Environmental management practices applied in intensive farming by selected rice farmers in victoria laguna philippines

THAI NGUYEN UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY JOHN LESTER M LAGANSUA ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES APPLIED IN INTENSIVE FARMING BY SELECTED RICE FARMERS IN VICTORIA, LAGUNA, PHILIPPINES BACHELOR THESIS Study Mode: Major: Faculty: Batch: Full-time Environmental Science and Management Advanced Education Program Office 2015-2018 Thai Nguyen, 15/11/2018 DOCUMENTATION PAGE WITH ABSTRACT Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry Degree Program Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management Student Name John Lester M Lagansua Student ID DTN1454290083 Thesis Title Environmental Management Practices Applied in Intensive Farming by Selected Rice Farmers in Victoria Laguna, Philippines Supervisors Assistant Professor Maricel A Tapia Dr Nguyen Huu Tho Supervisors’ Signature Abstract: Intensive farming has been seen as a problem to the environment mainly because of the amount of chemical used There are certain environmental consequences of intensive farming and these are loss of natural habitats and the associated impact on the biodiversity, soil degradation such as erosion, depletion, and pollution (air and water) and especially it contributes to some climatic changes The study aims to assess the environmental management practices applied in intensive farming by selected rice farmers in three barangays in Victoria, Laguna, namely, Masapang, San Benito and San Roque The study employed mixed methods which gave emphasis to both qualitative and quantitative aspects As for the qualitative part, the study conducted the FGD wherein in-depth interviews were done The quantitative part, on the other hand, utilized survey questionnaire to determine the socio-demographic and socio-economic profile of the respondents, and their agricultural and environmental management practices Descriptive statistics were used to analyze quantitative data, which was given context through qualitative data analysis Results revealed that different agricultural practices were practiced throughout the crop cycle, including manual or hand weeding, puddling of soil, application of urea fertilizer, application of complete 14-14-14 fertilizer, application of herbicide, spraying of pesticide, rice straw burning, flood irrigation and sprinkler irrigation method Associated with these practices are the environmental/ecological impacts caused by intensive farming on air, water, soil, biodiversity and climate change The research revealed that the most experienced impacts of the respondents are climate and air impacts, wherein climate change and foul smell were experienced by 100% of the total number of respondents As for the management practices, most farmers already perform mitigating measures, which were perceived to be effective However, not all the environmental management practiced tackles the environmental impacts that were determined Among those different environmental sectors, climate and air management practices really target the actual problem of environmental pollution and perceived to be effective because of ii improvements observed On the other hand, management practices for the associated water pollution from intensive farming (such as eutrophication and water contamination) did not seem to address the actual problem as the strategies implemented were for conservation purposes only Keywords: Intensive farming, Farm characteristics, Agricultural practices, Environmental Impacts, Environmental management practices Number of pages: 109 Date of November 15, 2018 submission: iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENT This odyssey would not have been this successful without the help and support of my home university, Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry especially all the staff and professors of the Advanced Education Program’s office who have showed their support in accomplishing this study, and the director of the International Program’s Office, Dr