Use of Soil Information in the National Greening Program of DENR Region IV-A, Philippines

Ma. Bernadeth DC. Adriano; Marco A.  Galang; Ecosystems and Development Journal

Ma. Bernadeth DC. Adriano College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños
Marco A. Galang Institute of Renewable Natural Resources, CFNR, UPLB, College, Laguna 4031, Philippines
Ecosystems and Development Journal

Keywords: CALABARZON, Executive No. 26, purposive sampling, site characterization, soil properties

Abstract

Soil is one of the most important factor affecting tree survival, growth and development. In view of this, a study was conducted to
assess the use of soil information in the National Greening Program (NGP) of the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR) Region IV-A, a project enacted on February 26, 2011 by President Benigno S. Aquino III through Executive
Order 26. Specifically, it determined the extent of use of the soil information in the project implementation and measured the value
placed by DENR personnel to such information. Through the use of purposive sampling, 20 key DENR personnel involved in the
NGP were interviewed. The data collected were compiled in spreadsheet and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science
(SPSS).
Results showed that 45% of the total respondents conducted site characterization prior to the NGP implementation. The results also
indicated that the NGP personnel fertilized the soil even without prior soil fertility information. Likewise, result from the soil
information-indicative relationship survey indicated that DENR staff place a higher value to soil chemical properties (soil pH;
Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium content; and soil organic matter) over physical and biological characteristics. With the
significance of soil properties in the survival, growth and development of trees, it is highly recommended that the DENR maximize
the use of soil information in their reforestation program.