St.

Paul University Surigao

San Nicolas St., Surigao City, Philippines
Graduate School Department

THE INFLUENCE OF AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES ON SOIL

HEALTH AND LOCAL ECOSYSTEMS

A Research Proposal Presented to the

Faculty of the Graduate Studies of Science Teaching
College of Teacher Education
St. Paul University Surigao
Surigao City

In Partial Fulfillment of the

Requirements for the Degree
MASTER OF ARTS IN SCIENCE TEACHING
(MAST)

GRAZIELLE JOYCE ESPALDON GEMPARO

 Chapter 1

Introduction

Background of the Study

Agriculture plays a crucial role in sustaining human populations, providing food, fiber, and
other essential products. However, the intensification of agricultural practices, such as the use of
synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, monoculture, and heavy machinery, has raised concerns about their
impact on soil health and local ecosystems. Healthy soil is fundamental to ecosystem functioning,
as it supports plant growth, regulates water, stores carbon, and maintains biodiversity.

This study seeks to understand how different agricultural practices influence soil quality
and the surrounding ecosystems, with an emphasis on identifying sustainable farming methods
that balance productivity with ecological preservation.

Statement of the Problem

The main problem this research addresses is how modern agricultural practices affect the
health of the soil and local ecosystems. Specifically, the study will focus on identifying the
negative consequences of practices such as excessive pesticide use, monoculture, and over-tilling,
while also exploring alternatives that can sustain both productivity and ecological health.

Key research questions include:

1. How do various agricultural practices impact soil health indicators, such as organic matter
content, soil fertility, and microbial diversity?
2. What are the short- and long-term ecological consequences of common agricultural
methods on local ecosystems, such as plant diversity, insect populations, and water quality?
3. What sustainable agricultural practices can be adopted to improve soil health while
maintaining ecosystem balance?

Objectives of the Study

1. To evaluate the effects of different agricultural practices on soil health by analyzing key
indicators (soil structure, nutrients, biodiversity).
2. To investigate the ecological impacts of agricultural activities, such as water runoff, habitat
disruption, and loss of biodiversity.
3. To propose sustainable farming practices that enhance soil health and protect local
ecosystems.
Significance of the Study

The findings of this study will be significant for farmers, agricultural policymakers,
environmentalists, and scientists. It aims to provide data that will help in designing agricultural
systems that maintain high productivity while also promoting ecological health. This research can
inform better agricultural policies, promote soil conservation strategies, and contribute to
environmental sustainability.

Scope and Limitations

This study will focus on agricultural practices within Siargao Islands characterized by
conventional farming techniques. It will explore soil health parameters such as nutrient content,
pH, organic matter, and microbial diversity, alongside broader ecological parameters like plant
and insect diversity. Limitations include the temporal scope of the research and external
environmental factors such as weather, which may influence soil and ecosystem outcomes.
 Chapter 2

Review of Related Literature

Agricultural Practices and Soil Health

Various studies have documented the effects of agricultural practices on soil health.
Intensive farming often leads to soil degradation, compaction, erosion, and loss of nutrients,
compromising the soil’s ability to support plant growth. For instance, excessive use of chemical
fertilizers and pesticides can lead to soil acidification and reduction in beneficial microbial
populations (Lal, 2004). Tillage practices also disturb soil structure, leading to compaction, which
affects water infiltration and root penetration (Hobbs et al., 2008).

Impact on Local Ecosystems

Agriculture's influence extends beyond soil health to local ecosystems. Pesticides,

herbicides, and fertilizer runoff can pollute nearby water bodies, leading to eutrophication, a
condition where excess nutrients cause algal blooms that deplete oxygen, harming aquatic life
(Carpenter et al., 1998). Monoculture systems, common in modern agriculture, reduce biodiversity
and increase vulnerability to pests, leading to further pesticide use, which harms non-target species
like pollinators (Matson et al., 1997).

Sustainable Agricultural Practices

Emerging research supports the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, such as crop
rotation, organic farming, and reduced tillage. These practices improve soil health by maintaining
nutrient balance, preserving organic matter, and promoting biodiversity (Altieri, 1999). Organic
farming methods, for example, enhance soil fertility through natural composting, reduce chemical
use, and improve resilience against climate extremes (Reganold et al., 2001). Sustainable practices
can also reduce the negative ecological impacts of farming, preserving both biodiversity and water
quality.

Gaps in the Literature

While the detrimental effects of certain agricultural practices are well-documented, there
is still a need for comprehensive studies that integrate soil health with broader ecosystem impacts.
Many studies focus on specific aspects such as nutrient loss or erosion but do not examine the
interconnectedness between soil health and ecosystem sustainability. This research will contribute
to this gap by providing a holistic assessment of how different agricultural methods affect both
soil and local ecosystems.
 Chapter 3

Research Methodology

Research Design

This study will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and

qualitative data collection. Field experiments will be conducted to assess soil health across
different agricultural systems. In addition, ecological surveys will be used to measure biodiversity
and ecosystem health in areas surrounding the farmlands.

Sampling and Site Selection

The study will be conducted in a region with a range of farming practices, including
conventional, organic, and integrated farming systems. A total of 5 farms will be selected to
represent these practices. Soil samples will be collected from each farm for laboratory analysis,
and ecological surveys will assess plant diversity, insect populations, and water quality in the
surrounding ecosystems.

Data Collection

 Soil Health Indicators: Soil samples will be analyzed for pH, organic matter content,
microbial diversity, and nutrient levels (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium). Soil compaction
and erosion rates will also be measured.
 Ecological Surveys: Surrounding ecosystems will be monitored for plant species diversity,
insect populations (particularly pollinators), and water quality (nutrient runoff, presence of
pollutants).
 Farmer Interviews: Qualitative data will be gathered through interviews with local
farmers to gain insights into their farming practices, challenges, and perspectives on
sustainability.

Data Analysis

 Quantitative Analysis: Soil health indicators will be statistically analyzed to determine

correlations between agricultural practices and soil quality. Biodiversity indices will be
used to compare ecological health across different farming systems.
 Qualitative Analysis: Farmer interviews will be coded thematically to identify common
practices, perceptions, and challenges related to soil and ecosystem management.
Ethical Considerations

The study will obtain consent from all participating farmers, ensuring that their privacy
and data confidentiality are maintained. The research will also adhere to ethical guidelines for
environmental research, particularly in minimizing any potential disruption to ecosystems during
fieldwork

References

 Altieri, M. A. (1999). The ecological role of biodiversity in agroecosystems. Agriculture,

Ecosystems & Environment, 74(1-3), 19-31.
 Carpenter, S. R., et al. (1998). Nonpoint pollution of surface waters with phosphorus and
nitrogen. Ecological Applications, 8(3), 559-568.
 Hobbs, P. R., et al. (2008). Conservation agriculture: what is it and why is it important for
future sustainable food production? Journal of Agricultural Science, 145(2), 127-137.
 Lal, R. (2004). Soil carbon sequestration impacts on global climate change and food
security. Science, 304(5677), 1623-1627.
 Matson, P. A., et al. (1997). Agricultural intensification and ecosystem properties.
Science, 277(5325), 504-509.
 Reganold, J. P., et al. (2001). Sustainability of three apple production systems. Nature,
410(6831), 926-930.