Integrated Soil and Water Conservation Approach in Improving Biophysical Condition of Mt. Kitanglad Agri-Development Corporation (MKADC) Pineapple Production

Type: Approaches

Creation: 2017-03-20 09:09   Updated: 2017-03-29 07:42

Compilers: Philippine Overview of Conservation Approaches and Technologies

Reviewers: Eduardo Alberto, Rima Mekdaschi Studer

Country/ region/ locations where the Approach has been applied
  • Country: Philippines
  • Region/ State/ Province: Brgy. Lurugan, Valencia City, Bukidnon
  • Map: View Map

Description of the SLM Approach

Short description of the Approach

Integration of soil and water conservation technologies primarily aim to protect the area from loss of biodiversity and land degradation.

Detailed description of the Approach

Aims: (1) To improve biodiversity in the area; (2) To prevent on-site erosion; and (3) To minimize off-site impacts like siltation of natural water bodies.

MKADC is internationally renowned producer of export quality fresh pineapples. They cater different countries in Asia as a proof of their excellent service in pineapple production. Along with this success in MKADC, environmental management system is incorporated in their production area which gives additional merit in the protection of our ecology. This system includes various soil and water conservation technologies namely: 1) buffer zones; 2) sediment traps, brush dams and catch basins; 3) contour straight block lay-out technology; 4) natural vegetative strip; 5) pineapple as erosion control commodity; and 6) relay cropping which aim to minimize soil erosion and improve biodiversity in the area.

Stages of implementation: (a) Site development for 4 to 6 months; (b) Land preparation for 3 months; (c) Planting and replanting; (d) Plant care and crop management which include fertilization and weed control when the pineapple is at 2 to 11 months; (e) Flower induction, fruit development, fruit care and fruit estimates when pineapple is at 12 to 17 months; (f) Degreening and harvesting at 18 months; (g) Ratooning; and (h) Maintenance i.e manual weeding (as needs arises).

The primary stakeholders are the land owners of the leased lands and MKADC.The approach of MKADC ensures that at the end of the contract between the company and the land owners, the land is still productive.

Photos of the Approach

Image Pineapple plant serves as silt traps along trenches
Pineapple plant serves as silt traps along trenches
  • 📍 Brgy. Lurugan, Bukidnon
  • 📷 Baldwin M. Pine, Bureau of Soils and Water Management
Image Pineapple plantation of MKADC
Pineapple plantation of MKADC
  • 📍 Valencia City, Bukidnon
  • 📷 Engr. Djolly Ma. P. Dinamling (Bureau of Soils and Water Management)