The arsenic contamination in rice

Arsenic (As) is a heavy metal that is well-known as a poison and a carcinogen. Its average concentration in the soil ranges from 5 to 6 mg/kg which is generally related to rock type and industrial activity.

Arsenic contamination of paddy soils is widespread and elevated arsenic levels in rice grains is now a hot issue in many parts of the world. Martha Rose Shulman wrote in the New York Times (15 April 2013) that “it is clear that the levels of inorganic arsenic in rice and rice products are high, and that we and especially children, babies and pregnant women should limit our intake of rice and rice products.”

According to Bogdan and Schenk (2012) in their recent study published in the highly respected Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science (Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH), flooded rice may contain high arsenic concentration compared to other grain crops. In fact, aside from arsenic-contaminated drinking water, rice is the largest food dietary source of inorganic arsenic. This is because the reducing environment in flooded rice fields causes the dissolution of arsenic and thus increases its availability to the rice plant. Meharg (2004) added that under paddy field conditions, inorganic arsenic introduced into the soil is inter-converted between the reduced inorganic species arsenite (the dominant type) and the oxidized species arsenate. Moreover, arsenite is taken up into the root by the highly efficient Si pathway and arsenate can be taken up via the phosphate transport system.

Bogdan and Schenk (2012) observed among other things that continuous arsenic supply in the soil resulted in doubling of arsenic concentration in rice shoot and grains. They also found that arsenic was mobilized from the root and shoot to the rice grains where it accumulated.

References
Bogdan K. and M.K. Schenk. 2012. Arsenic mobilization in rice (Oryza sativa) and its accumulation in the grains. J. Plant Nutr. Soil Sci. 175: 135-141.
Meharg A.A. 2004. Arsenic in rice-understanding a new disaster for Aouth-East Asia. Trends in Plant Science 9: 415-417.

Invitation to the 2013 National Conference on Marginal Uplands

The Visayas State University (VSU), through the Philippine Higher Education Research Network (PHERNet) of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), is spearheading a research project on enhancing farm productivity and environmental quality in climate change vulnerable marginal uplands in Eastern Visayas. As part of the project activities, the university will organize a National Conference on Development Initiatives in the Philippine Philippine Marginal Uplands, with the theme, "Enhancing farm productivity and environmental quality of Philippine marginal uplands: A scan of the past and a look into the future." The conference will be held on 22-24 October 2013 at VSU, Baybay City, Leyte.

Marginal uplands: current research initiatives at VSU

Marginal uplands are hilly or mountainous lands having very low crop productivity due to poor soil quality (degraded soil), limited water availability, and unfavorable socio-economic conditions. They are widespread in Southeast Asia and other parts of the humid tropics (e.g., Agustin and Garrity 1995; Asio et al., 2009). Resource poor-farmers (~ 1.4 billion people) in the developing world are located on these risk-prone marginal environments (Altieri 2002). 

Marginal uplands in Inopacan and Hindang, Leyte

In the Philippines, the poorest households, who are also the most vulnerable and most food insecure, are living and farming on these marginal lands (Roa 2007). The agro-ecological conditions in these areas are typically not suited to intensive production systems due to low-quality soils, hilly slopes, limited access to inputs or markets and extremely diverse and site specific conditions (Asio et al., 2009; Tyler 2004). Crops that can be grown on these marginal lands are often restricted to root crops such as sweet potatoes, beans and other legumes, thereby limiting food supply and diversity in hilly lands.  In addition, farmers often seek seasonal off-farm employment to survive.  Thus, research efforts are urgently needed to enhance food security and alleviate the difficult and risk-prone living conditions of these poor farming households. 

A daughter of a poor farmer living in the marginal upland of Inopacan, Leyte

Two on-going research projects on marginal uplands at VSU are the CHED-funded Philippine Higher Education Research Network (PHERNET) Program on “Enhancing food production and environmental quality in climate change vulnerable marginal uplands of Eastern Visayas” and the NRCP-funded project “Characteristics and nutrient status of degraded upland soils in Samar Island”.

