AGRI 32 Exercise 2 Site Characterization

AGRI 32 – Fundamentals of Crop Science II
Laboratory Exercise No. 2

Site Characterization, Evaluation and Suitability Analysis
LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of the exercise, the student should be able to:
1. characterize a site based on its biological, physical, and socio-economic conditions;

2. analyze suitability of a specified crop to a given area using a multi-criteria evaluation
method; and
3. propose a single or mixed crop enterprise based on the site characteristics.
LEARNING CONTENT
A. Overview
An agricultural enterprise is “the cultivation of the soil, planting of crops, growing of fruit trees,
including the harvesting of such farm products, and other farm activities and practices performed by a
farmer in conjunction with such farming operations done by persons whether natural or
juridical” (Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law, 1988).
There are two probable scenarios in establishing a crop production enterprise.
1. The site, or the actual place where the enterprise is to be established is known and suitable
crop(s) is/are identified.
2. The crop enterprise is already decided and the suitable site for the enterprise is selected.
In either case, there is a need to characterize and evaluate the physical, biological, and socio-
economic conditions existing in the area. In this sense we define the following terms:
• Site Characterization: the process of describing the biological, physical, social, and economic
environment
• Evaluation: analytical assessment; determine the importance, effectiveness, or worth of.
It is emphasized that site characterization has the following multifaceted elements:
1. Biological
i.e. existing crops, soil microflora and -fauna, presence of pest and diseases, presence of
beneficial organisms (data taken from resource inventory, mapping, interview, and recorded
from qualitative survey of the area)
2. Physical
i.e. topography, drainage, area and shape, existing facilities, climatic condition, soil condition
(data taken from resource inventory, survey, mapping, soil testing, data from national
agrometeorological stations and other independent weather stations)
Institute of Crop Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science

University of the Philippines Los Baños
1st Semester AY 2022 -2023
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3. Socio-economic
i.e. Peace and order, manpower availability, farmers preferences, zoning or other regulations,
land tenure situation, existing facilities, farms within the community (data taken from survey,
interview, historical records etc.)
Characterizing this will identify the options available in terms of crop species, distinctive varieties
that would be most adaptable, and the technological and physical inputs that will be required in
growing the crops. Assessment of the site is necessary before establishing the enterprise as the
selected site will be an important consideration in future decisions, i.e. this will, somehow, dictate
the cost of production, operations, harvesting and transport, and accessibility to inputs, among
others.
Suitability analysis is utilized in site selection and is the process and procedures used to establish the
suitability of a system - that is, the ability of a system to meet the needs of a stakeholder or other
user. 'Suitability is a measure of how well the qualities of a land unit match the requirements of a
particular form of land use.’ (FAO, nd). Hence, in the process of selecting a site, earlier described site
characteristics must match the growing requirements of a crop. Because the approach in assessing
suitability is multi-faceted, it can lead to multiple alternative solutions. To avoid confusion, a more
objective approach towards suitability assessment is done using a multi-criteria evaluation scheme, a
decision-making tool, which may analyze suitability of a crop to a given area.
In this exercise, we will be using the simplest method of multi-criteria evaluation using the weighted
sum model by Gass and Saaty (1955). This method linearly adds up the multiple weighted criteria into
a single criterion. In here, the best option is the one that returns the largest total value. The relative
importance of a criterion is factored in by assigning a weight. A weight can be defined as a value
assigned to an evaluation criterion indicative of its importance relative to other criteria under
consideration. The larger the weight, the more important is the criterion in the overall suitability. As
a guide, the following is used to assign scores (derived from the FAO rating system).
This is guided by the following suitability assessment principles.
Suitability Assessment Principles
• The limiting condition principle: the most unfavorable quality determines the suitability
classification.
• The subjective assessment principle: suitability classes are raised or lowered on the basis of
judgements of the importance of different factors. Because subjective assessments are risky, the
relevant factors are weighted, and account is taken of special limitations that may occur if two or
more negative factors occur together.
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• The principle of arithmetic modelling: the fact that each land quality has an independent influence
on suitability means that land qualities can be assigned values and manipulated arithmetically to
provide a numerical assessment of overall suitability.
Thus, we have simplified the activities into the following chronological steps.
Figure 1. Chronological steps to suitability analysis
As the overall criterion is added up, the FAO suitability classification scheme will be used to classify
suitability.
Land Suitability Classification (based from FAO Suitability Classification):
• Prime Agricultural Lands. Prime agricultural lands are areas with none to moderate limitations
with suitability rating of S1 and S2. This means that the land characteristics have none to minor
limitations which do not significantly reduce the productivity or yield of most crops.
• Marginal Agricultural Lands. Marginal lands are classified areas which have major limitations in
topography, soil depth, rainfall, etc. These soils may also have low to very low fertility and have a
suitability rating of S3.
• Lands with Severe Limitations. Lands with severe limitations have characteristics that cannot be
readily corrected such as topography and soil depth. These areas can be upland soils located in
rolling to hilly mountainous areas. These areas have suitability rating of N1 and N2.
However, in multiple-criteria evaluation, it must be stressed that we must focus and be reflective on
the decision process itself, and not just on the final result (Munda, 2008).
B. Soil sampling and analysis

