The soil and climate characterisation of benchmark sites for lowland rice-based cropping systems research in the Philippines and Indonesia

Soil morphological, physical, chemical and mineralogical properties are des cribed at five locations in major rice (Oryza sativa L.) growing, areas of the Philippines (two sites) and in Indonesia (three sites) which were selec ted for lowland rice-based cropping systems research. The data were used to classify the soils into the local soil series, soil taxonomy and The Austr alian Soil Classification systems. These data were intended to facilitate t ransfer of knowledge of improved farming systems technology to other lowlan d rice growing areas in the regions. The soils were classified as Andsisols , Inceptisols and Vertisols, and were characterised by clay contents rangin g from 370 to 870 g kg(-1) and cation exchange values ranging between 17 an d 68 cmol (p+) kg(-1) for whole soil. pH values were neutral to mildly alka line. Land surface and root zone attributes were qualitatively evaluated fo r limitations to post-rice crop production by interpretation of modified su rface and sub-soil properties associated with rice production. Leakiness of bunds was also examined and mainly attributed to biological activity and f or the development of drainage channels. Climatic data are presented for ea ch of the five sites and the characteristics for potential rainfall inciden ce are given for the post-rice dry season crop period. The soil sites selec ted have a range of properties which an deemed to represent large areas of soils used for rice production in these two countries. (C) 2000 Elsevier Sc ience B.V. All rights reserved.