Characterization of Lahar and Black Sand Laden Soil Towards Improving Soil Productivity In Botolan, Zambales
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Abstract
This study characterized the soil in the marginal areas of the Mt. Pinatubo in Botolan, Zambales, Philippines (years after the eruption and continuous flooding which covered vast areas with ash, mud, and black sand) to serve as basis in identifying measures to regain land productivity. Utilizing Geographic Information System (GIS) program, nine sites were chosen and plotted in a derived Philippines' digital map. Soil morphological characterization, land capability classification and land productivity index were determined based on appropriate measurement techniques. From the tests conducted, results showed that volcanic mud laden soils are acidic, with low organic matter content and water holding capacity, nutrient deficient, and poor physical attributes. Specifically, the soil condition in the fields was classified into two (2) LMU: class VIIIs-5 and class IIs-0 with common characteristics of being excessive drainage or doughtiness (s) with limitations on coarse-textured or excess gravel as the limiting factor (4) sand and gravel substratum (0). Based on its properties, crop suitability evaluation of most plant was marginal to not suitable. The limitations were primarily stoniness, drainage, water availability, and soil texture on some municipality parts. The results of this study suggest that farming on these types of soils will require heavy applications of fertilizers to obtain optimum crop yields.
Keywords
volcanic mud, soil productivity, soil characteristics, Mt. PinatuboReferences
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