In soil analysis, we will be using the UPLB-developed soil test kit (STK) which is estimated to be
around 97% less expensive than analytical testing (Soriano et al., 2008). The soil test kit will provide an
approximation of pH, N, P, and K content. Prior to this, an appropriate soil sampling procedure must
be followed to get accurate and precise measurements of the site being characterized.

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I. Soil sampling
a. Materials needed (Figure 2)
(c) Timog, Batolome, Gentallan

Figure 2. Materials needed for soil sampling
b. Procedure
1. Determine the center of the site from the map then locate it on the ground.
2. Choose whether to use a ‘Z’ or an ‘X’ sampling pattern and mark the spots to be
sampled with flaglets (Figure 3). Collect from nine square holes for the whole
area.
Figure 3. Suggested soil sampling patterns
3. Clean the upper soil surface off of debris and scrape a thin layer of the soil
afterwards.
4. Sample to a depth of at least. Using a spade, cut a 1.5 cm thick slice from one
face of the hole then trim the sides off with a trowel or knife (Figure 4).
Figure 4. Soil sampling

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5. Mix the sub-samples thoroughly in a pail and obtain about 1kg of composite soil
sample (Figure 5).
Figure 5. Mixing of soil sub-samples
6. Spread the composite soil in a dry place, or on a newspaper and clean off of
roots and others foreign materials. Air dry at room temperature then pulverized
using a wooden mallet. Sieve afterwards.
Notes:
• For cultivated crops and gardens, sample at 0 - 1" and another at 1 - 6" depth.
• For lawns and pastures, a sample from the upper 6" is satisfactory; remove plant residue.
For tree and fruit crops, 2 samples should be submitted, one taken at 0 - 8" depth, the other
at 8 - 16" (subsoil layer).
II. Soil analysis
a. Materials needed (Figure 6)

Figure 6. Materials needed for soil analysis
b. Procedure
Analyze the soil sample for NPK and pH following the instructions from the UPLB soil
test kit.
1. Fill the test tubes with prepared soil sample up to the scratch mark (Figure 7).
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Figure 7. Soil samples at the test tube
2. Add the respective solutions for the different tests as directed.
A. Nitrogen test (Figure 8)
a (c) Timog, Batolome, Gentallan

b
Figure 8. Procedure for nitrogen test (a), solution needed (b), result (c)
? What is the Nitrogen level of the sample? _____________

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B. Phosphorus test (Figure 9)
a b
Figure 9. Procedure for Phosphorus test (a), solutions needed (b), result (c)
? What is the Phosphorus level of the sample? _____________

C. Potassium test (Figure 10, 11)
a (c) Timog, Batolome, Gentallan

b
Figure 10. Potassium test procedure (a), solutions needed (b)

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Figure 11. Potassium test result
? What is the Potassium level of the sample? _____________
D. pH test (Figure 12)

a b
Figure 12. pH test procedure (a), solutions needed (b), result (c)
? What is the pH level of the sample? _____________

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C. Inventory and mapping: a GIS-aided approach

I. Materials needed (Figure 13)
(c) Timog, Batolome, Gentallan (c) Timog, Batolome, Gentallan
Figure 13. Materials needed: GPS (a), sighting compass (b), measuring tape (c),
clipboard, pen, and data sheet (d)
II. Procedure
1. Locate a reference point (RF) clear of obstructions from the canopy of approximately
five meter in diameter.
2. Take the coordinates of the RF using a handheld GPS and record the data.