Duong Van Thao for giving me the opportunity to explore and to step out of my comfort zone by studying abroad Also, I want to thank the University of the Philippines Los Baños and all the staff especially Chancellor Fernando C Sanchez, Jr for allowing me to conduct my undergraduate thesis in the host university I sincerely thank Asst Professor Maricel A Tapia of Department of Social Forestry and Forest Governance, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños for expressing her willingness to supervise me Her substantial comments, suggestions and obliging censures are greatly valued and appreciated I would also like to thank my Vietnamese adviser Dr Nguyen Huu Tho, Director of Office of Research and International Affairs, Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry for his support and guidance Without their assistance and determination to be involved in every step of the way throughout its process, this paper would have never been accomplished I also want to acknowledge Mr Emmanuel C Atas, municipal agricultural officer and Mr Apolinario H dela Cruz, secretary of the Sangguniang Bayan of the municipality of Victoria Laguna for providing all the documents needed for this research, including the list of all rice farmers in their town, and the list of agriculture-related policies and regulations Also, I want to extend my deepest appreciation to ninety (90) rice farmers from three selected barangays of Victoria; Masapang, San Benito and San Roque who wholeheartedly participated during the process of data gathering iv I would also like to show gratitude to my Vietnam buddies; Luis, Enzo, Jessica, Pau, Joy, Vea, Kristina and Francina, to my “tropang tinder” and to my “forever tropas”; Jai, Min, Angge, Cha, and Rona for all the encouragements and for somehow making this journey light and fun despite of all the outbursts and stressed moments we’ve shared together A special mention to a very special person in my life, Allysha Joy de Castro for being my number one supporter in everything I do, for being one of the sources of my happiness every time I feel depressed in life; and for not leaving me since the beginning of this research study until the end I would also like to encompass my deepest and sincerest appreciation to my family for their endless and abounding love, help, guidance and support as I conquer every challenge in my life I will be forever grateful to my parents, Lodie C Lagansua and Rachille M Lagansua who have been supporting me not just financially but emotionally and spiritually; I salute the both of you for all the sacrifices you have made just to assure that I will have a great future ahead of me Also, thank you for all the experiences, life-lessons and opportunities that have made me who I am today Most importantly, none of these would be possible without the help, care and unending love of the Almighty God who has been my shield in every mishap that I had experienced in life Truly God has blessed me with real good friends and loving family that serves as my greatest inspiration as I pursue my goals in life I am most thankful to God for giving me the opportunity, strength, ability, knowledge and wisdom to this kind of research study and be able to accomplish it competently, because with God, nothing is impossible I dedicate this milestone to everyone who has been part of my journey I must say that I am now ready to take another step as I explore the new chapter of my life Thank you so much and may our God bless us all! Lagansua, John Lester M v TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF FIGURES viii LIST OF TABLES ix LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS xi PART I INTRODUCTION 1.1 Research Rationale 1.2 Research Questions 1.3 Research Objectives 1.4 Significance of the Study 1.5 Scope and Limitations 1.6 Definitions PART II LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 Intensive Farming 2.2 Ecological/Environmental Impacts of Intensive Farming 15 2.3 Environmental Management Strategies/Practices 24 PART III METHODOLOGY 25 3.1 Research Method 25 3.2 Materials 