IJERD – International Journal of Environmental and Rural Development (2018) 9-1

Research article
erdAgroecological Assessment of Different Cultural Practices of
Pineapple, Ananas comosus, (Linn) Mer. (Var. Red Spanish)for Sustainable Fiber Production in Geo-Textile Industry inBalete, Aklan
EDRIAN PAOLO B. TULIN*
Visayas State University, Baybay City, Philippines
Email: edrian.tulin@vsu.edu.ph

MARLITO M. BANDE
Visayas State University, Baybay City, Philippines
Received 31 December 2017

Accepted 5 May 2018(*Corresponding Author)

Abstract Pineapple fiber offers a promising contribution in the developing geo-textile
industry in Balete, Aklan. To support this initiative, a study was conducted to assess thedifferent agroecological production systems of Ananas comosus var. Red Spanish for fiber
production and determine the biomass production, fiber yield, and fiber recovery of Red
Spanish grown under different agroecological production systems. Five study sites wereselected with varying socio-cultural management systems which included a) intensive
pineapple monoculture; b) traditional pineapple monoculture; c) pineapple-rambutangmelina; d) pineapple-rambutan-banana and e) pineapple-indigenous trees. Results showedthat the pineapple planted underneath the indigenous trees significantly (p≤0.05) produced
lower biomass but higher fiber yield (p≤0.05) as compared to the other four production
systems studied. It was found out that there was a significant correlation (r=0.93) between
leaf weight, length, and fiber yield. However, no significant difference on fiber recovery wasobserved between study sites. On the other hand, pineapple-indigenous trees agroecologicalsystem had higher NPK contents compared to those in the other study sites. Therefore,
integrating the pineapple with indigenous trees is the most sustainable production systemsince this will lead to better soil fertility and provide optimum fiber yield.
Keywords pineapple fiber, geo-textile industry, production systems, agroforestry

INTRODUCTION
The Red Spanish pineapple is highly recommended in the Philippines not just for its fruit but also
for its fiber. The Red Spanish pineapple is an asexually propagated crop and is normally multipliedby using crown, sucker, and slip. It adopts to a wide range of soil and climatic conditions, althougha well-drain soil which has a pH range of 4.5-5.5 was considered ideal. Most pineapple plantation,
usually has an average planting density of 33, 333 plants/ha. The Red Spanish variety yields anaverage of 12-16 long leaves per plant. The leaves are usually harvested 18-24 months after
planting to obtain the well-formed fibers. The first layer of fiber - is locally known as the “Bastos”(coarse) and the second layer – the “Liniuan” (fine) fiber. These are manually extracted from theleaves (FIDA, 2010). The inappropriate application of fertilizer, poor weed management, andirrigation are some of the factors that may affect the production of fiber (Tabora, 1977).
According to Montilona (1991), the Red Spanish should be grown in shaded or partiallyshaded area for it to produce long and pliable fibers. However, the Fiber Industry Development
Authority (FIDA, 2010) reported that when the crop is grown in an open field it produces stronger
fibers. The pineapple fiber has a good tensile strength which makes it a good material in making
geo-textiles. This makes the pineapple fiber an important material in Aklan. The Aklanons believethat these fibers could be a great potential in the local and world market. This study was conductedin Balete Province of Aklan, Philippines to assess the different cultural management practices ofⒸ ISERD

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IJERD – International Journal of Environmental and Rural Development (2018) 9-1

the growers involved in cultivating the Red Spanish pineapple. The result of this study will provide
valuable information and identify gaps to be used in improving sustainable production and supplyof pineapple fiber for geo-textile industry in Balete, Aklan.
OBJECTIVESThis study was conducted to investigate and assess the different agroecological production systemsof Ananas comosus for fiber production and determine the biomass production, fiber yield, andfiber recovery of Ananas comosus production systems on Balete, Aklan, Philippines.
METHODOLOGY
Research duration: This study was conducted from July to August 2016 in collaboration with the
non-timber forest products (NTFP) task force Philippines.
Selection and description of study site: This study was conducted in Balete Province of Aklan,
Philippines which was selected based on different cultural production practices of the growers
involved in cultivating the Red Spanish pineapple. These were: a) intensive pineapple monoculture;b) traditional pineapple monoculture; c) pineapple-rambutan-gmelina; d) pineapple-rambutanbanana; e) pineapple-indigenous trees.
Collection of soil sample: The soil samples were collected on the selected sites. About 1,000
grams of composite soil samples from each site were collected for physico-chemical analysis at theCentral Analytical Service Laboratory (CASL) of the Visayas State University (VSU). In
identifying the soil, a soil profile characterization, and observation of the soil physical properties in
the field were done.
Collection of tissue and fiber samples: The pineapple plant samples were collected randomly
from the selected plantations. This was done two days before the termination of the study. There
were 18 sample plants collected in each production site. These samples were placed in a sack andwere brought back to VSU for further laboratory analysis. The fibers were extracted using the
traditional stripper. Fibers were classified and weighed and fiber yield plant-1 was determined.
Fiber recovery plant-1 (in relation to leaf fresh weight) was calculated using the formula:𝑊