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3. From the reference point RF, select a tree or point of interest (POI) in the stand
where the line or strip will begin then get the bearing using a sighting compass and
take note of the reading.
RF POI
(c) Timog, Batolome, Gentallan (c) Timog, Batolome, Gentallan
NOTE: Properly identify each POI.
4. Determine the horizontal distance (HD) between the RF and the POI using a
measuring tape and record the HD. NOTE: Use a level to ensure an accurate
measurement.
RF POI
5. Counter-check the fore bearing by determining the back bearing from the first POI to
the RF using the sighting compass.
RF POI
6. Measure and record the bearing and HD of the subsequent trees along the strip
following the same procedure.

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POI 2
POI 1
POI 2

POI 1
7. Calculate the coordinates by converting the bearing, HD and RF coordinates to

coordinate data.
http://www.geomidpoint.com/destination/
8. Project the coordinate data using an appropriate GIS application and create a map.

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D. Obtaining climatic data
Climatic data is taken from the different field weather stations. The Department of Science and
Technology- Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration
(DOST-PAGASA) has classified 12 different types of field stations with different purposes.
Specifically, the Agrometeorological Station (AGROMET) “gathers and provides on routine basis
simultaneous meteorological and biological information. It is also responsible for the
dissemination of agricultural meteorological advice, warning, forecast, bulletin and other
important information needed by farmers.” (DOST-PAGASA, 2020; Figure 14). Below is a list of
different meteorological instruments at the AGROMET station and their functions (Annex 5).
Figure 14. National Agromet Station at UPLB
See various sample data from AGROMET in Annex 2.1 and 2.2. You may also obtain rainfall
data and suitability maps from various online sources, i.e. SARAI Knowledge Portal (Figure
15).
Figure 15. SARAi Knowledge Portal (https://sarai.ph/)

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LEARNING ACTIVITIES
1. Study the learning materials in this module.
2. Pre-lab discussion on “site characterization, evaluation and suitability analysis”
3. Field activities.
The class will be divided into three (3) groups with the following activities to be done:
Group 1- Soil testing (Worksheet 2.1)

Group 2- Field inventory and mapping (Worksheet 2.1 and 2.2)
Group 3- Farmer interview (Worksheet 2.1 and Annex 4)
Place your obsevations/data in the respective sheets indicated above.
4. Visit the AGROMET station in UPLB and gather your meteorological data (optional; data
may be provided by your laboratory instructor).
5. Based on the site characteristics, try to sketch a proposed farm layout (worksheet 3.2).
6. Share/report your results in class.
7. Answer the guide questions.
REQUIRED OUTPUT
The students are required to submit the following:
1. Worksheet 2.1
2. Worksheet 2.2
3. Annex 4
4. Answers to guide questions
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
Criteria Equivalent Points (maximum)

Worksheet 2.1* 40
Worksheet 2.2** 25
Guide questions*** 35
Total 100
*Worksheet 3.1 – data and calculations: maximum of 40 points (0.5 point per cell)

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**Worksheet 3.2
Parameter 0 3 5 7.5 10 12.5

(Beginning) (Accomplished) (Outstanding)
Sketch Rough sketch Sketch with labels Detailed sketch
with labels and
legends
Explanation None Brief Brief explanation; Comprehensive
explanation; tried to base explanation based
usually based on sketch on site on site
preference only characteristics characteristics
***Guide question pointing system
Guide 0 1 2 3 4 5
question (Beginning) (Accomplished) (Outstanding)
1 With answer but Correct answer; not Correct answer and
incorrect thoroughly comprehensive
supported/explained explanation
3 Gave incorrect Gave at least 3 Gave more than 3
examples correct examples correct examples
with brief with comprehensive
explanation explanation
4 Listed incorrect Listed at least 3 Listed more than 3
No factors factors; with factors; with
answer measures appropriate
measures
5 Chose an option Chose an option and Chose an option and
but did not briefly explained comprehensively
explain explained
7 Gave incorrect Gave at least one Gave more than one
bottleneck(s) bottleneck and bottleneck and
explained comprehensively
explained

