Soil and nutrient loss on swidden farms, and farmers’ perception in Bazal-Baubo watershed, Aurora Province, Philippines

This study aims to determine the effect of erosion rate and nutrient losses on cropping systems and the relationship between the socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents and their perception and awareness of swidden agriculture (shifting cultivation, slash-and-burn farming) in the Bazal-Baubo watershed. Two research designs were used: the experimental method to determine the amount of soil and nutrient loss and the survey method to gather social data. The experimental part used the simple randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two replications for three cropping periods. The survey method utilized a structured interview schedule, supplemented with informal interviews and field observation, which helped in understanding swidden activities in the area. A random sample of 281 respondents were obtained from the 953 households of five barangays in the watershed area. The mean data from the experimental treatment was subjected to ANOVA with Student's Newton's Keuls multiple range test and the difference among the treatment means was determined. The experiment revealed that cropping system (CS) 3 (no strip of grass residues + squash) had the highest mean amount of eroded soil (261 tons/ha/cropping) and was significantly different from the two other cropping systems (CS1 and CS2). On the other hand, the contour strip of grass residue was not effective in minimizing soil erosion to an acceptable level and is not recommended for use alone in the Bazal-Baubo watershed. CS3 also gave the highest total nutrient loss (kg/ha/cropping). Nutrient loss is largely determined by the amount of soil loss. Correlation analysis showed that sociceconomic characteristics such as age, gender, education, household size, years of residence and annual income were not significantly correlated with the awareness that swidden system leads to a decline in soil fertility and soil loss. The lack of respondent awareness leads to the persistence of swidden practices. Moreover, correlation analysis showed that total income had a negatively significant relationship with perception of benefits from the watershed as a source of primary products like timber. Hence, the persistence of swidden activities is attributed to the low income of the respondents, PhP4,815 per month or PhP160.50 per day. The result of this study linking actual erosion and nutrient losses with awareness and perception of consequences and benefits of swidden farming explains its persistence. It,is alarming and signals danger to all stakeholders. Addressing this serious problem is imperative and may signal the beginning of the gradual cessation,of the practice of this destructive swidden famine, in the country.