Republic of the Philippines

Department of Agriculture

Bureau of Soils and Water Management

SOILS SURVEY DIVISION

SRDC Bldg. Elliptical Road corner Visayas Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines 1101

Email: survey@bswm.da.gov.ph/official.sha.nsst@gmail.com | Fb. Ssd sha nsst | Telefax: 8923-0474 

Component 1: Soil Fertility Assessment and Mapping

     PROJECT WORKFLOW

  Coordination Meeting and Inception Briefing

   

To jumpstart the fieldwork activities, a coordination meeting is convened with the DA-RFOs and the PLGUs through the Provincial Agriculture Office (OPA). This is to set the arrangements for the conduct of the inception briefing as well as to obtain secondary data and information. 

Joining the inception briefings were representatives from the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO). The activity intended to present the soil sampling and soil testing protocols and to finalize the itinerary of fieldwork and other logistical arrangements. 

These pre-field survey activities helped ensure a well-coordinated and smooth conduct of fieldwork, timely delivery of outputs, and the safety and well-being of the field survey team.

   Field Survey, Soil Sampling and Testing

Soil sampling was carried out with the counterpart personnel from the DA-RFOs and LGUs, and assisted by the field assistants hired to provide labor support.  

Before collecting soil samples, the pre-identified sampling area is surveyed as to its homogeneity or heterogeneity (differences in land use/crop cover, slope, soil texture, color, drainage and degree of erosion). If heterogenous, it is further divided into sub-sampling units. 

Soil samples were collected at a depth of 30 cm . For homogeneous area, a composite soil sample was collected from at least 10 sampling points for every 50 ha in rice, or 25 ha in corn. Whereas, in a heterogeneous area, a composite soil sample is collected from at least 5 sampling points.  Soil samples are then air-dried, pulverized, sieved (2mm mesh screen) and submitted to the laboratory for analysis. 

Leading the soil testing group were the BSWM-Laboratory Services Division (LSD) and the DA-RFO Regional Soils Laboratories (RSL). Soil samples were analyzed using qualitative and quantitative methods at the makeshift laboratory at the temporary field office, RSLs and BSWM.


   Data Management and Mapping

The Geomatics and Soil Information Technology Division (GSITD) led the GIS-based mapping activities 

   Workflow

Consultation-Workshop with DA-RFOs

A consultation workshop with the DA-Regional Field Offices  were conducted in February 2017 and April 2018 at the BSWM Convention  Hall to present and validate the maps prior to printing and publication. 



    

  Output Presentation and Turnover Ceremony

In culmination of the soil fertility assessment and mapping activities in each project phase, Output Presentation and Turnover Ceremonies were held. This is to present the findings and hand over the print and     e-copies of the outputs to the DA-RFOs and LGUs. In addition, soil test kits were distributed and certificates of appreciation were presented as simple tokens of gratitude for the support afforded to the DA-BSWM. 

Phase I and II (Rice) Output Turn-over 

Phase III (Corn) Output Turn-over 

Phase IV and V Online Output Presentation and Turn-over

As a testament of our commitment to reach our partners despite the mounting challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the SHA-NSST Team adapted to the “new normal”. Parcels containing the outputs (maps and test result matrices) were sent in advance to the DA-RFOs and LGUs and an Online Output Presentation were held in October 2020 and June 2021 for Phase IV and V respectively.  These steps were a novel and innovative way to ensure that the results are delivered to its intended users and are put to good use.

Launching of the Atlas of Soil-based Agricultural Guide Maps for Rice

The Atlas of Soil-based Agricultural Guide Maps for Rice was launched during the 66th BSWM Anniversary Celebration at the Convention Hall on June 05, 2017 . The 7-volume document was  presented by BSWM OIC-Director Angel C. Enriquez and Assistant Director Sonia M. Salguero to Hon. Senator Cynthia A. Villar, Undersecretary Ariel T. Cayanan and Undersecretary Francisco M. Villano, Jr..

Launching of the Atlas of Soil-based Agricultural Guide Maps for Corn

Message from the Secretary of Department of Agriculture

Hon. Willian D. Dar, Ph.D.

The Atlas of Soil-based Agricultural Guide Maps for Corn was launched on December 07, 2021 at the BSWM Convention Hall.  

Gracing the event onsite for the ceremonial ribbon cutting were Ms. Sonia M. Salguero, former BSWM OIC-Director, who led the project inception in 2016. She was joined by current BSWM Director, Engr. Pablo M. Montalla, Assistant Director,  Dr. Gina P. Nilo, and OIC-Assistant Director for Administration and Finance, Ms. Evelyn C. Fernando. The celebration was also attended by DA Undersecretary for Special Concerns, Atty. Waldo R. Carpio, who came from another meeting.

Hon. DA Secretary William D. Dar, in his video message, underscored that "healthy soils are tantamount to better quality of life because healthy soils serve as foundation for healthy food production". He also underpinned that "the challenge to keep the DA relevant in these changing times can be achieved through collaborative efforts". Hence, he conveyed his commendation to the DA-BSWM, DA-RFOs, LGUs and farmers for the successful completion of the Atlas. 

Joining the activity online were representatives from the DA-RFOs, selected LGUs, and BSWM staff. 

The event was livestreamed via the BSWM official Facebook page Click here. It was also featured at the DA official Facebook page Click here and by the Philippine News Agency (PNA) Click here.


Packaging and delivery of the Atlas of Soil-based Agricultural Guide Maps           for Corn to DA-RFOs and LGUs

Partners from the DA-RFOs and LGUs pose for a picture upon receipt of their copy of the Atlas of Soil-based Agricultural Guide Maps for Corn