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REFERENCES
Bantayan, N.C., Combalicer, E.A., Tiburan, C.L., Barua, L.D. and J.J.V. Dida (2015). GIS in the
Philippines: Principles and Applications in Forestry and Natural Resources 2nd Edition, Los Banos,
Laguna: UPLB, 168p.
Bautista, O.K., R.R.C. Espino, H.L. Valmayor, and J.B. Sangalang. (1994). Introduction to Tropical
Horticulture. (2nd ed.) SEAMEO and UPLB.
Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law of 1988 (R.A. No. 6657 as amended by R. A. 7881), Philippines
Cys, C., Van Ranst, E., Debaveye, J. and F. Beernaert. (1993). Land Evaluation: Part I to III. Agricultural
Publications N° 7, G.A.D.C., Brussels, Belgium.
DENR. (2008). Memorandum Circular No. 2008-5: Guidelines in the Preparation of Integrated
Watershed Management Plans.
FAO. (n.d.). Land evaluation for development. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United
Nations
Gass, S.; Saaty, T. (1955). "Parametric Objective Function Part II". Operations Research. 2 (3): 316–319.
doi:10.1287/opre.2.3.316.
Lantican, R.M. (2001). The Science and Practice of Crop Production, Los Banos, Laguna:
SEAMEO-SEARCA and UPLB.
Lupia, F. (2012). Crop/Land Suitability Analysis. ArcGIS Tools. DOI: 10.13140/2.1.2379.2329.
Munda, G. (2008). Social multi-criteria evaluation for a sustainable economy (Vol. 17). Berlin: Springer.
Soriano, J. D. C., Salazar, J. T., & Manguiat, I. J. (2008). Calibration and validation of UPLB soil test kit
(STK) for vegetable fertilization in CALABARZON [Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon province,
Philippines]. In 11. PSST Annual Meeting and Scientific Conference, Panglao Island, Dauis, Bohol
(Philippines), 29-30 May 2008.

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WORKSHEET 2.1
Name: ___________________________________________ Section: ____
Student No. ___________________________________________ Score: ____
Instructions: Complete the table using the general and crop-specific rating scheme.
PARAMETER DESCRIPTION RATING
Physical Factors (PF) (Descriptions are based on soil test kit and AGROMET data) GENERAL* RICE**
N content
P content
K content
pH
Annual rainfall (mm)
Annual Mean min. temp. (deg.
C)
Drainage
Elevation
Slope
PF Average
Biological Factors (BF) (Descriptions are based field inventory)
Presence of pest and diseases
Existing crops
BF average
Socio-economic Factors (SF) (Descriptions are based on farmer interview)
Availability of Material Inputs
Accessibility to Irrigation
Presence of equipment
Manpower
Labor Intensity
Institutional Support
Transport
Regulations/Policies
Proximity to market
Knowledge
Adaptability to Natural Hazards
Peace, order and security issues
Market availability
SF Average
OVER-ALL AVEARAGE [(PF ave+ BF ave + Sf ave)/3]
LAND-SUITABILITY CLASSIFICATION
*use Annex 1 for physical and biological factors; Annex 4 for socio-economic factors
**use Annex 3 for some physical factors, Annex 2 for biological factors; Annex 4 for socio-economic

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WORKSHEET 2.2
Name: ___________________________________________ Section: ____
Student No. ___________________________________________ Score: ____
Instruction: Sketch your proposed farm layout.
CURRENT
PROPOSED
Explain why you are proposing this layout.

____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

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STUDY GUIDE QUESTIONS
Name: ___________________________________________ Section: ____
Student No. ___________________________________________ Score: ____
1. Based on the analysis of the features of the site (worksheet 1.1), is it suitable
for crop production? Explain why.
2. Based on physical factors only, compared to the general rating scheme, is

irrigated rice suited to the area? Explain.
3. What are the crops suited to the area? Why are they so?
4. What are the factors(s) in the site that may not favor successful production of
crop(s)? What are the measures which may be considered to overcome these
factors (i.e., provision of irrigation facilities, drainage canals, land forming and
soil fertility restoration, etc.)?
5. Which do you prefer, a demand-market driven, or climate and soil determined

farm plan? Briefly explain your answer.

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6. Will the suitability rating of the given site differ from one crop to another? Why
or why not?
7. What are the bottlenecks of multiple-criteria suitability assessment? Explain.
8. In your respective location, what do you think are the most suitable crops to be
planted? Explain.

