Farmers in Tapaz embrace adaptive balanced fertilization for corn production

To promote sustainable corn production and improve yield, the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM), in partnership with the Department of Agriculture – Western Visayas (DA-WV) and the Local Government of Tapaz, Capiz conducted a Farmer’s Field Day on the Adaptive Balanced Fertilization Strategy (ABFS) for Corn Project Technology Demonstration in Barangay Apero, Tapaz, Capiz.

The activity forms ABFS Project spearheaded by BSWM, covering 90 hectares of corn areas with 82 farmer beneficiaries adopting the technology.

Dr. Karen Bautista, Chief Science Research Specialist of BSWM , discussed the project’s rationale, highlighting that ABFS aims to increase corn yield through proper nutrient management anchored on the principles of E.A.T.- Element, Amount, and Timing.

Balanced fertilization means “using the right kind of fertilizer, at the right rate, time, and place to ensure that corn plants get the nutrients they need to achieve their maximum yield,” Dr. Bautista emphasized.

She added that the combined use of organic and inorganic fertilizers helps farmers reduce production costs while improving soil health.

According to Dr. Bautista,

1. The use of both organic and inorganic fertilizers helps reduce production costs by replenishing soil nutrients and minimizing the excessive use of inorganic fertilizers.
2. The combination or organic and inorganic fertilizers restores soil health, increases production, and prevents negative impacts on the environment.

The ABFS approach prescribes specific protocols for yellow corn, detailing the proper timing and rate of fertilizer application. It also underscores the importance of soil sampling to determine the soil’s nutrient status and to provide accurate fertilization recommendations.

Currently, the average corn yield in Tapaz is at five tons per hectare. Through ABFS, DA and BSWM aim to further increase production efficiency and sustainability.

Regional Corn Program Coordinator Renan Palomo urged farmers to continue practicing ABFS to improve productivity.

“Western Visayas is at 57% sufficiency in corn. Increasing our production, especially for yellow corn, supports the livestock sector since it serves as a key raw materials for feeds. We also encourage clustering and consolidation among farmer groups to strengthen production and market access,” Palomo said.

The field day also served as a venue for knowledge exchange, where farmers raised concerns on pest and disease management. Mr. Levie Legarda, Science Research Specialist II of the Regional Crop Protection Center, addressed these issues and emphasized the need for immediate reporting of pest occurrences to prevent production losses.

“Proper pest and disease management is vital for maintaining high productivity. Reporting outbreaks promptly allows us to provide early interventions and prevent further damage,” Legarda noted.

To ensure the sustainability of the initiative, BSWM aims to increase the number of technology adopters and expand influenced areas. The bureau is also seeking the continued support of the Local Government Unit of Tapaz through the passage of a Sangguniang Bayan Resolution adopting the ABFS and through the provision of local resources such as farm inputs and technical assistance, even after the project’s completion.

With collaborative efforts from BSWM, DA-WV, and the LGU of Tapaz, the ABFS project is seen as a major step toward achieving sustainable and profitable corn production in Western Visayas.###

Story and Photos by Aileen Subade/DA-RAFIS