EDAPHIC AND CLIMATIC ENVIRONMENT OF SELECTED INDIGENOUS UPLAND RICE VARIETIES GROWN IN VITALI, ZAMBOANGA CITY, PHILIPPINES
Authors: Molina, M.R.L.; Cababat, I.C.; Senon, A.B.; Tabal, E.P.; Bendijo, S.A. and Sadiwa, L.F.
Molina, M.R.L.: Graduate Student, College of Agriculture, Western Mindanao State University, Zamboanga City, Philippines.
Cababat, I.C.: Graduate Student, College of Agriculture, Western Mindanao State University, Zamboanga City, Philippines.
Senon, A.B.: Graduate Student, College of Agriculture, Western Mindanao State University, Zamboanga City, Philippines.
Tabal, E.P.: Faculty, Graduate Studies, College of Agriculture, Western Mindanao State University, Zamboanga City, Philippines.
Bendijo, S.A.: Faculty, Graduate Studies, College of Agriculture, Western Mindanao State University, Zamboanga City, Philippines.
Sadiwa, L.F.: Faculty, College of Computing Studies, Western Mindanao State University, Zamboanga City, Philippines.
ABSTRACT
The decline of indigenous upland rice varieties, despite their resilience and high-quality traits, is driven by a combination of agronomic, socio-economic, and environmental challenges that make them difficult for farmers to maintain, despite its desirable traits such as their ability to resist pests and diseases, tolerance to abiotic stress, its aromatic characteristic, excellent palatability, and high in nutritional value; production remain low. The study was aimed to address the onsite edaphic, agronomic and climatic challenges with a goal focused on the utilization of production sites, particularly and preservation of upland rice seeds for seed and food purpose. The approach was designed to capture field information that will provide actionable insights to guide policy decisions and practical interventions for enhancing food security in Zamboanga City and across Zamboanga Peninsula. Hence, the study was carried out to profile and characterized the upland rice farms in the selected areas of barangay Vitali, Zamboanga City, Philippines. Simple descriptive method was used and purposive sampling was employed covering the five (5) identified upland areas in various sitios with recently planted with indigenous upland rice, with at least an area of 0.3 ha farmer-1 and above. Survey questionnaire was used to capture farmer and field profiles, soil samples were submitted for laboratory analysis to establish the edaphic, while climatic factors were analysed in collaboration with relevant agencies and secondary data. Strengthening the sustainability of indigenous upland rice production in Barangay Vitali requires a comprehensive and integrated approach. Key strategies include improving access to and conservation of indigenous seed systems, promoting cost-effective and sustainable fertilizer and pest management practices, and enhancing soil fertility through organic amendments and proper nutrient management. Addressing water challenges through efficient water management systems is also essential, particularly in the face of erratic rainfall patterns, including soil fertility management, promoting climate-resilient farming strategies, and improving access to agricultural inputs and infrastructure are key to sustainable upland rice farming systems in the uplands of Baranagay Vitali, Zamboanga City, Philippines.
Keywords: Food production, indigenous upland rice varieties, farm and environmental characterization, Zamboanga City, Philippines.