PLANET DIVE - ANILAO, BATANGAS

Planet Dive is located in San Teodoro, Mabini, Batangas. Approximately two hours away from Manila via Star Toll way route. Private vehicle is best advised going to Planet Dive for it is quite off from conventional; a friend that took a bus from Manila to Batangas had to rent a tricycle (lone option) from Mabini to Planet Dive for 350.00 php and he’s lucky enough to convince a tricycle driver for that ride. 

Planet Dive is a wholly Filipino owned company providing SCUBA Diving services in the Philippines since 1999. Strategically located in unusually high biodiversity part of our country wherein aquatic experts have classified the Verde Island Passage between Batangas ad Oriental Mindoro as “the center of the center” of marine biodiversity in the world. Thus, Planet Dive has since earned recognition and fame in the local diving industry. In the close to one decade of doing business, Planet Dive Resort has grown from a cozy 6 room resort to 16 cabana NAUI Pro Gold facility with two Full Service Villas, a Nitrox/Tri-mix Gas blending station and airport to airport secure transfer service. 

I visited Planet Dive not for its diving competence but to conduct environmental study for my Philippine Environmental Laws class but since I found the place commendable for backpackers, my overnight stay experience may be relevant to share. Checking In and Out is from 8 am to 8 pm, I had prior room reservation package that includes buffet lunch (served at 12 pm – 2 pm); dinner (7pm – 9 pm); and breakfast (7 am – 9 am). I had settled for a cottage built on hill side with picturesque view of the sea, the room has three beds that can accommodate 4 – 5 persons (for sharing), AC unit, toilet and bath. One of the things that Planet Dive, agreed to was to preserve the flora and fauna of the area. Thus, the area was landscaped with diverse plant species, trees and rocks trying to blend with natural environment and unobtrusive as possible. As consequence, according to the management, they have displaced a lot of animals that used to inhabit the area. As things, begun to settle down, beautiful birds, wild cats (mustang), snakes and other exotic animals are now seen in the resort. 

Planet Dive offers other water activities aside from SCUBA Diving; there is kayaking, snorkeling and island hopping. The place was also suitable for relaxation with serene ambiance and hopefully the management could set-up a spa for sauna and/or body massage for over all relaxation. Food was served systematically that ensures quality and safety; taste was not bad and menu was planned accordingly. By night, the place has this haunting appeal in particular to their marble staircase that looks tombstones, insufficient post lamps outside that gave me second thought for a night stroll by the shore and rare do I see resort personnel doing rounds for added security; but Planet Dive core competence was company’s adherence to highest safety and service to all customers. 

Planet Dive has been seriously engaged in Marine resource management in various forums and is seen largely as a model for private sector partnership in conservation initiatives. Planet Dive has in 9 short years helped in no short measure turn its house reef, Twin Rocks Marine Sanctuary, from encrusting coral on broken coral sub-straight in 1997 to the “Third Best Marine Protected Area” in the Philippines.

For more information and reservation visit their website www.planetdive.com.ph or contact them at : (+63)9167043718 and (+63)24752067; Booking Office is at G-02 Rada Regency Rada St. corner Dela Rosa St. Legaspi Village, Makati City Philippines

SOIL QUALITY - UPLB SOIL TEST KIT

The condition of our soils ultimately determines human health by serving as a major medium for food and fibre production and a primary interface with the environment, influencing the quality of the air we breathe and water we drink. Thus, there is a clear linkage between soil quality and human and environmental health. As such, the health of our soil resources is a primary indicator of the sustainability of our land management practices. (Acton and Gregorich 1995)

Soil quality concise definition includes “fitness for use” and “the capacity of a soil to function. “ Combining these, soil quality is the ability of a soil to perform the functions necessary for its intended use. Soil functions include: sustaining biological diversity, activity, and productivity; regulating water solute flow; filtering, buffering, degrading organic and inorganic materials; storing and cycling nutrients and carbon; and providing physical stability and support. (USDA Soil Quality Indicator)

There are three main categories of soil indicators: chemical, physical and biological. Typical soil tests only look at chemical indicators. Soil quality attempts to integrate all three types of indicators. The categories do not neatly align with the various soil functions, so integration is necessary.

