DR. FAJARDO JOINS EXPERTS IN ISTRO 2024

by: Lawrence Neil E. Sagarino

Along with esteemed soil and tillage experts and scientists across 42 countries, Dr. Arthur L. Fajardo (AMTEC Director) successfully presented his papers during the 22nd International Soil and Tillage Research Organisation (ISTRO) International Conference at Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA, last September 23-27, 2024. 

During the five-day conference, Dr. Fajardo presented his papers which are among the 198 scientific abstracts, from cumulatively 512 authors and co-authors, focusing on sustainable practices positively impacting soil. These papers were: “Characterization of Biochar Pellets using Different Feedstock”, and “Comparison of Field Performance of Four-wheel Tractor Attached with Rotary Tillers Under Lowland Rice Farming.”  Dr. Fajardo also served as a moderator in one of the sessions during the conference. 

UPLB Vice Chancellor for Planning Development Dr. Rossana Marie C. Amongo also attended the international event and presented, on behalf of her co-authors, a paper on  “GIS-based Assessment of Lowland Rice Areas for Rice Machinery Suitability in selected regions of the Philippines.” Representing the Philippines, Director Fajardo and VC Amongo are both UPLB professors under the Agribiosystems Machinery and Power Engineering Division (AMPED) of the Institute of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (IABE) in the College of Engineering and Agro-industrial Technology (CEAT).

This year’s conference theme was: “Living roots, living soil.” It aimed to exhibit excellent research papers that tackle new findings on worldwide inventions and innovations pivoting on regenerative agriculture, soil health, cover crops, residue systems, and sustainable crop production as a whole. 

Over the years, ISTRO has gathered scientists working with and researching soil tillage, field traffic, and their relationship with soil, environment, land use, and crop production. At its 22nd conference, it particularly gives the attendees a platform to engage and share their knowledge on the field that enables new collaborations and ideas for the advancement of soil and crop production sciences.

AMTEC maintains its mandates not only as an active unit for instructional support and public service but also as a research-driven institution that values scientific knowledge in promoting holistic mechanization programs in the country. Aside from Dr. Fajardo, technical experts of the Center regularly participate in research conferences in the country and abroad.