A pilot project on integrated livestock-fish-crop farming in the southern philippines

Abstract

A 30-ha farm was developed in the Southern Philippines along the line of integrated farming systems. Livestock-fish-crop modules were set up and trials were conducted on their viability. Utilization of goat and sheep manure by crops and fish was linked with utilization of crop products and byproducts by goats and sheep to establish the cycle of integration. It is computed that the net income per ha of a livestock-fish-crop module is P27,852/y. Similarly, the rice-fish-crop module gave a yearly net income of P21,473.40/y. The integration of livestock with coconut, grains (corn) and pasture production showed that the fertilizer cost was reduced by 50%, using goat and sheep manure while gross production yield was comparable with the yield of a system using 100% inorganic fertilizer. The integrated farming system using the organic wastes of livestock shows that farm production levels can be raised, at the same time maximizing farm resources.