Salvador, Mizpah L.

T-1L
Exercise 1: Site Characterization, Evaluation, and Suitability Analysis
1. Based on the analysis of the features of the site, is it suitable for crop production? Explain
why.
Yes, the site’s features are suitable for crop production. It is evident in the computed
average which is 3.57 and is under marginally suitable to moderately suitable rating. In
terms of physical factors, the nitrogen, pH, and rainfall are those which made the soil not
suitable. Nitrogen greatly affects the acidity or alkalinity of soil (Fertiliser Technology
Resarch Centre, The University of Adelaide, Australia, 2013); thus, slightly acidic soil was
observed since there is a low amount of nitrogen in the soil. Rainfall is also minimal
therefore other water source is essential. Water pump is available in the engineering
department making the irrigation at good condition. With regards to biological factors,
existing fruit trees are present for many decades now, inferring a “suitable” area to grow
other fruit trees. Also, presence of pests and diseases are indicated by the presence of weeds
since it was not really asked during the interview and was only based on the students’ mere
observation. For the socio-economic factors, there is no institutional support that is being
received by this orchard—pulling its rating on the lower average. All other factors were
highly suitable except for the presence of equipment, adaptability to natural hazards, and
peace, order and security issues which only got a score of 4. This orchard does not really
need any advanced equipment due to its “pakyawan” system wherein their “market” is the
one who will be “watching over” it till the harvesting season; the farmers there only need
maintenance equipment which are basic but new. It does not have a high adaptability to
natural calamities since it was said on the interview that very strong typhoons resulted to
some trees being uprooted. For the peace, order and security issues, some produce was
being stolen by the nearby settlers before. This is why fence would also be a good structure
for it to be really profitable by their market. Other than these, it can be said that the area is
crop production suitable.

2. Based on physical factors and biological, is the specified crop suited the area? Explain.
According to the physical and biological factors, coconut (Cocos nucifera) is suitable in
the area; since it got an average of 4 for the physical and 3 for the biological. Nitrogen and
phosphorous maybe quite insufficient but potassium and soil pH is appropriate for it. The
rainfall is also low but other factors such as temperature, drainage, elevation, and slope are
highly suitable. Presence of weeds might also risk the competition for resources, but the
plant wastes of other existing crops could also help in the growth and development of the
specified crop.

3. What are the crops suited to the area? Why are they so?
The crops suited in the area are tropical fruit trees like what is already planted in the area;
such as durian, rambutan, lanzones, etc. The water source is mainly for maintenance only
and cannot be for irrigational use which is needed by staple or field crops. And since there
are already records which accounts for fallen trees during typhoons, high maintenance
 plants could be at risk if planted in the area. Also, it would be good for crops which only
requires a low nitrogen-, medium phosphorous-, and sufficient potassium-containing soil
so that it can reach its maximum productivity with the resources available.

4. What are the factor/s in the site that may not favor successful production of crop/s?
The specific factors that may not favor successful crop production are as follows: N
content, P content, annual rainfall, presence of pests and diseases, and not having an
institutional support.

5. What are the measures which may be considered to overcome these factors (i.e. provision
of irrigation facilities, drainage canals, land forming and soil fertility restoration, etc.)?
To overcome the factors mentioned above, the following measures that will be stated could
be considered. First is the usage of nitrogen and phosphorous fertilizers. Second, having
other water sources which is currently implemented; as already told, the water pump from
the engineering department. Pest control and plant disease management procedures like the
use of pesticides or manual removal of weeds. For the institutional support, it was said in
the interview that UP is giving them budget for this orchard and that is sufficient for this
factor.

6. Which do you prefer, a demand-market driven, or climate and soil determined farm plan?
Briefly explain your answer.
I would prefer a climate and soil determined farm plan. Both the climate and soil affect the
crop productivity and other factors of growing crops. Adequate measures being applied to
the soil and proper procedures being done for each climatic season will most likely result
to a good amount of yield—with crop’s high-quality produce being maintained. This kind
of plan leans more on the quality over quantity side. For me, having a quality yield can
reflect suitability of the farm’s environment concerning the physical, biological, and socio-
economic factors which greatly impacts the growth and development of the crops.

7. Will the suitability rating of the given site differ from one crop to another? Why or why
not?
Yes, the suitability rating would differ from one crop to another. It can be seen on the
publication by Sys et al. (1993), in which different crops were specified with the
requirements needed to grow them. Since this area is solely fruit trees which has a varying
necessity compared to ornamental crops, vegetables, staple crops, etc., the suitability rating
could really differ.

References:
Fertiliser Technology Resarch Centre, The University of Adelaide, Australia (2013, April).
Fertilizers And Soil Acidity: Mosaic Crop Nutrition: Mosaic Crop Nutrition. Retrieved
from https://www.cropnutrition.com/fertilizers-and-soil-acidity
Sys, C., Van Ranst, Eric, Debaveye, J., & Beernaert, F. (1993). Land Evaluation Part 3: Crop
Requirements.