Technology threatens rice-based ecosystem

Jennelyn S. Tabangcura

KAPANGAN, Benguet -- The traditional rice-based ecosystem of Kapangan is now being threatened by the entry of modern technologies in rice farming and the pressure on population. This has resulted to the alteration of land use and diversification of crops.

This was according to a study by Junalynne B. Ingosan, Jane Rachelle S. Labaro and Judith Ann L. Sally, Bachelor in Environmental Science students of BSU major in Resource Management with their adviser, Dr. Romeo A. Gomez, Jr.

The study titled, “Agri-Ecological Appraisal of Traditional Rice-Based Ecosystem: The Kapangan Experience,” characterized the soil fertility, level of crop productivity, floral diversity assessment, indigenous knowledge system and traditional rice farming practices in Sitio Gadang Proper, Gadang and Sitio Malagyao, Cuba in Kapangan.

These areas are considered two of the few remaining traditional rice-based ecosystems in Kapangan.

The study revealed that in terms of soil fertility, Sitio Gadang Proper and Sitio Malagyao has acidic soil. According to the researchers, this could be attributed to the application of chemical inputs like fertilizers and pesticides which go along with the introduction of Hybrid Varieties of rice and vegetables as an effect of crop diversification.

It was found out that Sitio Gadang Proper has higher organic matter content compared to Sitio Malagyao. The researchers attributed this to the reason that most of the area in Sitio Gadang Proper was devoted to traditional rice production and many farmers still adhered to organic fertilization like incorporation of rice straw and weeds into the soil.

As cited on the research, the decline in soil fertility and soil productivity is associated with the lessening of organic matter in the soil. High organic matter is likewise associated with the long term fertility and productivity of the soil.

The research encourages that traditional rice farming practices be restored like the incorporation of rice straw, weeds, compost and green manures into the soil. When straw is fully decomposed, it will release nitrogen needed by young plants.

The research also documented indigenous farming practices in the area including organic farming practices that do not use synthetic pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers. It also included sound principles of soil replenishment, biodiversity and ecological balance.

Another factor seen to affect the productivity of the soil is the change in cropping patterns of farmers. An elder in the community said that before, majority of the community are planting traditional rice varieties while at present only 66% of the farmers are planting. In additional, rice is often followed by vegetables that consume large quantities of nutrients.

The different indigenous farming practices such as butchering of pig or chicken before planting have partly undergone modifications because of the introduction of Christian Religion as well as with formal education with the present generations. Some farming practices such as man-alado is being replaced by modern technological instruments such as fuel-driven machines.

The conclusions and implications of the study read, “Over-all, these directions seem to lead, albeit slowly, to the future loss of the threatened traditional rice-based ecosystems, which are very fragile by their nature. Something should be done to preserve this rich showcase of human and environment dynamics, before they are forever gone.