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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.
44,357 composite soil samples collected and analyzed
8,767 soil test kits produced, used, and distributed
Data Management and Mapping
The Geomatics and Soil Information Technology Division (GSITD) led the GIS-based mapping activities
868 maps prepared; 12,324 copies distributed
8 atlases published; 868 copies distributed
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.
2 consultation-workshops conducted with 267 participants
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
32 Output Presentation and Turnover Ceremonies conducted with 1,132 participants
Overall Customer Feedback Rating of Very Satisfactory
Phase III (Corn) Output Turn-over
10 Output Presentation and Turnover Ceremonies conducted with 537 participants
Overall Customer Feedback Rating of Very Satisfactory
Phase IV and V Online Output Presentation and Turn-over
13 Online Output Presentation conducted with 377 participants
Overall Customer Feedback Rating of Very Satisfactory
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..
668 copies distributed to the LGUs and DA-RFOs.
Launching of the Atlas of Soil-based Agricultural Guide Maps for Corn
Message from the Secretary of Department of Agriculture
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.
200 copies distributed to LGUs and DA-RFOs
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
