CROP SUSTAINABILITY EVALUATION OF HIGH-VALUE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES IN BARANGAY BALUNTAY, ALABEL, SARANGANI PROVINCE

This study was conducted to evaluate the sustainability of the land for high-value crops particularly pineapple, tomato, bell pepper, and dragon fruit of Barangay Balumtay, Alabel Sarangani Province using Geographic Information System Software. The sustainability evaluation was based on three main parameters namely; soil characteristics (texture, pH, organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), eliminate (rainfall, temperature, and relative humidity) and topography (evaluation and slope) and were evaluated based on the agriculture and FAQ guideline for agriculture. An Analytical and Hierarchial Process was used to determine the relative importance of each criterion and resulting weights were used to make a sustainability map using Quantum GIS 2.14.1 Essen Software. The result of this study shows that for each crop, the study area is highly suitable at 13.34% for bell pepper, and 9.84% for dragon fruit. 7.45% for pineapple and 10.94% for tomato. The map shows that Barangay Baluntay is moderately and marginally suitable for high-value crops which covers the largest hectare of the study site. To be able to sustain the crop requirements, the farmer must put some additional fertilizers to fill the lacking nutrient for the crops. However, different areas do not have the same needs, thus farmers should refer to the map and consult professionals to fill the lacking nutrient in the soil.