Organic matter, or more specifically soil carbon, transcends all three indicator categories and has the most widely recognized influence on soil quality. Organic matter is tied to all soil functions. It affects other indicators, such as aggregate stability (physical), nutrient retention and availability (chemical), and nutrient cycling (biological); and is itself an indicator of soil quality. (Doran and Parkin, 1996)

Chemical indicators can give you information about the equilibrium between soil solution (soil water and nutrients) and exchange sites (clay particles, organic matter); plant health; the nutritional requirements of plant and soil animal communities; and levels of soil contaminants and their availability for uptake by animals and plants. Indicators include measures of: Electrical conductivity, soil nitrate and soil reaction (pH). (Doran and Parkin, 1996)

One significant indicator measure under chemical is the soil pH as it influences the solubility of nutrients. It also affects the activity of micro-organisms responsible for breaking down organic matter and most chemical transformations in the soil. Soil pH thus affects the availability of several plant nutrients. A pH range of 6 to 7 is generally most favorable for plant growth because most plant nutrients are readily available in this range. However, some plants have soil pH requirements above or below this range.

Soil Sampling

The main objective of soil sampling is to collect a small amount of sil sample weighing about half kilogram that will represent the soil in a large area, e.g., one hectare furrow slice that weighs about 2 million kilograms. Since only a small amount of soil sample is used in chemical analysis and results are projected for a large quantity of soil, the accuracy of soil testing depends largely on proper soil sampling (UPLB Soil Test)

500g soil sample of three replicates were scooped and collected each from S1, S2 and S3. Replicates from collected samples from different stations were mixed in a bucket. 3 samples from each station were packed by 150g of soils each using aluminium foil. Samples were transported to the laboratory subjected for 24 hours oven incubation at 100^oC.

Test for Chemical Factors

Test for the chemical factors of soil: N, P, K, and pH using soil test kit. Analysis by the soil test kit is a quick method of evaluating the fertility status of a soil. It involves chemical analyses that measure the amount of nutrients in the soil that are available to the plant. Results are interpreted and used as basis in making a recommendation on the right kind and amount of fertilizer for a particular crop when grown in the soil being tested. 

Nitrogen (N)

For Nitrogen (N), fill the test tube with soil sample up to the scratch mark. Add 16 drops (1 ml) of solution B; mix well by gently swirling the test tube 30 times. Repeat swirling after 5 minutes and let the test tube stand for 30 minutes. Match the color of the resulting solution on top of the soil with the color chart. Take note if the soil is low, medium, or high in available nitrogen. 

Phosphorous (P)

For Phosphorous (P), fill the test tube with soil sample up to the scratch mark. Add 16 drops (or 1 ml) of solution C and 2 drops of solution C1; Mix well by gently swirling the tube for about 1 minute. Repeat swirling after about 3 minutes and let the test tube stand for 5 minutes. Take one foil or tin strip and wrap it firmly at one end of the plastic stick; without disturbing the soil, stir the solution slowly with the thin strip for one minute (repeat this step about 2 minutes). Match the blue color intensity of the solution with the color chart below and take note if the soil is low, medium or high in available phosphorous. 

Potassium (K)

For Potassium (K), fill the test tube with soil sample up to the scratch mark; add 16 drops (or 1 ml) of solution D and 4 drops of solution D1. Mix well by gently swirling the tube for about 1 minute. Repeat swirling after about 3 minutes and let stand for 5 minutes until the soil particles have settles at the bottom of the tube. 

Add solution E as follows: Slowly insert the dropper containing 0.6 ml of solution E inside the test tube so that its tip is about 2 cm above the solution. Slowly add drops of solution E one drop at a time. Do not mix or shake the solution. 

Let the solution stand for 2 minutes, then observe the appearance of a cloudy yellow layer on top of the orange solution. A distinct cloudy yellowish layer indicates that the soil has sufficient available potassium. If no distinct cloudy yellowish layer appears on top of the orange solution, the soil is deficient in available potassium.

