AGROCHEMICAL USE, FARMER PRACTICES, AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS IN CAGAYAN VALLEY, PHILIPPINES

Abstract

This study investigates the extent of fertilizer and pesticide usage among farmers in rice,
corn, and vegetable-producing areas of Cagayan Valley and assesses the resulting soil and water
contamination. A survey was conducted among 1,260 farmers across the region to gather data on
agricultural chemical practices, farmer knowledge and attitudes, and environmental impacts.
Most respondents cultivate small-scale farms ranging from less than 1.0 hectare to 3.0 hectares.
Findings reveal widespread and intensive use of chemical fertilizers—primarily urea, complete
fertilizer, and ammonium phosphate—and frequent application of various pesticides including
insecticides, herbicides, molluscicides, rodenticides, and fungicides. Despite moderate
knowledge levels regarding safe chemical use, farmers generally exhibit favorable attitudes
toward agricultural inputs, with strong awareness of their potential environmental consequences.
Organophosphates and carbamates were the most used insecticides, while 2,4-D amine and
Butachlor-Propanil dominated herbicide applications. Copper Oxychloride and Difenoconazole
+ Propiconazole were the most prevalent fungicides. Soil samples from broccoli, tomato, carrot,
and cauliflower farms in Antutot and Castillo Village, Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya revealed residues
of Chlorpyrifos and Difenoconazole. One water sample also tested positive for Difenoconazole,
although total soluble solids remained low across samples. These findings indicate localized
contamination risks, underscoring the need for improved soil and water management practices.
The study provides critical insights into the environmental footprint of agricultural chemical use
in Cagayan Valley and serves as a basis for developing sustainable soil management technologies
and policy interventions aimed at minimizing soil degradation and water pollution.