GIS-based Mapping of Crop Suitability Rating for the Re-Delineated Soil Types in Barangay Bantug, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines

Abstract

Crop suitability assessment is essential for land use planning, sustainable farming, and resource management prior to production. This research focused on the identification and re-delineation of soil types in the agricultural lands of Barangay Bantug, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, and aimed to determine the suitability rating of the top five agricultural crops produced in the Philippines. With the use of the Handbook for Soil Series Identification in Nueva Ecija and the hydrometer method for soil texture determination of the surface soil (0–20 cm), six soil types were identified in Brgy. Bantug: Maligaya Clay, Maligaya Clay Loam, Maligaya Loam, Maligaya Silty Clay Loam, Maligaya Silty Clay and Bantog Clay Loam. The soil type map generated was used as land mapping units in crop suitability assessments of wetland rice, upland rice, corn, onion, mango, and sugarcane. In Maligaya Clay Loam and Bantog Clay Loam, all crops are potentially highly suitable. The permanent limitations from other land mapping units are basically related to the rooting condition, specifically the soil surface texture. The latest taxonomic classification based on secondary data indicates that the Maligaya Series is fine, smectitic, isohyperthermic, Typic Epiaquert, while the Bantog Series is very fine, mixed, isohyperthermic, Typic Endoaquert. The processes and maps used and produced from this research can benefit the local government unit in land use planning, the farmers in selecting crops to be produced, and future researchers in the identification and re-delineation of soil type maps for crop suitability assessment.