26 3.3 Locale of the Study 27 3.4 Respondents of the Study 28 3.5 Sampling Method and Sample Size 29 3.6 Data Collection 30 3.7 Data Analysis 31 3.8 Conceptual Framework 32 PART IV RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 34 4.1 Socio-demographic and Socio-economic Profile of the Respondents 34 vi 4.2 Farm Characteristics 40 4.3 Agricultural Practices 41 4.4 Environmental and Ecological Impacts of Intensive Rice Farming 46 4.5 Environmental Management Practices and their Effectiveness 53 4.6 Overall Analysis 68 PART V CONCLUSION 72 5.1 Summary 72 5.2 Conclusion 75 5.3 Recommendations 76 REFERENCES 77 APPENDICES 89 vii LIST OF FIGURES Figure Location Map of Victoria, Laguna, Philippines 27 Figure Conceptual framework of the study 33 Figure Distribution of the respondents in different organizations 37 Figure Sources of irrigation 41 Figure Impacts on Climate and Air 47 Figure Impacts on water 49 Figure Impacts on soil 50 Figure Impacts on biodiversity 51 Figure Effectiveness of incorporation of urea fertilizer during tillage operation 56 Figure 10 Effectiveness of the use of insect predator to control pests 57 Figure 11 Effectiveness of incorporation of rice straw into the soil 58 Figure 12 Effectiveness of the efficient use of water when irrigating 60 Figure 13 Effectiveness of the use of sprinkler irrigation method 61 Figure 14 Effectiveness of irrigation scheduling 61 Figure 15 Effectiveness of draining extra water to keep rice field at saturated condition 64 Figure 16 Effectiveness of the use of organic/animal manure or compost 64 Figure 17 Effectiveness of green manure incorporation 65 viii LIST OF TABLES Table Distribution of rice farmers in different barangays in Victoria and the total number of samples 30 Table Summary table of the respondents’ age group 35 Table Distribution of the respondents based on their gender 35 Table Distribution of the respondents based on their educational attainment 36 Table Membership of the respondents in organization 36 Table Actual number of years working in rice farm 38 Table Income of the respondents from rice farming 39 Table Other source of income of the respondents 39 Table Area of the respondents’ rice farm 40 Table 10 Farming practices applied in the farm 44 Table 11 Number and quantity of nutrients in rice grain and rice straw 46 Table 12 Air management practices 55 Table 13 Water management practices 59 Table 14 Soil management practices 63 Table 15 Biodiversity management practices 66 TABLES-APPENDIX Appendix 1.1 Result of the FGD Appendix 2.1 Survey Questionnaire Appendix 3.1 Impacts on Air Appendix 3.2 Impacts on Water Appendix 3.3 Impacts on Soil Appendix 3.4 Impacts on Biodiversity ix Appendix 4.1 Raw data of the effectiveness of incorporation of urea fertilizer during tillage operation Appendix 4.2 Raw data of the effectiveness of using insect predator to control pests Appendix 4.3 Raw data of the effectiveness of incorporation of rice straw into the soil Appendix 4.4 Raw data of the effectiveness of efficient use of water when irrigating Appendix 4.5 Raw data of the effectiveness of using sprinkler irrigation method Appendix 4.6 Raw data of the effectiveness of irrigation scheduling Appendix 4.7 Raw data of the effectiveness of draining extra water to keep rice field at saturated condition Appendix 4.8 Raw data of the effectiveness of using an organic/animal manure or compost Appendix 4.9 Raw data of the effectiveness of green manure incorporation Appendix 4.10 Raw data of the effectiveness of proper field monitoring Appendix 4.11 Raw data of the effectiveness of ensuring that irrigation canals are free of weeds x 0 0 0 0 30 33.33 30 33.33 30 33.33 90 100 YES 12 13.33 8.89 6.67 26 28.89 NO 18 20 22 24.44 24 26.67 64 71.11 30 33.33 30 33.33 30 33.34 90 100 YES 30 33.33 30 33.33 30 33.33 90 100 NO 0 0 0 0 30 33.33 30 33.33 30 33.33 90 100 NO TOTAL Pollution that causes respiratory and heart problems TOTAL Global Warming TOTAL Appendix 3.2: Impacts on Water MASAPANG SAN BENITO SAN ROQUE VARIABLES TOTAL (n = 90) F % F % F % F % YES 14 15.56 8.89 1.11 23 25.56 NO 16 