Central Mindanao University Academic Paradise of the South
A faculty member of Central Mindanao University received international recognition after being selected as a Travel Award recipient and presenting his research at the 23rd World Congress of Soil Science (WCSS 2026), held from June 7 to 12 at the Nanjing International Expo Center in Nanjing, China.
Dr. Ronley Canatoy of the Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture, represented both CMU and the Philippines at the congress, which gathered thousands of soil scientists, researchers, policymakers, and industry practitioners from around the world.
He delivered an oral presentation under the congress sub-theme, “Multiple Paths to Soil Health: From Technology to Policy, From Paddy Field to the Globe.” His paper, “Reducing the Global Warming Potential of Rice Farming: Why Biochar Works Better than Compost,” examined how biochar can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from rice production while promoting sustainable soil management.
The Travel Award is a competitive grant that supports early-career researchers and graduate students presenting their work at the congress.The recognition highlights the scientific merit and relevance of Dr. Canatoy’s study in addressing environmental and agricultural challenges.
Convened every four years by the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS), the World Congress of Soil Science is considered the premier global gathering in the field. The event serves as a platform for discussing issues related to soil health, climate change, food security, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable land management.
During the congress, Dr. Canatoy shared research findings generated at CMU and engaged with scientists working on soil health, carbon sequestration, digital soil technologies, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable agriculture. The exchanges provided opportunities to learn about emerging scientific developments and establish connections with researchers from various institutions worldwide.
His study contributes to ongoing efforts to develop climate-resilient agricultural systems by demonstrating the potential of biochar as a more effective soil amendment than conventional compost in reducing the global warming potential of rice farming.
Dr. Canatoy also noted that participation in the congress strengthened CMU’s internationalization efforts by increasing the university’s visibility in one of the world’s most prestigious scientific gatherings. The event provided opportunities to establish global research networks, showcase CMU’s research capabilities to an international audience, and explore potential collaborations with leading scientists and institutions worldwide.
Such engagements, he added, reinforce the university’s commitment to producing globally relevant research and advancing its position within the international academic community.
CMU’s participation in WCSS 2026 reflects the university’s continuing efforts to expand its global reach through research, innovation, and international collaboration. It also supports the advancement of sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship, and climate resilience, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2 (Zero Hunger), 13 (Climate Action), and 15 (Life on Land). [Information from Dr. Ronley Canatoy, Faculty, College of Agriculture]