FR (leaf fresh weight) = 𝑊𝐹 x 100

Eq. 1

𝑃

Where:

FR (leaf fresh weight) = Stripped fiber recovery per plant (%)
WF = Total weight of dried fiber per plant (g)WP = Total weight of harvestable leaves per plant (g)Determination of Dry Biomass: Ten sample pineapple plants from each plantation site were
carefully selected ensuring that they were in optimum growth condition. Biomass samples werepartitioned into plant organs. For each plant fraction, fresh and dry weight (after over drying at an
appropriate temperature and time until a constant weight was reached) were determined. The tissue
samples were weighed using digital analytical balance. Then the percent moisture content andpercent dry biomass were computed using the formula as cited by Bande (2013), Lambers et al.
(1998) and Lahav and Turner (1985):
Moisture Content (%) =fresh weight (g)−dry weight (g)x 100
fresh weight (g)Fw

Dry weight = Mc
Where:

Eq. 2
Eq. 3

Fw = the mass of fresh matter in a tissue (g)Mc = moisture content in a tissueⒸ ISERD

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IJERD – International Journal of Environmental and Rural Development (2018) 9-1

Mo

Biomass Proportional Distributions = Mwx 100
Where:

Eq. 4

Mo = the mass of dry matter in a tissue (g)Mw = the mass of dry matter in the whole plant (g)Statistical analysis: All data were tested for normality and homogeneity using PROC Univariateof Statistical Analysis System version 9.1 (SAS, 2003). PROC GLM (general linear model)
procedure was initially performed to assess the significant effects of production system on
pineapple’s total biomass, fiber yield and fiber recovery. The final models for each response
variables were analyzed but including only those significant main factors and interaction effects.
Duncan multiple range test (DMRT) and least squares differences (LSD) were carried out tocompare different production system means of independent variables with significant variations at
probability<0.05.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Agroecological Description of the Different Pineapple Production Systems
1. Intensive Pineapple Monoculture Production System
The study site is in Barangay Fulgencio, Balete, Aklan (11o 35ʹ 42.65ʺ N and 122o 22ʹ 25.21ʺ E) on
an alluvial terrace with an elevation of 49 meters above mean sea level and a slope of 0-3%. The
site has an average annual precipitation of 2,600 mm yr-1 and a mean annual temperature of 27.5oC.
The site was previously planted with maize (Zea maize) and banana (Musa sp.) then left underfallow for five years. This production system was established in 2015 by the members of the
Aklanon Piña Fiber Producer’s Association (APFiPA) with high planting density associated withintensive application of commercial fertilizer and weeding to attain a maximum fiber yield.
The soil analysis revealed that the texture of the surface horizon on this production site wasclay loam with 1.6% soil organic carbon which is suitable for pineapple production (Table 1).
Ficciagroindia (2007) reported that pineapple can suitably be grown on sandy and loamy soils thatis rich in humus. Otsuka, et al. (1988), and Asio (1996) reported organic C content of the A
horizons of some volcanic soils in the Philippines ranged from 0.79 to 11.1%. Organic carbon inagricultural soils contributes positively to soil fertility, soil tilt, crop production and over-all soil
sustainability (Bauer and Black, 1994; Lal, et al., 1997; Reaves, 1997). The soil chemical analysis
results revealed that NPK contents in the soil was generally low for crop production. According to
Hoffmann’s (1991), the nutritional standard for phosphorus on agronomic crops, soils with values
within the range between 0-22 mg kg-1 is classified as low (category A) for plant nutrition. On theother hand, soils having available potassium values of 67-141 mg kg-1 are moderate (category B)
for plant nutrition (Hoffmann, 1991).
2. Traditional (less intensive) Pineapple Monoculture Production System
This production system is located in Barangay Guanko, Balete, Aklan (11o 29ʹ 58.20ʺ N and 122o22ʹ 56.35ʺ E) about 15 km south of Balete town at an elevation of 156 masl. The site was selected
since traditional way of growing Red Spanish pineapple for fiber production is still being practiced.
The socio-cultural management was different from the first site since there was no application of
inorganic fertilizer and less intensive weeding was observed. In this production system, available P
and exchangeable K was considerably higher than the first study site. Based on the interview
conducted with pineapple growers, regular burning of cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica) ispracticed during land preparation prior to planting of pineapple suckers or crown. This was
confirmed on the soil organic carbon analysis where a significant difference was observed between
the SOC value in site 1. Meanwhile, the phosphorus and available potassium in this production
system qualifies under category A (low) and E (very high); respectively, based on Hoffmann’sⒸ ISERD

