Experiences of Bukidnon Farmers on the Use of Carbonized Rice Hulls (CRH) Waste from Biomass Boilers as a Soil Conditioner

The long-term use of agricultural products that adversely affect soil is a significant issue for farmers. This study explored the potential of carbonized rice hulls (CRH) waste from biomass boilers as a sustainable soil conditioner. The research investigated the specific soil conditioning properties of CRH and explored the lived experiences of nine (9) Bukidnon farmers to correlate their observations with the material’s chemical profile. The composition analysis identified a high silica content and essential micronutrients, such as calcium and magnesium, which act as nutrient restorers and pH regulators. The thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews, four themes emerged to summarize the farmers' experiences: (1) Adaptive Application, highlighting intuitive, non-standardized estimation methods; (2) Biological Resilience, regarding enhanced plant immunity and reduced pest and disease incidents; (3) Structural and Chemical Amelioration, focusing on improved soil aeration and the replenishment of "expired" land; and (4) Holistic Productivity, reflecting superior fruit morphology, increased yields, and subsequent economic advocacy. These findings demonstrate that CRH effectively improves soil texture and plant resistance while offering a cost-effective organic alternative. The study recommends enhancing CRH use in agriculture, including collaborating between extension offices and local governments to develop standardized guidelines, and encouraging a shift in farmers' perspectives toward long-term soil monitoring. It is also suggested to extend the current study into a quantitative research project on CRH interactions with specific soil types and to increase the sample size for qualitative interviews.