Journal of Society & Technology 1:8-12 (2013) Fertilization Practices of Lowland Rice Farmers in Biliran, Philippines Mario C. Nierras* Naval State University, Naval, Biliran, Philippines Abstract Most Biliran lowland rice farmers are married males,middle-aged (40-50 years old),own the land they till measuring from less to more than a hectare, and have attended elementary schooling only. The farmers cultivate their rice fields twice a year without performing soil sampling.Of the five fertilization practices, three have shown significant differences relative to yield.These practices are: fertilization frequency per cropping, quantity of fertilizer application per hectare, and basis for quantity of fertilization. Fertilizer type and time of fertilizer application did not show significant differences with respect to yield.Lowland rice farmers in Biliran, Philippines lack the proper farming education because they do not give importance to soil analysis that is crucial to production. Thus, rice farmers need to be exposed to non- formal education through extension services by government and non-government organizations. Keywords: fertilization, fertilization practices, rice farmers, lowland rice farmers, cropping system Introduction Biliran, that is a small island in the northern part of Leyte, Philippines is primarily a rice-producing province. Rice still ranks as the number one crop raised by the farmers in the area (DA-PO, 2003). In the municipality of Biliran alone, there are about 790 lowland rice farmers (Ibid., DA-PO, 2003). These farmers play a significant role in supplying food for the people of Biliran and nearby places. A study on the socioeconomic characteristics of farmers as correlates of fertilizer demand in Southwest Nigeria showed that fertilizer demand was inadequate per hectare. There was also attendant price fluctuation of bags of fertilizer in the study area. The analysis revealed that farmers’ profile significantly correlated with fertilizer demand among farmers (Ugwuja, 2011). In a research on combined inorganic-organic fertilization, marked differences in average rice yield were noted between the fertilization treatments. A greater and more secure yield of rice was found under CFM (chemical fertilizer plus pig manure) and CFS (chemical fertilizer plus straw) than under CF (chemical fertilizer) only (Pan et al., 2009). The study offers a win–win outcome of mixed inorganic-organic fertilization on soil organic carbon buildup. Crop productivity increased due to higher nitrogen efficiency and perked up microbial activity. The rice farmers’ production output could be influenced by several factors including climatic factors, availability of irrigation water, and fertilization practices. Fertilization practices are believed to vary highly among rice farmers hence, their level of production could be significantly affected. It is on this premise that this research is conducted to determine the Biliran lowland rice famers’ yield level as influenced by their own fertilization practices. Results of which could be used in improving the extension service activities of concerned government and non-government organizations in the province of Biliran, Philippines. Conceptual Framework The farmers’ farming practices are influenced by their socio-demographic profile (Adesope et al.,2012). Producing the highest possible yield is without doubt the most important goal of every lowland rice farmer. This is *Correspondence: marionierras@gmail.com