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Annex 1. General suitability requirements for crops

GENERAL SUITABILITY RATINGS PER FACTOR
Soil factor Score

Low 1
N, P content Medium 3
High 5
Deficient 1
K content
Sufficient 5
< 4.0 and > 7.0 1

pH
>4.0 to < 7.0 5
clay/sandy 1
type
Loamy 5
very steep 1
relief
Flat 5
500 m and above sea level (asl) 1

elevation > sea level to < 500 m asl 3
sea level 5
very poor/very excessive 1

drainage
Good 5
< 2% OM 1
fertility
5% OM 5
Climatic element Score

< 5 wet months (> 100 mm) 1
rain
evenly distributed 5
more than 40 km/h 1

wind
20 to 40 km/h 5
temperature <18 deg. C; > 36 deg. C 1

18 deg. C to 36 deg. C 5
Biological Factor Score

Major 1
Presence of pest and
Moderate 3
diseases
Absent to minor 5
Absent 1
Existing Crops
Present 5

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Annex 2.1 Rainfall Data
National Agromet Station, UPLB (14° 11' N , 121° 15' E) NOTE: T = TRACE, amount of rainfal < 0.1 mm
Elevation : 21.7 m
Rainfall (mm) - 2018
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
1 0.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.9 0.0 1.2 3.7 0.6 1.6 0.0 5.3
2 9.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 18.0 2.0 T 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.2
3 11.4 0.0 0.0 1.4 0.0 0.0 0.2 T 7.4 11.0 0.4 27.3
4 0.4 0.0 0.0 1.0 T 0.0 T 19.9 5.8 0.0 0.6 4.1
5 0.0 0.6 0.0 1.9 0.0 4.2 0.0 0.1 0.0 1.1 11.8 4.2
6 0.0 T T 0.0 0.0 29.0 T 53.7 71.1 0.0 2.5 1.0
7 0.2 14.0 0.0 0.2 4.8 0.4 2.8 1.1 3.2 0.0 7.6 4.8
8 0.0 0.0 5.6 0.4 0.2 0.4 23.5 0.0 1.0 0.0 4.4 T
9 0.0 0.2 8.4 2.4 0.3 47.3 5.7 T T 0.0 2.2 1.2
10 0.0 T 0.8 11.6 1.4 22.5 0.6 2.2 5.8 0.0 11.8 0.2
11 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 13.6 T 22.4 0.6 0.0 0.0 5.2
12 T 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 3.4 2.2 21.3 0.3 0.0 0.1 0.4
13 0.0 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 11.8 48.0 0.8 0.0 T 0.0 23.7
14 T 1.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 16.2 0.8 21.6 0.8 1.7 11.0
15 0.0 0.0 0.4 0.0 15.8 0.0 6.4 0.0 0.6 14.5 0.0 0.3
16 22.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 41.1 9.5 20.6 1.7 0.0 3.2
17 T 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.6 26.5 0.4 T 0.0 0.0 0.0
18 2.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 4.6 0.7 1.4 0.0 6.4 3.4
19 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.2 1.0 17.7 0.0 0.0 0.0
20 1.0 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 22.4 5.6 T 18.9 0.8 2.4 0.6
21 T 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 28.4 17.2 0.0 2.9 0.0 10.2 20.6
22 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 4.6 51.8 26.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 27.4
23 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.7 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.0 34.8
24 7.6 T 0.0 16.4 2.6 55.0 0.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 12.8
25 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 5.3 16.1 6.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 5.0 0.0
26 9.0 16.4 0.0 0.0 18.5 T 0.5 0.0 2.5 0.1 0.0 0.0
27 9.9 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 5.4 37.0 1.2 4.5 0.0 T 2.6
28 1.8 T 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 5.2 0.0 T 0.1 0.5 70.0
29 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.6 0.0 1.0 0.4 0.0 0.0 0.5 39.0
30 T 7.3 0.0 14.6 0.0 2.6 T T 5.2 0.6 101.4
31 0.4 0.0 0.1 2.0 23.1 0.0 95.7
Total 77.3 34.1 22.5 35.5 69.7 330.5 287.2 162.3 186.8 36.9 68.9 500.4