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IJERD – International Journal of Environmental and Rural Development (2018) 9-1(1991) nutritional standard on agronomic crops.
3. Pineapple-Rambutan-Gmelina Production System
The site is in Barangay Guanko, Balete, Aklan (11o 28ʹ 38.17ʺ N and 122o 22ʹ 41.84ʺ E) about 15.5
km south of Balete town at an elevation of 208 masl. It is presently planted with gmelina (Gmelina
arborea) and rambutan (Nephellium lapaceum). As part of the production system, Red Spanish
pineapples were intentionally planted underneath the existing trees and/or fruit trees which
provides shade to the pineapple plants. According to the pineapple grower, he had been practicing
the production system for 5 years already which provided considerable increase in his farm income.
The soil nutrient analysis results showed that the total nitrogen was 2.4 g kg-1 while available
phosphorus was 0.05 mg kg-1 and exchangeable potassium 107.50 mg kg-1. This means that P and
K content in the soil were generally low and moderate; respectively, for plant nutrition onagronomic crops (Hoffmann, 1991).
Table 1 Soil chemical characteristics of the different Red Spanish pineapple production
systems
Study
Site
1
2
3
4
5

Agroecological Production
SystemIntensive Pineapple Monoculture
Production System
Traditional Pineapple Monoculture
Production System
Pineapple-Rambutan-Gmelina
Production System
Pineapple-Rambutan-Banana
Production System
Pineapple-indigenous trees
Production System

OC
(%)

Total
N (%)

Avail P
(mg/kg)Exch K(mg/kg)pH(1:2.5)

Exch Al(mg/kg)

0.23

0.56

64.48

4.95

12.18

3.51

0.34

2.39

661.25

4.64

7.81

2.81

0.24

0.05

107.50

4.87

17.74

2.46

0.23

0.46

247.50

4.94

18.15

3.61

0.36

3.54

308.75

4.56

12.05

1.60

4. Pineapple-Rambutan-Banana Production System
This production system is in Barangay Guanko, Balete, Aklan (11o 27ʹ 27.07ʺ N and 122o 22ʹ 17.0ʺ
E) about 15.8 km south of Balete town at an elevation of 243amsl. It is presently planted withrambutan (Nephellium lapaceum) and banana (Musa spp.). As part of the multi-strata
agroecological production system, Red Spanish pineapples were intentionally planted underneaththe existing fruit tree and bananas which provide shade to the pineapple plants. The soil nutrient
analysis results revealed that soil texture was clay loam and SOC was 2.46%. Like in study sites 1
and 3, both available P and exchangeable K in the soil were generally low for plant nutrition inagronomic crop (Hoffmann, 1991).
5. Pineapple-Indigenous Trees Production System
This production system is practiced in Barangay Guanko, Balete, Aklan (11o 26ʹ 48.73ʺ N and 122o22ʹ 17.15ʺ E) about 16 km south of Balete town at an elevation of 246 masl. The site was selected
since it is different from the other production systems where the early succession native trees wereintentionally allowed to regenerate which provides shade to the pineapple plants. Generally, thisproduction system has a higher NPK contents compared to those in the other study sites.
Biomass Production and Proportional Allocation of Dry Biomass
Total dry matter accumulation differed significantly (p≤0.05) among harvested Red Spanish
pineapple sample plants from different agroecological production systems. Results showed thatthose Red Spanish pineapple planted in the intensive monoculture system has significantlyⒸ ISERD

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IJERD – International Journal of Environmental and Rural Development (2018) 9-1

