What is the process of growing Abaca?
Abaca has been found growing in virtually all types of soils and climate in the Philippines. But it is found most productive in areas where the soil is volcanic in origin, rich in organic matter. loose, friable, and well-drained, clay loam type. It requires a water table of 80 cm with 60-80% saturation and a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Undulating or rolling to hilly or mountainous areas less than 500 m above sea level with deep surface soil with slopes from 200 to 600 are ideal for abaca production. For normal growth of abaca plants, the soil must contain adequate amounts of organic matter, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Abaca requires warm and humid climate for optimum growth and productivity. Though the optimum temperature requirement for abaca has not been fully determined, it grows in areas with temperatures of 20°C during cool months and 25°C during warm months. A relative humidity of 78 to 85% and a fairly-distributed rainfall through out the year are conducive to good growth. The