Soil pH

To determine soil pH using soil kit, fill the test tube with soil sample up to the scratch mark. Add 7 drops of CPR pH indicator dye. Mix by gently swirling the test tube 20 times. Repeat swirling after about 2 minutes and let the test tube stand for 5 minutes. To get the pH of the soil, match the color of solution on top of the soil with the corresponding color chart of pH indicator dye used. If soil pH is equal to or greater than 6 repeat step 1 to 5 using BTB instead of CPR. However, if soil pH is less than or equal to 5 repeat steps 1 to 5 using BCG instead of CPR. 

Organic Matter

For organic matter, performed in the laboratory by weighing 10g of incubated soil samples; place the 10g of soil samples in a pre-weighed crucibles and place it in the furnace for 1700^oC for 4 hours. Weigh again the crucible and compute for organic matter in the soil by deducting the final weight from initial weight.

SOIL QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF TAAL LAKE

The soil is a complex, multifaceted environment. This complexity has prompted the evolution and adaptation of a highly diverse biotic community, which uses the soil as its permanent or temporary habitat or refuge. Many thousand species of animals and micro-organisms live in soils, ranging in size from the almost invisible microbiota (e.g. bacteria, fungi and protozoa) to the more conspicuous macrofauna and megafauna (e.g. earthworms, termites, millipedes, moles and rats). (World Soil Resources Reports June 2002)

Soil quality concise definition includes “fitness for use” and “the capacity of a soil to function. “ Combining these, soil quality is the ability of a soil to perform the functions necessary for its intended use. Soil functions include: sustaining biological diversity, activity, and productivity; regulating water solute flow; filtering, buffering, degrading organic and inorganic materials; storing and cycling nutrients and carbon; and providing physical stability and support. (USDA Soil Quality Indicator)

I had conducted assessment on soil quality of Mud Spring and for Mt. Makiling, the same sampling procedure and test parameters in determining physicochemical properties was followed; , For our field work on Toxicology in the Environment, I collected soil samples from three (3) different stations at Taal Lake area to evaluate soil quality and determine indications of Organic Matter content, soil pH and available nutrients in reference to the capacity of a soil to function within ecosystem, to sustain biological productivity, maintain environmental quality, and promote plant and animal health.  

For soil quality assessment we first identify three stations for soil sampling. First station (S1) was at shores of Kay Liling resort and spa; Second station (S2) was on shores of volcano island (across Taal lake) and Third station (S3) at mountain top near volcanic crate (1 kilometer from Taal Lake basin view point). Since major terrestrial biomes’ geographical distribution is dependent on temperature, precipitation, altitude and latitude; coordinates of each station were determined prior to sampling collection.

Sample 1 (Shores of Kay Liling resort and spa): Three trials were evaluated for each parameters and average reading as follows; Nitrogen (N) content was low, Phosphorous (P) was high, Potassium (K) was sufficient, pH at 7.6, and organic matter was 0.5

A pH range of 6 to 7 is generally most favourable for plant growth because most plant nutrients are readily available in this range. Soil at station has a pH of 7.6 a slight alkaline condition of soil. The most important concept regarding pH is that extreme acid or alkaline conditions affect the availability of virtually all the essential nutrients. Soil pH at station 1 correlates the low availability of Nitrogen (N), sufficient amount of Potassium (K) and High availability of Phosphorous (P); at pH 5.0 (strongly acidic) the amount of calcium, magnesium, potassium, nitrogen, and sulphur available is only half as much as at pH 6.0 (moderately acidic). The availability of phosphorus begins to decline at pH 6.5. Below 6.0, most phosphorous is unavailable. Excessive alkalinity also leads to nutrients imbalance.

Soil at station 1 has a rather alkaline pH, and the soil test report indicated low levels of several of the trace elements such as Nitrogen. Therefore, soil at station 1 is not best for maximizing soil life and plant – available nutrients.   

Organic matter (OM) is a measure of all plant and animal residues, ranging from raw, undecomposed materials to stable humus. Organic material of soil at station 1 has a low organic matter which also explains low Nitrogen availability since OM is a source of nitrogen, the major cations and trace minerals. One thing to be considered is that the site serves commercial purposes as its shore of a resort and spa. Natural setting has frequent human intervention with maintenance required to preserve the area. 