Total Biomass Weight (g plant-1)(p≤0.05) higher total biomass production than the other four production systems being studied(Figure 1). This was followed by plants harvested from the traditional monoculture system which
has comparable dry matter accumulation with plants grown in the pineapple-rambutan-gmelina andpineapple-rambutan-banana production systems. The higher biomass production in the intensive
monoculture was because of the exhaustive application of inorganic fertilizer compared to the otherproduction systems.
Furthermore, farmers who are engaged in the production of Red Spanish pineapple areconcerned on the quality and quantity of leaves produced per plant since the fibers are extracted
from the leaf. Based on the results of the study, pineapple grown under the intensive monoculture
production system significantly (p≤0.05) produced more leaves than those grown using thepineapple-indigenous trees but had comparable leaf production with plants grown in traditional
monoculture, pineapple-rambutan-gmelina and pineapple-rambutan-banana production system.
25.00

a

20.00
15.00

b

10.00

bc

bc
c

5.00
0.00
1

2

3

4

5

Study Sites

Fig. 1 Dry biomasss production (g plant-1) of Red Spanish pineapple planted indifferent agroecological production systems(Note: LSD values with letter supersript (a-c) between study sites are significantly different (p ≤0.05); N = 14; 1 = Intensive Pineapple Monoculture, 2 = Traditional Pineapple Monoculture, 3= Pineapple-Rambutan-Gmelina, 4 = Pineapple-Rambutan-Banana, 5 = Pineapple-Indigenous
Trees)

Liniuan

15.00

Fiber Yield (g plant-1)

Bastos

a

12.00

b

a

9.00
6.00

Total

a

ab
bc

3.00

b

b
c

bc

bc
c

a ab

c

0.00
1

2

3

4

5

Study Sites

Fig. 2 Primary (bastos), secondary (liniuan) and total dry fiber yield (g plant-1) of
Red Spanish pineapple planted in different agroecological production systems(Note: LSD values with letter supersript (a-c) between study sites are significantly different (p ≤0.05); N = 14; 1 = Intensive Pineapple Monoculture, 2 = Traditional Pineapple Monoculture, 3 =Pineapple-Rambutan-Gmelina, 4 = Pineapple-Rambutan-Banana, 5 = Pineapple-Indigenous
Trees)Ⓒ ISERD

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IJERD – International Journal of Environmental and Rural Development (2018) 9-1

Fiber Yield and Fiber Recovery
According to FIDA (2010), the pineapple fiber is usually composed of coarse or primary “bastos”
and fine or secondary “liniuan” fibers which are manually extracted from its leaves. The results ofthe study revealed (Fig. 2), there was a significant difference (p≤0.05) on total, primary (bastos)and secondary (liniuan) fibers yield between intensive pineapple monoculture and pineappleindigenous trees production systems to traditional monoculture, pineapple-rambutan-gmelina, andpineapple-rambutan-banana production systems. Furthermore, FIDA (2010) reported that fiberyield depends on the number of harvestable leaves and the physical characters of the leaves atharvest. It was found out that there was a significant correlation between leaf weight, length, andfiber yield. This was consistent with the result in this study where there were highly significant
correlations (r=0.93) between fiber yield and leaf weight.
On the other hand, the results on fiber recovery calculation showed no significant difference
among different agroecological production systems (Table 2). However, the pineapple grownunder indigenous trees has higher fiber recovery than the other four production systems. The dataon fiber recovery also revealed lower secondary (Fine) fiber recovery than primary (Coarse) fiber.
The low fiber recovery of the “Fine” fiber was probably due to the developed parenchyma cells
attached to the fibers and to presence of stigmata. In contrast the rough surface of primary fiber
resulted to easier extraction time and higher recovery during stripping.
Table 2 Recovery (%) of bastos (primary), liniuan (secondary) and total fiber extracted fromthe leaves of the Red Spanish pineapple in different agroecological production
systems
Fiber Recovery (%)

Agroecological Production System
Intensive Pineapple Monoculture
Traditional Pineapple Monoculture
Pineapple -Rambutan-Gmelina
Pineapple-Rambutan-Banana
Pineapple-Indigenous Trees

Fine
0.42 ± 0.11a
0.48 ± 0.11a
0.33 ± 0.11a
0.33 ± 0.09a
0.48 ± 0.09a

Coarse0.55 ± 0.14a
0.32 ± 0.14a
0.46 ± 0.14a
0.35 ± 0.11a
0.59 ± 0.11a

Total
0.97±0.22a
0.80±0.22a
0.79±0.22a
0.67±0.18a
1.08±0.18a

Note: LSD values with letter superscript (a) within columns of liniuan and bastos fiber haveno significant differences; N = 18

CONCLUSION
The pineapple grown underneath the indigenous trees significantly (p≤0.05) produced lower dry
biomass but higher fiber yield (p≤0.05) as compared to the other four production systems. However,no significant difference on fiber recovery was observed between study sites. On the other hand,pineapple-indigenous trees agroecological system had higher NPK contents compared to those in
the other four production systems studied. Therefore, it is concluded that the pineapple–indigenous
trees production was found out to be highly favorable and sustainable system for pineapple fiber
production in Balete, Aklan, Philippines since this will lead to better soil fertility and provide
optimum fiber yield.
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