Two SEARCA scholars -- one Indonesian and one Filipino, made their research findings known to the public through separate Special Seminars of the Agriculture and Development Seminar Series (ADSS) held at SEARCA last February 5 and 11, 2010.

(From L to R): Mr. Agus Setiadi and Mr. Eriberto Salang, both SEARCA scholars, presented their research findings in the ADSS earlier this month.

He explained that spatial market integration refers to the co-movement of commodity prices in spatially separated markets. Indonesia used to be a big importer of cattle until its government imposed the meat self-sufficiency program in 2004. As such, results of the study can guide policymakers on developing possible strategic directions to enhance beef market integration. Time series data on beef importation for the period of 1990 to 2007 were used for trend analysis.

Through various statistical methods (e.g., t-test, regression analysis, multivariate analysis, etc.), it was found that price transmission at the retail level from one market to another was symmetric. The presence of good road networks in regional markets at Central Java helps facilitate price transmission process. Findings also indicated that cattle population increased after the implementation of the meat self-sufficiency program. Likewise, total and average per capita beef consumption increased. The study recommends further strengthening of the meat self-sufficiency program as well as enhancing technical support to improve cattle farm productivity.

On the other hand, Mr. Eriberto Salang, SEARCA PhD research scholar and associate professor at the College of Agriculture, Western Mindanao State University in the Philippines, discussed soil carbon sequestration. He said that although climate change is a hot issue, there is little understanding of the role that soil processes play in the global carbon cycle. Adhering to the principle that the soil is considered as the largest pool of carbon, this study investigated the relationships of tillage systems and vegetation types on soil carbon sequestration in Faraon and Adtuyon soil series.

His study revealed that soil capacity to sequester organic carbon is dependent mainly on soil type, soil pH, tillage systems, and vegetation type imposed by agricultural practices. Mr. Salang explained that Adtuyon soils are more able to sequester carbon dioxide than Faraon soils because the former is highly acidic which allows less microbial decomposition of organic materials. Its lighter color also resulted to less heat absorption due to greater albedo (reflection coefficient). Neutral pH and dark colored soils that may absorb more heat, as in Faraon soils, favor the rapid rate of microbial decomposition, thereby releasing more sequestered soil carbon, he concluded.

In terms of tillage systems, findings showed that no-tillage had the highest carbon sequestration due mainly to its high bulk density. He pointed out that tillage favors the rapid decomposition rate of organic materials by allowing easy movement of air and water in soil. These materials then become a source of organic carbon.

Graduate scholarship is one of SEARCA’s core programs. It aims to ensure the responsiveness of Southeast Asia's agricultural scientists and professionals to global sustainable development issues. The program provides support for advanced studies leading to the MS and PhD degrees in agriculture, forestry, and related fields.