Evaluation of Soil and Water Conservation Technologies in Vegetable- Based Upland Production System of Manupali Watershed, Southern Philippines

Soil erosion and declining productivity resulting in low farm income have been the major constraints to the sustainability of the commercial vegetable production systems in cultivated uplands of the Philippines. Steep slopes, favorable climate, high fertilizer and pesticide application rates characterizes these production systems. Sustainability of upland vegetable production system and soil conservation technologies in Manupali watershed were analyzed. Farmers’ perceptions and attitudes toward various environmental issues were initially gathered. Average soil loss in farmers' up-and-down cultivation practice was 50% greater compared to the conservation practices. Conservation technologies tested considerably reduced soil erosion but the level of adoption was less than hoped for. Among crops, tomato had more soil erosion. The difference between crops on their propensity for erosion was related to their canopy cover and tillage operations. Compatibility of trees in the vegetable production system offers encouraging results. Trees did not out-compete vegetable for below ground resources but benefited from excess nutrients in the vegetable systems. Economic benefits play prime consideration in the adoption of conservation technologies. Identifying appropriate practice for soil erosion control while at the same time improves farm income continues to be a great challenge for the sustainability of the upland vegetable production system. Additional