17.78 22 24.44 29 32.22 67 74.44 30 33.34 30 33.33 30 33.33 90 100 YES 20 22.22 10 0 29 32.22 NO 10 11.11 21 23.33 30 33.33 61 67.78 30 33.33 30 33.33 30 33.33 90 100 Water Impacts Drinking water contamination TOTAL Nearby water bodies contamination TOTAL Groundwater 95 contamination YES 12 13.33 11 12.22 4.44 27 30 NO 18 20 19 21.11 26 28.89 63 70 30 33.33 30 33.33 30 33.33 90 100 YES 30 33.33 30 33.33 30 33.33 90 100 NO 0 0 0 0 30 33.33 30 33.33 30 33.33 90 100 TOTAL Eutrophication TOTAL Appendix 3.3: Impacts on Soil MASAPANG SAN BENITO SAN ROQUE VARIABLES TOTAL (n = 90) F % F % F % F % YES 19 21.11 21 23.33 30 33.33 70 77.78 NO 11 30 12.22 33.33 30 10 33.33 30 33.33 20 90 22.22 100 YES 30 33.33 30 33.33 30 33.33 90 100 NO 30 33.33 30 33.33 30 33.33 90 100 YES 29 32.22 25 27.78 19 21.11 73 81.11 NO 30 1.11 33.33 30 5.56 33.34 11 30 12.22 33.33 17 90 18.89 100 0 0 0 0 Soil Impacts Destruction of soil structure TOTAL Depletion of soil quality TOTAL Soil acidification and salinization TOTAL Soil erosion YES 96 NO TOTAL 30 30 33.33 33.33 30 30 33.33 33.33 30 30 33.33 33.33 90 90 100 100 Appendix 3.4: Impacts on Biodiversity MASAPANG SAN BENITO SAN ROQUE VARIABLES TOTAL (n = 90) F % F % F % F % YES 8.89 4.44 8.89 20 22.22 NO 22 30 24.44 33.33 26 30 28.89 33.33 22 30 24.44 33.33 70 90 77.78 100 YES 30 33.33 25 27.78 28 31.11 83 92.22 NO 30 33.33 30 5.56 33.34 30 2.22 33.33 90 7.78 100 YES 5.56 0 4.44 10 NO 25 30 27.78 33.34 30 30 33.33 33.33 26 30 28.89 33.33 81 90 90 100 YES 30 33.33 30 33.33 30 33.33 90 100 NO 30 33.33 30 33.33 30 33.33 90 100 Biodiversity Impacts Animal casualties TOTAL Death among nearby plants TOTAL Loss of soil organisms TOTAL Increase in snails and mosquitoes population TOTAL APPENDIX Appendix 4.1: Raw data of the effectiveness of incorporation of urea fertilizer during tillage operation 97 MASAPANG F % SAN BENITO F % Extremely effective 0 Very effective 18 20 Moderately effective 12 Slightly effective SAN ROQUE TOTAL (n = 90) F % F % 2.22 2.22 7.78 11 12.22 36 40 13.33 11 12.22 10 32 35.56 0 0 0 0 Not effective at all 0 0 0 0 Not available 0 12 13.33 8.89 20 22.22 30 33.33 30 33.33 30 33.33 90 100 Air Management Incorporate urea fertilizer during tillage operation EFFECTIVENESS TOTAL Appendix 4.2: Raw data of the effectiveness of using insect predator to control pests MASAPANG F % SAN BENITO F % Extremely effective 0 Very effective 12 13.33 Moderately effective 11 12.22 VARIABLES SAN ROQUE TOTAL (n = 90) F % F % 2.22 2.22 10 7.78 28 31.11 13 14.44 8.89 32 35.56 Air Management Use insect predator to control pests EFFECTIVENESS 98 Slightly effective 7.78 0 0 7.78 Not effective at all 0 0 0 0 Not available 0 8.89 13 14.44 21 23.33 30 33.33 30 33.33 30 33.33 90 100 TOTAL Appendix 4.3: Raw data of the effectiveness of incorporation of rice straw into the soil MASAPANG F % TOTAL (n = 90) F % 0 1.11 0 0 0 17.78 25 27.78 24 26.67 65 72.22 13 14.44 5.56 5.56 23 25.56 Not effective at all 0 0 0 0 Not available 0 0 1.11 1.11 30 33.33 30 33.34 30 33.34 90 100 VARIABLES SAN BENITO F % F % Extremely effective 1.11 Very effective 0 Moderately effective 16 Slightly effective SAN ROQUE Air Management Incorporate rice straw into the soil EFFECTIVENESS TOTAL Appendix 4.4: Raw data of the effectiveness of efficient use of water when irrigating MASAPANG VARIABLES F % SAN BENITO F % SAN ROQUE F % TOTAL (n = 90) F % Water Management Efficient use of water 99 when irrigating EFFECTIVENESS Extremely effective 22 24.44 25 27.78 27 30 74 82.22 Very effective 8.89 5.56 3.33 16 17.78 Moderately effective 0 0 0 0 Slightly effective 0 0 0 0 Not effective at all 0 0 0 0 Not available 0 0 0 0 30 33.33 30 33.34 30 33.33 90 100 TOTAL Appendix 4.5: Raw data of the effectiveness of using sprinkler irrigation method MASAPANG F % TOTAL (n = 90) F % 0 2.22 1.11 2.22 4.44 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Not effective at all 0 0 0 0 Not available 27 30 29 32.22 28 31.11 84 93.33 30 33.33 30 33.33 30 33.33 90 99.99 VARIABLES SAN BENITO F % F % Extremely effective 2.22 Very effective 1.11 Moderately effective Slightly effective SAN