Abstract — The rubber agroforestry system (RAS) was developed for small landholder farmers with inadequate resources as an alternative to the rubber monoculture system. The study was conducted on the RAS farms in North Cotabato, Philippines, considered one of the country’s best rubber-producing areas. Research methods used include observations and field measurements while review of existing documents was used in securing secondary data.
This study aimed to determine the ecological sustainability of rubber agroforestry farms in the study sites. Specifically, it aimed to determine the following ecological
soundness indicators based on farm diversification, soil fertility status and management, as well as pest and weed disease management. The study showed that the ecological sustainability of a rubber-based agroforestry system in North Cotabato is moderately sustainable based on ecological soundness criteria. Although RAS has its good environmental merits, farmers’ dependency on chemicals for pests, weeds and disease management and use of inorganic fertilizers affect its ecological sustainability.
Menu