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Annex 2.2 Minimum temperature data
Elevation : 21.7 m
Minimum Temperature °C
2018
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
1 23.5 22.5 23.6 23.0 24.6 26.5 23.4 24.7 24.1 24.8 24.0 24.0
2 22.7 21.8 24.0 23.0 25.5 22.6 24.0 24.5 24.2 24.5 24.0 22.9
3 22.6 22.0 23.5 23.4 25.5 23.0 23.0 23.6 23.7 23.9 23.9 23.8
4 24.1 23.0 23.2 23.2 25.0 26.8 23.4 23.8 23.3 23.5 24.0 24.7
5 23.9 22.0 23.9 26.5 24.0 25.0 23.6 23.7 23.9 24.4 24.4 25.1
6 23.8 22.0 24.3 23.0 24.7 24.0 25.0 23.8 24.3 23.9 23.9 23.3
7 22.7 20.8 23.5 23.6 24.0 25.0 25.0 24.3 24.0 24.0 25.0 23.4
8 20.2 22.1 22.8 23.9 25.0 25.6 23.8 25.0 24.0 23.8 23.7 23.4
9 23.1 23.5 22.5 23.7 25.3 24.7 24.3 25.6 24.0 24.4 24.0 23.7
10 24.1 23.0 23.0 24.0 25.6 23.5 25.0 25.7 23.6 23.9 24.0 22.4
11 22.6 24.0 21.5 24.5 24.9 24.5 24.8 25.2 23.6 24.3 22.7 23.7
12 21.6 23.4 22.9 24.5 24.5 24.6 23.8 25.5 23.4 24.0 23.3 22.7
13 22.1 23.0 22.0 24.0 25.5 24.3 23.5 25.5 25.9 24.8 22.2 23.9
14 21.1 23.4 23.6 24.0 26.6 25.1 24.1 26.0 25.3 24.6 24.2 24.4
15 23.5 22.5 23.5 23.7 25.7 25.0 23.2 23.1 25.4 22.7 22.6 24.6
16 23.5 22.9 23.6 23.5 25.0 25.0 23.9 23.1 24.1 24.0 22.9 24.4
17 24.0 22.0 23.1 22.5 25.5 24.7 24.6 24.5 24.1 23.9 22.5 23.3
18 24.1 21.1 22.0 22.6 25.1 23.5 25.4 24.5 24.6 24.1 23.3 22.1
19 23.5 24.0 22.3 23.7 25.5 24.4 23.2 24.9 24.3 23.7 23.1 22.6
20 23.5 24.0 23.0 24.5 25.6 23.6 25.5 26.9 22.5 25.0 24.6 22.3
21 23.1 23.0 22.9 24.5 25.4 23.0 24.6 25.0 23.0 25.6 24.7 22.0
22 22.6 22.2 23.2 25.8 24.7 24.1 24.0 25.0 23.6 23.5 24.1 23.6
23 23.1 21.5 23.0 25.9 25.4 24.4 24.4 25.5 24.0 23.6 23.5 23.5
24 22.9 24.1 20.5 25.3 25.5 24.4 24.8 25.5 24.3 22.4 23.2 24.0
25 22.7 23.0 22.0 24.5 24.5 24.1 23.9 24.0 24.2 24.3 22.7 23.2
26 22.0 22.9 22.5 24.3 25.0 23.0 23.9 25.0 24.0 23.5 22.3 21.6
27 23.5 23.2 21.6 24.2 26.0 22.9 23.8 24.4 23.4 24.0 23.5 23.5
28 21.9 23.9 22.0 24.3 26.0 25.0 24.5 22.4 24.0 21.0 24.1 22.7
29 22.7 23.7 25.3 26.0 24.1 24.5 23.0 24.0 23.0 24.2 23.0
30 22.0 22.7 24.7 25.5 24.4 24.0 23.4 23.0 24.2 23.5 21.2
31 21.7 22.3 23.9 24.4 23.7 23.3 23.4
Average 22.9 22.7 22.8 24.1 25.2 24.4 24.2 24.5 24.0 23.9 23.6 23.3

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Annex 3. Irrigated rice crop requirements
Crop Requirements Irrigated Rice

Class, degree of
limitation and rating S1 (5) S2 (4) S3 (3) N1 (2) N2 (1)
scale
Climatic Requirements
125-175 100-125 <100
Annual Rainfall (mm) 175-500 -
500-600 650-750 >750
18-24
Mean Temp (°C) 24-36 10-18 - <18
>36
40-50
Relative Humidity (%) 50-90 30-40 - <30
90-100
Landscape and Soil
Requirements
Topography/Slope, t
<1 1-2 2-4 >4
(%)
Wetness (w)
imperfect to
Drainage Poor Very poor good -
moderate
Physical soil characteristics (s)
Coarse Fragments (%) 0-3 3-15 15-35 - >35
Soil Depth (cm) >75 50-75 20-50 - <20
CaCO3 (%) <3-6 6-15 15-25 >25
Gypsum (%) <1-3 3-10 10-25 >15
Soil Fertility (f)
Soil pH 5.5-8.2 2.8-4 1.6-2.8 <1.6
CEC clay (cmol+/kg
>16 <16(-) <16(+) - -
clay)
Base Sat. (%) >50 35-50 20-35 <20
Sum of Basic Cations
>4 2.8-4 1.6-2.8 <1.6 -
(cmol+/kg clay)
Organic Carbon (%) >1.5 1.5-2 .8-1.5 <0.8
Salinity (Ec, ds/m) 0-2 2-4 4-6 6-12 >12
Alkalinity (ESP, %) 0-20 20-30 30-40 >40

