Boosting Corn Yields : DA-6 rolls out fertilization strategy training in Capiz
Eighty farmers in Tapaz, Capiz, joined a DA-BSWM training on Adaptive Balanced Fertilization Strategy (ABFS) for corn, promoting soil health and increased yields. The science-based approach blends organic and inorganic fertilizers to cut input costs, improve productivity, and maintain soil fertility. The program also included pest management and supports mapping soil fertility for better land use.
TAPAZ, Capiz – The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM) conducted a Technical Briefing and Capacity-Building on Adaptive Balanced Fertilization Strategy (ABFS) for Corn, benefiting 80 farmer-cooperators on May 7, at the Tapaz Civic Center in Poblacion, Tapaz town.
The ABFS for corn is part of the DA-BSWM’s National Soil Health Program (NSHP), which prioritizes research and systematic soil analysis to enhance soil health and soil resources to boost crop productivity and increase farmers’ incomes.
ABFS is a science-based farming approach that combines cost-efficient organic and inorganic fertilizers to increase crop yields, particularly rice and corn, while maintaining soil fertility and lowering input costs.
Karen S. Bautista, chief of the Soil and Water Resources Research Division and Regional Soil and Water Area Coordinator for Region 6, emphasized the importance of benchmarking corn production using ABFS methods. She noted that the program aims to enhance soil health, increase farm income, reduce production costs, and improve crop yields.
The DA stressed that continuous technical briefings are being conducted to ensure farmers’ compliance to the ABFS protocol. Under the program, farmers are also entitled to seed and fertilizer supplies per ABFS recommendations.
The training also included sessions on pest and disease management in corn production, facilitated by Cherry Tayson, chief of the DA-6 Regional Crop Protection Center.
Renan Palomo, DA-6 Corn Program coordinator, encouraged farmers to adopt ABFS practices. “Let us embrace and try the technology showcased, especially the improved fertilizer application methods,” he said.
This initiative also supports the identification of soil reference and monitoring sites, which are essential for updating and mapping soil fertility and land suitability — underscoring the vital role of soil as the foundation of agriculture.
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Source : Panay News