ROQUE Water Management Use of sprinkler irrigation method EFFECTIVENESS TOTAL 100 Appendix 4.6: Raw data of the effectiveness of irrigation scheduling MASAPANG VARIABLES SAN BENITO F % F % Extremely effective 26 28.89 23 Very effective 4.44 Moderately effective Slightly effective SAN ROQUE TOTAL (n = 90) F % F % 25.56 19 21.11 68 75.56 3.33 6.67 13 14.44 0 1.11 1.11 0 0 0 0 Not effective at all 0 0 0 0 Not available 0 4.44 4.44 8.89 30 33.33 30 33.33 30 33.33 90 100 Water Management Irrigation scheduling EFFECTIVENESS TOTAL Appendix 4.7: Raw data of the effectiveness of draining extra water to keep rice field at saturated condition MASAPANG F % SAN BENITO F % Extremely effective 10 12 Very effective 4.44 Moderately effective 0 VARIABLES SAN ROQUE TOTAL (n = 90) F % F % 13.33 3.33 24 26.67 4.44 1.11 10 0 0 0 Soil Management Draining extra water to keep rice field at saturated condition EFFECTIVENESS 101 Slightly effective 0 0 0 0 Not effective at all 0 0 0 0 Not available 17 18.89 14 15.56 26 28.89 57 63.33 30 33.33 30 33.33 30 33.33 90 100 TOTAL Appendix 4.8: Raw data of the effectiveness of using an organic/animal manure or compost MASAPANG F % SAN BENITO F % F % TOTAL (n = 90) F % Extremely effective 0 1.11 0 1.11 Very effective 5.56 4.44 3.33 12 13.33 Moderately effective 10 11.11 13 14.44 10 11.11 33 36.67 Slightly effective 5.56 2.22 3.33 10 11.11 Not effective at all 0 0 0 0 Not available 10 11.11 10 11.11 14 15.56 34 37.78 30 33.34 30 33.32 30 33.33 90 100 VARIABLES SAN ROQUE Soil Management Use of organic/animal manure or compost EFFECTIVENESS TOTAL Appendix 4.9: Raw data of the effectiveness of green manure incorporation MASAPANG VARIABLES F % SAN BENITO F % SAN ROQUE F % TOTAL (n = 90) F % Soil Management Green manure incorporation 102 EFFECTIVENESS Extremely effective 0 1.11 0 1.11 Very effective 7.78 6.67 2.22 15 16.67 Moderately effective 13 14.44 18 20 16 17.78 47 52.22 Slightly effective 10 11.11 5.56 3.33 18 20 Not effective at all 0 0 0 0 Not available 0 0 10 10 30 33.33 30 33.34 30 33.33 90 100 TOTAL Appendix 4.10: Raw data of the effectiveness of proper field monitoring MASAPANG SAN BENITO SAN ROQUE VARIABLES TOTAL (n = 90) F % F % F % F % Extremely effective 30 33.33 30 33.33 30 33.33 90 100 Very effective 0 0 0 0 Moderately effective 0 0 0 0 Slightly effective 0 0 0 0 Not effective at all 0 0 0 0 Not available 0 0 0 0 30 33.33 30 33.33 30 33.33 90 100 Biodiversity Management Proper field monitoring EFFECTIVENESS TOTAL 103 Appendix 4.11: Raw data of the effectiveness of ensuring that irrigation canals are free of weeds MASAPANG SAN BENITO SAN ROQUE VARIABLES TOTAL (n = 90) F % F % F % F % Extremely effective 30 33.33 30 33.33 30 33.33 90 100 Very effective 0 0 0 0 Moderately effective 0 0 0 0 Slightly effective 0 0 0 0 Not effective at all 0 0 0 0 Not available 0 0 0 0 30 33.33 30 33.33 30 33.33 90 100 Biodiversity Management Ensure that irrigation canals are free of weeds EFFECTIVENESS TOTAL 104 APPENDIX Appendix 5.1: Letters that were used for the research study 105 106 APPENDIX Appendix 6.1: Picture with the Municipal Agricultural Officer of Victoria, Laguna Appendix 6.2: Pictures with the respondents during the interview for the FGD Appendix 6.3: Pictures with respondents during the pre-testing of survey questionnaire 107 Appendix 6.4: Pictures with the respondents during the actual survey Appendix 6.5: Pictures of the respondents during seminars 108 Appendix 6.6: Pictures of some of the respondents’ rice farms 109 ... the following questions: Main question: What is the assessment of environmental management practices applied in intensive farming by selected rice farmers in Victoria, Laguna Philippines? What... agricultural practices of rice farmers in Victoria, Laguna;  determine the actual environmental impacts of intensive rice farming practices;  identify the environmental management practices employed by. .. warming (Everything Connects, 2013) This farming technique has gone beyond agricultural farming, such as fish farming and animal farming Intensive livestock farming (factory farming) and intensive