Conducted by VSU
, Started on 2023 -
Completed on 2025
Ongoing
Total Page Views : 31
Total Likes : 14
Like
The previous ACIAR Project (SMCN/2012/029) highlighted the accumulation of plant essential
heavy metals (PEHM), particularly Cu and Zn, in intensive vegetable production systems on acidic soils
of Southern Philippines. The application of high rates of chicken manure not only resulted in excessive
N applications (2-3 times) but also supplied Zn and Cu, 5-10 times that of crop demand. Use of
fungicides can also exacerbate the accumulation of Cu and Zn to levels 20-30 times crop demand. The
long-term accumulation of these PEHM represents a serious threat to the sustainability of vegetable
production in the country. Despite this, the status of the impact of PEHM on crop productivity on acidic
vegetable soils of the Philippines remains unknown and there is no available data or research to
definitively understand the impact of excessive PEHM. Moreover, their accumulation in soils not only
affect crop yield and quality but may pose health hazard to humans as well.
This project will focus on new strategies and options that will address key issues in vegetable
production including optimized nutrient inputs, more effective management of soil and foliar pathogens,
and reduced PEHM inputs and accumulation over time. The information developed in the project will be
used by a range of target stakeholders including, farmers, students, researchers, extension workers,
farm managers and government policy makers.