FERTILITY STATUS OF SOILS DERIVED FROM MUDSTONES IN SAMAR, PHILIPPINES

Soils derived from sedimentary rocks such as mudstone, in particular, have low nutrient status. Samar is considered as a sedimentary island and there is very little information about the fertility and nutrient status of these soils. This study was conducted to evaluate the fertility status of soils derived from mudstones in Samar. Results reveal that the examined soils have low nutrient status which is inherited from the mudstone parent material. Moreover, all soils possess major fertility constraints for crop production. In order to provide efficient and effective measures that would be useful for sustainable crop production and environmental conservation of the study sites, a more comprehensive study is needed in assessing and monitoring of sedimentary soils in Samar. For the mean time, farmers are encourage to plant acid-tolerant crops and native tree species to alleviate soil structure, as well as to employ intercropping management system, application of P fertilization through organic fertilization.