AGRI 32_Exercise No. 2_Site Characterization, Evaluation and Suitability Analysis HANDOUT

Site Characterization, Evaluation, and Suitability Analysis

Learning Outcomes

• Characterization of a site: Evaluate biological, physical, and socio-economic conditions.

• Crop suitability analysis: Use multi-criteria evaluation to determine suitability of crops for specific areas.

• Propose enterprises: Develop either single or mixed crop enterprises based on site characteristics.

Crop Enterprise

• Definition of Agricultural Enterprise:

  • Involves cultivating soil, planting crops, growing fruit trees, harvesting products, and related farming practices as defined by the Agrarian Reform Law, 1988.

• Definition of Crop:

  • A cultivated plant grown for agricultural purposes, especially as food.

• Definition of Enterprise:

  • A project that generally demands effort, also considered as a business.

• Scenarios for Crop Enterprises:

  1. Identifying suitable crops once the site is determined.

  2. Selecting an appropriate site for a pre-decided crop.

Site Characterization and Evaluation

Site Characterization

• Process: Describing biological, physical, social, and economic environments.

Evaluation

• Definition: Analytical assessment to determine the significance, effectiveness, or value of specific conditions.

• Purpose: Gather information about biophysical and socio-economic conditions to identify development opportunities and vulnerabilities.

Importance of Site Characterization and Evaluation

• Implications:

  • Affects production costs, farm operations, harvesting, transport, and the accessibility of inputs.

Elements of Site Characterization

1. Biological Factors

2. Physical Factors

3. Social Factors

4. Economic Factors

Biological Indicators

1. Existing crops present on-site.

2. Soil microflora and fauna.

3. Presence of pests and diseases:

   • Insect pests

   • Pathogens

   • Weeds

Physical Factors

1. Area and Shape of the Land

2. Soil Condition:

   • Fertility

   • Structure

   • pH

3. Climatic Conditions:

   • Rainfall pattern

   • Wind velocity/speed

   • Climate type

4. Topography:

   • Elevation

   • Slope

5. Drainage Characteristics:

   • Upland or lowland?

6. Location Factors:

   • Distance to population centers

   • Proximity to resources

Socio-economic Environment

1. Peace and Order Status

2. Availability of Manpower

3. Farmers' Preferences

4. Zoning Regulations

5. Land Tenure Situation

6. Existing Facilities in Community

7. Proximity of Farms within Community

Suitability Analysis

• Definition: The process of determining the appropriateness of a site for a specific crop use, measuring how land qualities meet a stakeholder's needs.

• FAO Definition of Suitability: "A measure of how well the qualities of a land unit match the requirements of a particular form of land use."

Suitability Assessment Principles

1. Limiting Condition Principle:

   • Suitability determined by the most unfavorable condition.

2. Subjective Assessment Principle:

   • Adjust suitability classes based on judgments of factor importance; subjective assessments can be risky, requiring weights for relevant factors.

3. Principle of Arithmetic Modelling:

   • Land qualities influence suitability independently, allowing for numerical assessment via valuation and manipulation.

Suitability Analysis Score (FAO Ratings)

• Score 5: Highly suitable (S1)

• Score 4: Moderately suitable (S2)

• Score 3: Marginally suitable (S3)

• Score 2: Currently not suitable (N1)

• Score 1: Permanently not suitable (N2)

Land Suitability Classification (Based on FAO)

• Prime Agricultural Lands:

  • S1 and S2 rated areas with none to moderate limitations impacting productivity.

• Marginal Agricultural Lands:

  • S3 rated areas with major limitations in topography, soil depth, rainfall, etc.

• Lands with Severe Limitations:

  • N1 and N2 rated areas with uncorrectable limitations such as those found in hilly or mountainous terrain.

Inventory and Mapping

Required Materials

• GPS

• Sighting compass

• Measuring tape

• Clipboard, pen, and data sheet

Steps for Inventory and Mapping

1. Locate a reference point (RF) clear from obstructions.

2. Obtain coordinates using GPS and record data.

3. Select a point of interest (POI) and take the bearing using a compass.

4. Measure and record the horizontal distance (HD) between RF and POI.

5. Verify bearing by measuring back bearing from POI to RF.

6. Measure and record bearings and HD for subsequent trees.

7. Calculate coordinates by converting all measured data.

8. Use GIS applications to project data and create a map.

Soil Sampling and Analysis

Soil Sampling Materials

• Spade

• Pail

• Flaglets

• Hand trowel

Steps for Soil Sampling

1. Identify the site center from the map and locate on the ground.

2. Use a 'Z' or 'X' sampling pattern; mark spots with flaglets.

3. Clean the upper soil surface and scrape off debris.

4. Sample to a depth of 8 inches and trim the sample edges.

5. Mix subsamples in a pail for a composite sample.

6. Dry out the composite sample, clean any roots or foreign materials, then pulverize and sieve.

Soil Analysis Steps

1. Analyze for NPK and pH using proper instructions from the soil test kit.

2. Fill test tubes with soil sample up to the scratch mark and add test solutions.

NPK Tests

1. Nitrogen Test:

   • Match the solution's color with the chart.

2. Phosphorus Test:

   • Match blue color intensity with the color chart.

3. Potassium Test:

   • Observe for a cloudy layer on top of the solution.

4. pH Test:

   • Compare the color with the pH indicator dye chart for results.

Sampling Notes

• For cultivated crops, sample at 0-1" and 1-6" depths.

• For lawns, sample the upper 6" after removing plant residue.

• For tree crops, sample at 0-8" and 8-16" depths.

Meteorological Instruments and Functions

Required Instruments

• Microbarograph: Records atmospheric pressure.

• Wind Indicator: Measures wind direction and speed.

• Automatic Weather Station (Portable): Sensors for humidity, rainfall, and temperature.

• Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge: Measures rainfall depth, amount, and rate.

• Evaporation Pan: Determines evaporation occurrence.

• Thermometer Shelter: Protects thermometers from direct sunlight.

Summary of Additional Instruments

• Cup Anemometer: Measures wind run over a 24-hour period.

• Hygrothermograph: Records temperature and relative humidity.

• Various Thermometers: Measure maximum and minimum temperatures.

• Sling Psychrometer: Determines humidity and vapor pressure.