A total of twelve (12) or 44% of the total metallic and non-metallic mineral reserves of the region are found in Nueva Vizcaya. The province primary sector includes mining and quarrying. In Didipio, Kasibu, known for its rich gold and copper was found to be present in sediments and waters.

The study was conducted at Buliwao, Quezon, Nueva Vizcaya. Generally, the objective of the study was to determine the copper uptake efficiency of Brassica spp. planted in biochar amended soil. Specifically, the study aimed to (1) evaluate the physical and chemical characteristics of the soils used in the study; (2) determine the Cu uptake efficiency of B. juncea and B. rapa planted in biochar amended soils collected from the two tributaries of Didipio river; and (3) characterize the soils for the suitability of the areas for agricultural crops. The experiment was laid out in a two-way factorial experiment in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications. Two B. spp. and three levels of biochar (carbonized rice hull) as soil amendment were used. The treatments evaluated were as follows: Factor A (B. spp.): A1 Mustard and A2 Pechay. Factor B (Levels of Biochar): B, 0.4 kg ha¹ soil + 0.06 kg ha¹ biochar; B2: 0.34 kg ha¹ soil + 0.1 kg ha¹; and B3 -0.3 kg ha¹ soil + 0.1 kg ha¹ biochar.

Comparison of means of residual and total loss of Cu in the soil showed that treatments started to differ significantly 30 days after biochar application. Residual Cu in the soil ranged from 0.48 ppm4.87 ppm. The residual Cu in the soil decreases as the treatment time increases. The total Cu loss ranged from 0.77 ppm to 5.16 ppm which the Cu loss in the soil increases as the treatment time increases.

For the suitability of crops, common bean was found to be moderately suitable and sweet potato and upland and lowland rice were marginally suitable in the production areas near Dinauyan stream. Meanwhile, common bean and sweet potato were found to be moderately suitable, upland rice is moderately suitable and lowland rice was found to be marginally suitable in the production areas near Dupit stream.  

Thesis (Master of Science in Crop Science - Horticulture)

Includes appendices and bibliographical references