Sample 2 (Shores at Volcanic Island – Taal Lake): Three trials were evaluated for each parameters and average reading as follows; Nitrogen (N) content was low, Phosphorous (P) was high, Potassium (K) was sufficient, pH at 7.6, and organic matter was -0.1

Soil quality of station 2 is much comparable with station one; soil was collected on shores of volcano island with frequent human intervention and serves as commercial area for eco tourism. Furthermore, residential lots were noted near shoreline. Soil was of wet, black and loose with pH of 7.6 has a rather alkaline pH. In correlation with detected amount of low nitrogen (N), sufficient potassium (K) and high availability of phosphorus was due to the alkalinity of soil - at pH 5.0 (strongly acidic) the amount of calcium, magnesium, potassium, nitrogen, and sulphur available is only half as much as at pH 6.0 (moderately acidic). The availability of phosphorus begins to decline at pH 6.5. Below 6.0, most phosphorous is unavailable.

In general, Soil at station 2 has a rather alkaline pH, and the soil test report indicated low levels of several of the trace elements such as Nitrogen. Therefore, soil at station 2 is not best for maximizing soil life and plant – available nutrients.    

Organic material of soil at station 2 has a low organic matter which also explains low Nitrogen availability since OM is a source of nitrogen, the major cations and trace minerals. One thing to be considered is that the site serves commercial purposes for tourist of Taal Lake basin. Natural setting has frequent human intervention with local residents and fishermen maintenance required to preserve the area. 

Sample 3 (Volcanic Island Mountain Top near crater – Taal Lake): Three trials were evaluated for each parameters and average reading as follows; Nitrogen (N) content was low, Phosphorous (P) was high, Potassium (K) was sufficient, pH at 6.4, and organic matter was 1.3

Soil at station 3 was collected on mountain top (near crater), as observed, a man-made pathway was facilitated to serve purpose of horse back riding to view point spot (as part of eco-tourism livelihood). On way by foot, encountered several digestive wastes from horse, grassland, forest, color variation of soil and rock formation. In general, there were different classification and characteristics of ecosystem. Soil pH at station 3 was at 6.4 that are not extremely acidic or alkaline, therefore, best for maximizing soil life and plant-available nutrients.

Organic matter of soil at station 3 has a greater amount at 1.3 as compared to station 1 and 2. Despite low nitrogen availability it is still a normal indication since the amount of nitrogen being released by OM depends heavily on the quality of the organic matter and the soil conditions (texture, temperature, water content). Nevertheless, testing for OM can be useful to observe general trends provided it is measured every year or two.

In general, soil at station 3 has a greater amount of raw residue, which are useful for stimulating soil microbial activity, but do not contribute to nutrient retention. Humus and other more stable decomposed organic matter present at area are very important nutrient sources and contributor.  

Soil quality of Taal Lake was determined using Chemical Indicators (N, K, P and soil pH) and measure of Organic Matter (OM) and data collected lead to conclude that soil quality varied on location with several factors affecting it.

  

Soil quality at station 1 and 2 may not be maximized soil life and plant – available nutrients, yet still can be adjusted and function within the ecosystem. However, soil quality at these areas had not interfere with the ability of locals to promote socio-economic growth through ecotourism, thus, still sustain biological productivity and helped residence maintain environmental quality.

Soil quality at station 3 has much potential and capacity to function well within the ecosystem as evident with diversity of plants within scope of Volcano Island Mountain as contributed with the nutrients and organic matter content of soil. Thus, this support claim that soil in Taal can sustain biological productivity, maintain environmental quality and promote plant and animal health.  

Soil provides a list of services to all users of terrestrial ecosystems and is crucial to our agricultural societies. From an anthropogenic point of view, soil quality may be then measured in terms of the services the soil provides to our society. The value of soil services to human societies has changed during history and thus the value we give to soils has also changed over time as it depends upon the economic and cultural basis of a society for a given context.

Holistically, soil at Taal is of quality that considered gift to provided food security (quality and quantity); environmental quality and biodiversity; human and health welfare.