P a g e | 72
Annex 4. Socio-economic survey

Name: _________________________________________________________ Sex/Civil Status/Age: ____________
Address of farm: _______________________________________________ Length of stay in the area: ________
Cropping history: ______________________________________________________________________________
Educational attainment: ________________________________________________________________________
Source of income/Monthly estimated income: ______________________________________________________
INDICATOR/VARIABLE
1. Availability of Material Inputs (seed, fertilizer, pesticide)
5 4 3 2 1
There are There are There are No other choices can be Not available.
available, effective and available but available but bought in the market Cannot improvise
affordable expensive limited resulting in improvisation or outsource.
of material inputs.
2. Accessibility to irrigation
5 4 3 2 1
Irrigation is readily Irrigation is available Irrigation is available Irrigation is seasonal Irrigation is not
available and accessible and accessible but but with limited with limited accessibility. available within the
without charges. expensive. accessibility. area.
3. Equipment
5 4 3 2 1
New and advanced New but basic equipment old equipment is Not all equipment No equipment is
equipment is available is available. available and functional is available and functional. available and
within the area. functional.

P a g e | 73
4. Manpower
5 4 3 2 1
Many skilled personnel Many skilled personnel Enough skilled and able Lack of skilled and No skilled and
Can do the job. Speciali- can do the job. personnel. able personnel. able personnel.
zation of tasks are
observed.
5. Labor Intensity
5 4 3 2 1
Farm tasks is easy and Farm tasks is relatively Farm tasks are moderately Farm tasks are in high Farm tasks are extremely
yields maximum produc- easy but does not maxi- difficult. Yield productivity difficulty and lack yield difficult and almost no yield
tivity mize yield productivity. is sufficient. poductivity is observed. productivity is produced.
6. Institutional Support from LGUs/Private Organizations/Non- Government Organization
5 4 3 2 1
Frequent and constant. Frequent Occasional Rare None
7. Transport
5 4 3 2 1
Wide cemented roads Cemented but narrow roads Cemented but narrow With rough road No road access.
and broken
8. Regulations/Properties
5 4 3 2 1
Policies (clear, effective Policies (clear, effective Policies (clear, effective Policies (clear, effective Policies (unclear,
And always observed) and often observed). and sometimes observed. but not observed.) inflective & not on the yed.

P a g e | 74
9. Proximity to market
5 4 3 2 1
Very near Near Moderate Far Very farm
10. Knowledge
5 4 3 2 1
The farmer has very high The farmer has high level The farm has moderate The harmer has low level The farmer does not
Level of knowledge of which of knowledge of which crops level of knowledge of which of knowledge of which crops have knowledge of
Crops to be planted in the area. to be planted. crops to be planted in the area. to be planted in the area. which crops to be
Planted in the area.
11. Adaptability to Natural Hazards.
5 4 3 2 1
Community has a very Community has high adap- Community has moderate Community has low Community cannot adapt
high adaptability during tability during calamities. adaptability during calamities. Adaptability during to the damages caused by the
calamities. .calamities calamity.
12. Peace, order and security issues
5 4 3 2 1
None Rare Occasional Frequent Frequent and constant.
13. Market availability.
5 4 3 2 1
Very available. Available Available with Available with great Not available.
slight constraints. constraints.

