Law Summary
Leadership and Personnel
- Headed by a Director of Soil Conservation, appointed by the President with the Commission on Appointments' consent.
- Annual compensation for the Director fixed at 7,200 pesos.
- Employment of necessary technical personnel and staff by the Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
- Retention of existing personnel from the Division of Soil Survey and Conservation.
- Director holds general powers conferred on Bureau Chiefs, under the Secretary's supervision.
Transfer and Organizational Structure
- Transfer of all soil-related government divisions, sections, and field activities to the Bureau.
- Powers, functions, and duties related to soils vested in the Director of Soil Conservation.
- Organizational arrangement of personnel into divisions or sections to ensure operational efficiency with Secretary's approval.
Powers, Duties, and Functions of the Bureau
- Investigation of soil genesis, morphology, depth, structure, and characteristics essential to plant growth.
- Conduct reconnaissance and detailed soil surveys and map soils into series and types.
- Undertake land valuation surveys foundational for soil management, land assessment for taxation, and valuation.
- Survey agricultural areas and assess soil erosion damage to plan land-use programs.
- Compilation and preparation of soil survey data for soil maps and publication.
- Chemical and spectrographic analysis of soils to assess nutrient content and minor elements relevant to plant growth.
- Study of fertilizer fixation in soils and methods to mitigate undesirable nutrient fixation.
- Research on the relationship between soil nature and crop quality for improving agricultural outputs.
- Analysis of soil microorganisms and their beneficial or harmful effects on soil chemistry and physics.
- Recommendation and regulation of fertilizer application to maintain soil properties for optimal plant growth.
- Selection of leguminous cover crops to prevent erosion and enhance soil organic matter.
- Dissemination of proper land operation methods adapted to soil types and topography for crop production.
- Promotion of erosion control practices through demonstrations, government lands treatment, and assistance to farmers.
- Cooperation with other agencies to mitigate flood hazards via upstream land treatment and water flow management.
- Rehabilitation and best use studies of submarginal lands for various productive purposes.
- Rural welfare promotion by aiding farmers in conservation planning to improve soil fertility and crop yields.
- Investigation and promotion of erosion control measures to reduce soil loss and increase agricultural productivity.
- Formulation of water conservation measures for crop, livestock, and farm needs.
- Directing research and practices on farm irrigation and drainage in relation to erosion control and land use.
- Operation of regional soil conservation programs covering diverse aspects of erosion control and land use.
- Organization of public education on soil capabilities and conservation.
- Cooperation in land acquisition and settlement projects, providing technical assistance on soil management.
- Conducting research in fundamental soil science.
- Preparation and issuance of forms, rules, and regulations relating to soil management.
- Legal authority to administer oaths, issue subpoenas, and secure court processes for investigations.
Compliance and Penalties
- Penalties for refusing to comply with lawful summons, refusal to testify under oath, or providing false/misleading data.
- Punishable by a fine up to 1,000 pesos, imprisonment up to one year, or both.
- Perjury penalties apply if false information is given under oath.
Appropriations and Funding
- Initial funding from the existing Division of Soil Survey and Conservation appropriations until June 30, 1951.
- Subsequent funding to be provided through annual General Appropriation Acts by Congress.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect immediately upon approval on June 5, 1951.