01/07/2026
𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐨𝐢𝐥 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞
The Department of Soil Science proudly celebrates a remarkable achievement at the 26th Scientific Conference and Annual Meeting of the Philippine Society of Soil Science and Technology, Inc. (PSSST), held on June 17–19, 2026 in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.
The research project, "Utilization of Soil Health Regenerative Approaches for Onion Production," funded by the Jollibee Group Foundation (September 2024–April 2025), received both 2nd- and 3rd-Place awards in the Best Poster category. This award-winning project was led by our Department Chair, Dr. Maria Luisa T. Mason, with project members Sir Ar-jay A. Aquino, Ma’am Aurora P. Waing, and Sir Paul John M. Pangilinan; assisted by research assistants Mr. Ken P. Gaspar and Mr. Jan Kennedy Monsalud.
This research introduced the technology of the Department on the use of surprIMO biofertilizer for onion production with 50% reduction in the amount of synthetic fertilizers. The approach led to a significant 46% reduction in fertilizer input cost that resulted to higher net income for onion farmers at selected cooperatives in Nueva Ecija and Tarlac.
These recognitions highlight the Department’s commitment to advancing soil health, fostering agricultural innovation, and developing science-based solutions that support farming communities.
This year's conference, themed “Soil Intelligence for a Healthy Earth: Harnessing Data, AI, and Innovation for Sustainable Soil Management,” brought together soil scientists, researchers, and industry professionals from across the Philippines and abroad to share knowledge and explore innovative approaches to sustainable soil management.
Congratulations to our researchers for this outstanding accomplishment and for continuing to champion soil health, innovation, and sustainable agriculture!