P a g e | 75
Annex 5 List of Meteorological Instruments and their respective functions at AGROMET
Instrument Function(s) Picture

1. Mercurial Barometer measures (c) Gentallan
atmospheric
pressure
2. Microbarograph records (c) Gentallan
atmospheric
pressure
3. Wind Indicator indicates wind

(c) Gentallan
direction and
speed
4. Automatic Weather sensor for relative

Station (portable) humidity, rainfall, (c) Gentallan
and temperature

P a g e | 76
(c) Gentallan
5. Automatic Weather serves as back-up,
Station (solar panel) sensor for relative
humidity, rainfall,
and temperature
6. Tipping Bucket Rain measures depth,

(c) Gentallan
Gauge amount, and rate
of rainfall
7. 8 Inch Standard Rain measures rainfall in

Gauge terms of depth (c) Gentallan
8. Aneroid Barometer gives an indication

of pressure (c) Gentallan

P a g e | 77
9. Evaporation Pan: determines if

Floating/Class A evaporation
occurred
(c) Gentallan
10. Evaporation Pan: determines if

Sunken evaporation
occurred
(c) Gentallan
11. 3 Cup Anemometer measures 24 hour

(c) Gentallan
wind run
12. Aerovane determines wind

(c) Gentallan
speed and
direction

P a g e | 78
(c) Gentallan
13. Bimetallic measures solar
Actinograph radiation
14. Campbell Stokes determines (c) Gentallan

sunshine duration
15. Thermometer Shelter protects and

houses instruments (c) Gentallan
particularly
thermometers
16. U Type Thermometer Maximum-

(c) Gentallan
minimum
temperature

P a g e | 79
(c) Gentallan
17. Maximum determines highest
Thermometer temperature
18. Minimum determines lowest

(c) Gentallan
Thermometer temperature
19. Sling Psychrometer measures amount (c) Gentallan

of relative humidity
and vapour
pressure
20. Hygrothermograph records and

measures (c) Gentallan
temperature and
relative humidity

P a g e | 80

AGRI 32 Exercise 2 Site Characterization

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AGRI 32 Exercise 2 Site Characterization

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AGRI 32 – Fundamentals of Crop Science II

Laboratory Exercise No. 2

At the end of the exercise, the student should be able to:

1. characterize a site based on its biological, physical, and socio-economic conditions;

There are two probable scenarios in establishing a crop production enterprise.

It is emphasized that site characterization has the following multifaceted elements:

Institute of Crop Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science

This is guided by the following suitability assessment principles.

Suitability Assessment Principles

Figure 1. Chronological steps to suitability analysis

Land Suitability Classification (based from FAO Suitability Classification):

B. Soil sampling and analysis

Institute of Crop Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science

a. Materials needed (Figure 2)

(c) Timog, Batolome, Gentallan

(c) Timog, Batolome, Gentallan

(c) Timog, Batolome, Gentallan

Figure 2. Materials needed for soil sampling

Figure 3. Suggested soil sampling patterns

Figure 4. Soil sampling

(c) Timog, Batolome, Gentallan

Figure 5. Mixing of soil sub-samples

II. Soil analysis

a. Materials needed (Figure 6)

(c) Timog, Batolome, Gentallan

(c) Timog, Batolome, Gentallan

(c) Timog, Batolome, Gentallan

(c) Timog, Batolome, Gentallan

Figure 6. Materials needed for soil analysis

(c) Timog, Batolome, Gentallan

Figure 7. Soil samples at the test tube

2. Add the respective solutions for the different tests as directed.

A. Nitrogen test (Figure 8)

a (c) Timog, Batolome, Gentallan

(c) Timog, Batolome, Gentallan

? What is the Nitrogen level of the sample? _____________

Institute of Crop Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science

(c) Timog, Batolome, Gentallan

? What is the Phosphorus level of the sample? _____________

a (c) Timog, Batolome, Gentallan

Figure 10. Potassium test procedure (a), solutions needed (b)

Institute of Crop Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science

(c) Timog, Batolome, Gentallan

Figure 11. Potassium test result

? What is the Potassium level of the sample? _____________

D. pH test (Figure 12)

(c) Timog, Batolome, Gentallan

? What is the pH level of the sample? _____________

Institute of Crop Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science

C. Inventory and mapping: a GIS-aided approach

(c) Timog, Batolome, Gentallan (c) Timog, Batolome, Gentallan

(c) Timog, Batolome, Gentallan

(c) Timog, Batolome, Gentallan

(c) Timog, Batolome, Gentallan

(c) Timog, Batolome, Gentallan

(c) Timog, Batolome, Gentallan

(c) Timog, Batolome, Gentallan

Institute of Crop Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science

(c) Timog, Batolome, Gentallan (c) Timog, Batolome, Gentallan

NOTE: Properly identify each POI.

(c) Timog, Batolome, Gentallan

(c) Timog, Batolome, Gentallan

Institute of Crop Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science