Qualification Level: TESDA NC I – Agarwood Farming
Learning Outcome: Learners can assess, manage, and improve soil conditions to support healthy Aquilaria growth and effective resin induction.
I. SOIL CHEMISTRY
1. Soil pH
Definition: Measure of soil acidity or alkalinity
Ideal for Aquilaria: pH 5.5 – 6.8
| pH Range | Effect on Agarwood |
|---|---|
| <5.0 | Aluminum toxicity, weak roots |
| 5.5–6.5 | Optimal nutrient uptake |
| >7.0 | Micronutrient lock-up |
Management Practices
- Lime (dolomite) → raise pH
- Elemental sulfur / compost → lower pH
- Annual soil testing (before inoculation)
2. Macronutrients (N–P–K)
| Nutrient | Function | Notes for Agarwood |
|---|---|---|
| Nitrogen (N) | Vegetative growth | Excess delays resin induction |
| Phosphorus (P) | Root & energy | Critical in first 2 years |
| Potassium (K) | Stress tolerance | Improves resin response |
Best Practice:
➡ Balanced nutrition, avoid high-N fertilization after year 3
3. Secondary & Micronutrients
| Element | Role |
|---|---|
| Calcium (Ca) | Cell wall strength |
| Magnesium (Mg) | Chlorophyll |
| Sulfur (S) | Protein & enzyme synthesis |
| Iron (Fe) | Photosynthesis |
| Zinc (Zn) | Hormone regulation |
| Manganese (Mn) | Enzyme activation (important in BarIno™ systems) |
4. Organic Matter (OM)
Target: 3–5%
Benefits:
- Improves nutrient holding
- Buffers pH
- Supports fungal communities
Sources:
- Compost
- Vermicast
- Mulching with leaf litter
II. SOIL PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
1. Soil Texture
| Type | Suitability |
|---|---|
| Sandy loam | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best |
| Loam | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Clay | ⭐⭐ (requires drainage) |
Ideal Mix:
Sand 40–50% | Silt 20–40% | Clay 10–20%
2. Soil Structure
Good structure:
- Crumb or granular
- Allows air & water movement
Poor structure:
- Compaction
- Hardpan formation
Improvement
- Organic amendments
- Avoid heavy machinery
- Intercropping with legumes
3. Drainage & Water Holding
Aquilaria does not tolerate waterlogging
| Condition | Effect |
|---|---|
| Poor drainage | Root rot |
| Moderate moisture | Optimal growth |
| Dry stress | Induces resin but risks tree health |
Best Practice
- Raised beds (lowland farms)
- Swales / contour drains (slopes)
4. Soil Depth
Minimum effective depth: 60–100 cm
Shallow soils limit:
- Root expansion
- Resin compartment formation
III. SOIL BIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
1. Soil Microorganisms
Living component of soil:
- Bacteria
- Fungi
- Actinomycetes
- Protozoa
Role
- Nutrient cycling
- Disease suppression
- Resin induction synergy
2. Mycorrhizal & Endophytic Fungi
Critical for agarwood:
| Type | Function |
|---|---|
| Mycorrhizae | Nutrient absorption |
| Endophytes | Stress signaling |
| Fusarium spp. | Resin induction |
Important:
Healthy soil biology = controlled resin response, not tree death
3. Soil Fauna
| Organism | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Earthworms | Soil aeration |
| Arthropods | Organic matter breakdown |
4. Soil Enzyme Activity
Indicators of soil health:
- Dehydrogenase
- Phosphatase
- Urease
High activity = biologically active soil
IV. SOIL HEALTH & AGARWOOD RESIN FORMATION
Key Principle:
Agarwood resin is a biochemical defense response, not a fertilizer outcome.
Soil contributes by:
- Enabling stress tolerance
- Supporting microbial signaling
- Preventing pathogenic overload
V. FIELD ASSESSMENT (FARMER-FRIENDLY)
Simple On-Farm Checks
☐ Hand texture test
☐ Drainage test (30–60 min infiltration)
☐ pH strip test
☐ Earthworm count
☐ Organic matter smell (earthy vs sour)
VI. TESDA NC I PERFORMANCE CRITERIA (EXCERPT)
Learner must be able to:
- Identify soil texture and pH
- Explain soil–plant–microbe interaction
- Apply organic soil amendments
- Maintain soil conditions prior to inoculation
VII. LINKAGE TO YOUR PROGRAMS
✔ BarIno™ MycoResin Harmonia™ → works best in biologically active soils
✔ Oud Academia curriculum → soil as living system
✔ TESDA / DA / DENR alignment → sustainable land management
✔ Smart Farm integration → soil sensors (pH, EC, moisture)