Poor soil quality and low biodiversity characterize marginal uplands

References
Agustin PC and Garrity DP (1995). Historical land use evolution in a tropical acid upland agroecosystem. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment 53:83-95.
Altieri MA (2002). Agroecological principles for sustainable agriculture.  In: Agroecological Innovations (N. Uphoff, ed.). Earthscan, London, pp: 40-46.
Asio VB, Jahn R, Perez FO, Navarette IA, and Abit SM Jr (2009). A review of soil degradation in the Philippines. Annals Tropical Research, 31:61-94.
Roa JR (2007). Food security in fragile lands. PhD Dissertation, Wageningen University, Netherlands.
Tyler S (2004). Participatory research for community-based natural resource management in Asia. JIRCAS International Symposium Series 12: 165-169.

Happy World Soil Day

The Department of Agronomy and Soil Science at Visayas State University in Leyte, Philippines joins the global community of more than 60,000 soil scientists in celebrating the World Soil Day today, December 5.

Our soil science program at VSU is now more than 30 years old. It produced the first batch of BSA (Soil Science) graduates in 1980. It is now among the top soil science programs in the Philippines. 

Many of our BS alumni have become very successful professionals/scientists in various academic and research institutions in the Philippines and other parts of the world. 

We are very proud to name a few:

Dr. Leticia S. Sonon, University of Georgia, USA
Dr. Marife Corre, University of Goettingen, Germany
Dr. Nilda R. Burgos, University of Arkansas, USA
Dr. Sergio Abit Jr., Oklahoma State University, USA
Dr. Joel Bandibas, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science & Technology (AIST), Japan
Dr. Constancio Asis, Jr., Philippine Rice Research Institute
Dr. Ian Navarrete, University of Goettingen, Germany

See You in Cebu (A Travel Guide to Another Philippine Island Destination)

Comprising 7,107 islands, the Philippines is arguably one of the leading tourism havens in the world. Aside from its crystal-clear beaches, this Southeast Asian nation is also famous for its colorful festivals, delicious food, fun-loving people, exciting events, and captivating tourist attractions.

One of the best island destinations in the country is Cebu. The province, which has a total land area of 4,932.79 square kilometers, ranks among the developed areas in southern Philippines. It is considered the center of commerce, trade, and education in the Visayas region.

Like any other province in the Philippines, Cebu has its own share of fascinating tourist sites. No wonder the Travel + Leisure magazine named Cebu the fourth-best Asian island destination last year. There are more plenty of reasons to visit Cebu. Here are some of them.

White-Sand Beaches

Cebu boasts of some of the best white-sand beaches in the Philippines. Some say a visit to Cebu is never complete without enjoying its pristine waters. Barili, a third-class municipality in the southwestern coast of Cebu, is home to the Candugay and Sayaw Beaches. These bodies of water are ideal for various water recreational activities such as skimboarding and snorkeling. You can also indulge in the beaches of Alcoy, Liloan, Boljoon, and San Remigio.

Sinulog Festival

Cebu City, the provincial capital, is the site of the colorful festival called Sinulog. This annual event, which is held on the third Sunday of January, pays homage to the child Jesus, known as the Santo Niño. During the occasion, the streets of Cebu are filled with people dressed in bright-colored costumes dancing to the beat of drums, trumpets, and native musical instruments. Other highlights of the nine-day event include fairs, exhibits, and film showing.

Skydiving

Skydiving is another tourist magnet in Cebu. Over the past years, there is a growing demand for the extreme sport in the province, prompting a group of professional daredevils to establish the Cebu Sport Parachute Club. Usually the Mactan-Cebu International Airport is used as the take-off point of skydivers in the city. Skydiving in Cebu allows you to enjoy a panoramic view of the south-central part of the country.

Magellan's Cross

If turning back the hands of time is your idea of a vacation, then visiting the Magellan's Cross in Cebu City is right for you. The Christian symbol, which is housed inside a chapel near Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, was planted by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan to celebrate the baptism of former island chief Rajah Humabon and more than 500 others on April 21, 1521.

