up to the
amount of organic matter found in the place. Also, since the area contains high levels of
phosphorus, potassium and other different nutrients the soil contains, it is best for the fruit
trees to thrive.

IV. Conclusion Recommendations

According to some internet websites, clay loam is a soil mixture that contains more clay
than other types of rock or minerals. Moreover, this soil type is good for planting several
kinds of plants. The recommended plants in this area are fruit bearing trees. Fruit bearing
trees are easily propagated because majority can reproduce both sexually and asexually. It
could also easily adapts to its environment. It is suitable to the soil's different pH levels. Due
to the elevated area, it would be easier to germinate fruit bearing trees. It is highly
recommended because this reduce the risks of landslide which constantly places the lives of
the people in danger due to frequent rainfalls. Fruits are also a good source of income for
the people in Shrine Hills because fruits are always in demand regardless of the season. It is
assumed that majority of the population there are members of middle to low class of the
society. Also, flood could be lessened if we plant these trees for they will absorb the water.

We believe that fruit bearing trees will be best for Shrine Hills because the type of soil has
the minerals needed in order for these plants to grow. Thus, the plants will grow and later
on, we can benefit from those. These plants can reduce the risk whenever a landslide occur,
lessen the casualties brought by a flood and provide us a cleaner and fresher air that we’ll
surely enjoy. These plants could also uplift or improve our health conditions and away from
sickness. Because of these, we’ll surely enjoy our earthly life. Remember, a plant could bear
not only fruits and vegetables, but also joy and hope in our daily lives.

Reference:

Wise GEEK. What is Clay Loam? From: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-clay-loam.htm