Qualification Level: TESDA NC I – Agarwood Farming
Core Idea:
Healthy soil is a living system that must be protected, fed, and regenerated—not exploited.
I. PRINCIPLE 1: MAINTAIN SOIL AS A LIVING ECOSYSTEM
Key Concept
Soil is composed of minerals, organic matter, water, air, and living organisms that work together.
Sustainable Practices
- Regular application of compost and organic matter
- Avoidance of excessive chemical inputs
- Protection of soil microbial life
Agarwood Context
Healthy soil biology supports:
- Strong root systems
- Controlled stress signaling
- Effective myco-resin induction
II. PRINCIPLE 2: PRESERVE SOIL STRUCTURE & PREVENT COMPACTION
Why It Matters
Compacted soil:
- Restricts root growth
- Reduces oxygen availability
- Inhibits microbial activity
Sustainable Practices
- Minimize heavy machinery
- Avoid working soil when wet
- Use mulch and organic amendments
Agarwood Context
Good soil structure ensures:
- Deep rooting of Aquilaria
- Balanced water–air exchange
- Reduced disease pressure
III. PRINCIPLE 3: PROTECT SOIL FROM EROSION
Causes of Soil Erosion
- Heavy rainfall
- Bare soil exposure
- Sloping land mismanagement
Sustainable Practices
- Mulching
- Contour farming
- Cover crops and ground vegetation
Agarwood Context
Prevents nutrient loss in plantations, especially in upland and sloping sites.
IV. PRINCIPLE 4: BALANCE SOIL NUTRIENTS RESPONSIBLY
Key Idea
Excess nutrients are as harmful as deficiency.
Sustainable Practices
- Soil testing before fertilization
- Balanced N–P–K application
- Reduced nitrogen after tree establishment
Agarwood Context
Over-fertilization delays resin formation and weakens defense responses.
V. PRINCIPLE 5: MAINTAIN OPTIMAL SOIL pH
Ideal Range for Aquilaria
pH 5.5–6.8
Sustainable Practices
- Regular pH monitoring
- Lime acidic soils cautiously
- Use organic matter for buffering
Agarwood Context
Correct pH improves:
- Nutrient uptake
- Microbial activity
- Resin induction efficiency
VI. PRINCIPLE 6: ENHANCE SOIL ORGANIC MATTER (SOM)
Target Level
3–5% organic matter
Sustainable Practices
- Compost and vermicast application
- Crop residues and mulching
- Agroforestry leaf litter recycling
Agarwood Context
Organic matter:
- Stabilizes soil moisture
- Supports fungal communities
- Improves long-term plantation health
VII. PRINCIPLE 7: PROMOTE SOIL BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY
Why Biodiversity Matters
Diverse soil life:
- Cycles nutrients
- Suppresses pathogens
- Enhances plant resilience
Sustainable Practices
- Reduce pesticide use
- Introduce beneficial microbes
- Maintain plant diversity
Agarwood Context
Balanced microbial populations prevent aggressive infections during resin induction.
VIII. PRINCIPLE 8: MANAGE WATER WISELY
Sustainable Water Use
- Improve drainage in heavy soils
- Avoid prolonged waterlogging
- Maintain moderate soil moisture
Agarwood Context
Aquilaria trees require:
- Well-drained soil
- Mild water stress (controlled) for resin development
- No prolonged flooding
IX. PRINCIPLE 9: INTEGRATE AGROFORESTRY & COVER CROPS
Benefits
- Nitrogen fixation
- Improved soil structure
- Reduced erosion
Recommended Species
- Gliricidia sepium
- Erythrina variegata
- Sesbania grandiflora
Agarwood Context
Mimics natural forest systems where agarwood thrives.
X. PRINCIPLE 10: MONITOR, ADAPT & REGENERATE
Sustainable Management Is Dynamic
- Regular soil testing
- Observation of plant response
- Adaptive management decisions
Agarwood Context
Soil conditions must be optimized before inoculation and maintained after resin induction.
XI. FARMER-FRIENDLY SUMMARY (CHECKLIST)
☐ Soil is covered (mulch / plants)
☐ Soil has good drainage
☐ Organic matter applied regularly
☐ Soil pH checked annually
☐ Chemicals used only when necessary
☐ Soil life protected
XII. TESDA NC I PERFORMANCE STANDARDS (EXCERPT)
The learner must be able to:
- Explain sustainable soil management principles
- Apply organic and soil conservation practices
- Monitor soil condition and respond appropriately
- Support long-term plantation productivity
XIII. LINKAGE TO YOUR ECOSYSTEM
✔ BarIno™ MycoResin Systems – require biologically active soil
✔ Oud Academia curriculum – soil as a regenerative asset
✔ DENR / DA / TESDA – aligned with sustainable land management policies
✔ Smart Farm Platforms – soil sensors for real-time decisions