Use a Travel and Leisure Magazine to Plan Your Getaway

Whether you are looking to find a romantic weekend for two or a week long getaway for the whole family, a travel and leisure mag can make your planning easier. You can find recommendations for destinations and hotels in the area, a list of things to do, and reviews on lodging, restaurants, and attractions. In addition, you can usually find special offers available only to the readers of the travel and leisure mag that can save you some serious money.

You can read your travel and leisure mag online, or purchase a copy at your local newsstand. Either way, you will find fascinating articles and a wealth of information. Many sponsor contests for the readers of their travel and leisure mag, so you just might win the trip you've been longing to take.

Detailed hotel reviews are to be found at almost every travel and leisure site. You can find out whether they are quiet, clean, and efficient, as well as whether they have restaurants or clubs on the premises. Any other services, such as valet parking, turn down service, concierge, and currency exchange will also be provided by the travel and leisure mag.

One of the best sources for information on cruises is a travel and leisure mag. You will discover which lines or ships provide the most activities for children and which ones are planned for adults. You can also find out whether cruises are planned for singles, couples wishing to take a second honeymoon, or the entire family from Grandma to toddler. Often, you can find discount coupons at a travel and leisure magazine online site that will make your cruise even more affordable.

A travel and leisure magazine can also provide recommendations for destinations that may not have been on your list, but are exactly what you are seeking. Perhaps you want to find a beach resort that is off the beaten track, affordable, and far from the crush of civilization. Browsing a travel and leisure mag may be able to provide you with a list of several destinations that fit the bill.

Even if your travel plans are many years in the future, you can still use a travel and leisure mag to plan the vacation you will someday take. Anticipation is half the fun, anyway, and a vacation that you take only in your imagination still offers some benefit to your psyche.

A travel and leisure mag is practically an essential for couples planning a honeymoon. Together they can search for potential destinations and select one with features of interest to both. They can compare hotel rates and amenities, learn how to reach their destination, and perhaps find discounts to make their honeymoon even more special.

Travel and Leisure Magazines to Inspire the Adventurer in You

Browse through the magazine racks of any bookstore and you'll find the number of travel and leisure magazines offered endless. Whether you're looking for inspiration for your next trip, wanting some top tips to plan a vacation or simply a new activity to keep you busy during time off at home, travel and leisure magazines are the perfect place to start your search. Here's a round up of some of the best available:

Time Out Magazine
Fast becoming the leading authority on the world's best cities, from LA to Buenos Aires, Cape Town to Copenhagen, Time Out now has 18 travel and 23 city magazines offering up to date information on the best places to stay, eat and be entertained in the world's most fabulous cities. Even if you live in one of its featured cities, you can bet Time Out will come up with a new location or activity you never knew existed in your local area. Prepare to be amazed!

Outside
A travel and leisure magazine which has been keeping adventurers informed since 1977, Outside is for men and women who lead active lifestyles all year round. With glossy and colorful photography, prepare to be inspired to take to the outdoors and try something new, from rock-climbing to snowboarding, sailing to mountaineering.

National Geographic Adventure
The latest magazine in the National Geographic collection, this one is aimed at active men and women who seek new and exciting ways to explore and experience the globe. The photographs will inspire you to travel to destinations you would never have thought of visiting, alongside an excellent mix of features and articles, covering adventure stories, travel destinations, sports and outdoor activities.

Trailer Life
The writers of this travel and lifestyle magazine guarantee to provide you with information to "follow the road to adventure." Aimed at owners of RVs, campers and motor homes who spend a few weeks a year or their whole life on the road, this glossy magazine is packed with information on national parks, camp sites, product tests, cooking tips and vehicle maintenance. Definitely one for RV owners who love life on the open road and are ingrained with a spirit of adventure.

Spa
For those of us who get our stress relief from relaxation rather than adrenaline packed adventures, Spa Magazine offers the secrets to the latest advances in beauty, healthy living and relaxation as well as a peek behind the doors of the most luxury and private retreats and information on the world's best spas. If you're planning a spa vacation, this is the place to find top tips on the most relaxing locations to unwind, detox and recharge your batteries without having to break the bank in the process!