Community Research Extension Continuum in Urban Agriculture in an Urban Barangay of Northern Philippines

Urban Agriculture has always been an important part of society as it is responsible for producing essential food crops, which are essential in maintaining food security and nutrition. It also provides livelihood opportunities to many people. An important factor in farming and gardening is soil quality. Soils supply the essential nutrients, water, oxygen, and root support that our food-producing plants need to grow and flourish. This study aimed to analyze the chemical properties of the soil in Barangay Lucnab, Baguio City, as well as the presence of macronutrients and micronutrients. This research is important as it aims to assist the residents of Lucnab, given their present predicament of the low harvest and seemingly acidic soil, to maximize the nutrients already present in the farm and recommend the right amount of fertilizer and crops to plant to enhance productivity. And it is, therefore, the aim of this study to educate the community on how to maximize the potential of their farm. The research design used in this study was descriptive and experimental. The descriptive and experimental types of research sought to determine the characteristics of the soil sample in Barangay Lucnab through the manipulation of variables. They compared the results to a standard value. The sampling method used in collecting the soil was the zigzag sampling pattern. This method is adopted from the work of Ackerson (2018). Significant findings of this research revealed that the soil has low moisture content at values ranging from 27.26% to 33.60%. The soil is strongly acidic as the pH reading ranged from 4.1 to 4.83. Furthermore, the two sampling sites in Lucnab show a low organic matter with a value from 2.71% to 3.45%, while Purok 4A reveals a better nitrogen content. The levels of micronutrients such as phosphorous and potassium are above the optimum level, with the presence of micronutrients like zinc, copper, iron, and manganese. The results imply that the soil's acidity in Barangay Lucnab may affect the availability and solubility of some plant's nutrients as minerals are insoluble in acidic soil. This will greatly affect the harvest and productivity of the farmers. Therefore, it is recommended to correct the soil's pH and constantly irrigate the farms to help sustain the growth and development of the crops being grown in the said barangay. In the context of the results and analyses of the soil samples gathered in Barangay Lucnab, the researchers organized and conducted training and seminar to the community to correct the pH of the soil by adding lime and applying fertilizer before planting. Appropriate seeds were also distributed to the barangay.