Soil science for boosting incomes
Soil scientists from Griffith University have been leading a collaborative research partnership with the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research and the Philippine National Government, aimed at boosting the incomes of smallholder farmers and lifting them out of poverty.
The funded project ‘Land Management of Diverse Rubber-based Cropping Systems in Southern Philippines’ (2019-2023, AUD$2 million) and the research relationships it has generated have also been instrumental in dialogue around Philippine agricultural policy through the development of a National Soil Health Strategy.
Determining the best areas for planting crops based on soil nutrient levels helps farmers to increase crop productivity and ensures better returns. This large research project aims to develop rubber-based cropping systems, analyse local soil constraints, and develop soil nutrient diagnostic tools and soil management regimes to facilitate crop production.
Rapidly developing benefits and engagement
Now in its final year, the project has established local rubber-based cropping systems which have attracted the interest of key farmer groups, local and national government and associated non-government agencies to benchmark for education and learning for how to best upskill smallholder farmers as part of the strategy to enhance their income.
Officials pay tribute to the benefits: "The Soil and Land Management Project of ACIAR-PCAARRD led by Griffith University Scientists Prof Chen and Dr Goloran in Agusan del Sur was a game changer for the development of upland farming communities where poverty incidence is at its highest. It fostered opportunities to develop science-based policies and government programs tailored to addressing the needs of marginalized smallholder farmers in the countryside" Honorable Adolph Edward G. Plaza, House of the Representative, Second District Agusan del Sur.
Another rapidly developing outcome of this collaborative project is the substantial engagement fostered between Griffith researchers and senior government officials of the Republic of the Philippines, demonstrated during a visit to Griffith University Brisbane South (Nathan) in 2022 followed by the first Soil Health Summit in Philippines history in 2023. The President of the Philippines, Bongbong Marcos Junior, attended and spoke to the Summit, pledging long-term investment via the national soil health program.
Griffith University was one of the key organisers of the event, together with the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development, Department of Science and Technology Philippines and The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Soils and Water Management, Philippines.
Chengrong Chen
Professor in School of Environment and Science - Chemistry and Forensic Science
