ICRADLE project on improving sugarcane productivity kicks off in time for the upcoming El Niño
DailyGuardian
2024.03.16
A newly-implemented project starts preparing for the possible effects of the El Niño phenomenon in sugarcane production in Negros Occidental.
According to Region VI-Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the province will likely experience below normal rainfall conditions or only 41 to 80% chances of rainfall. It is anticipated to happen starting February of this year.
Developed by Central Luzon State University (CLSU), a solar-powered AFIS will be installed in the project sites. The technology is energy-efficient, less laborious, and generates water savings of about 40 to 47%.
Moreover, Nutrio®, a foliar spray biofertilizer developed by the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB-BIOTECH), will also be used in the sites. It reduces application of inorganic fertilizer by substituting 50 percent of the sugarcane nitrogen requirement. It also helps reduce the cost of fertilizer input while increasing ton cane yield by 30 percent.
Both technologies are outputs of research and development projects funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD). These have been tested and proven effective and efficient.
A newly-implemented project starts preparing for the possible effects of the El Niño phenomenon in sugarcane production in Negros Occidental.
According to Region VI-Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the province will likely experience below normal rainfall conditions or only 41 to 80% chances of rainfall. It is anticipated to happen starting February of this year.
Developed by Central Luzon State University (CLSU), a solar-powered AFIS will be installed in the project sites. The technology is energy-efficient, less laborious, and generates water savings of about 40 to 47%.
Moreover, Nutrio®, a foliar spray biofertilizer developed by the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB-BIOTECH), will also be used in the sites. It reduces application of inorganic fertilizer by substituting 50 percent of the sugarcane nitrogen requirement. It also helps reduce the cost of fertilizer input while increasing ton cane yield by 30 percent.
Both technologies are outputs of research and development projects funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD). These have been tested and proven effective and efficient.
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