Taxonomic studies were performed on ten hydrogen-oxidizing, facultatively chemolithotrophic bacteria that were isolated from volcanic mudflow deposits derived from the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in the Philippines in 1991. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that these isolates belonged to the genus Cupriavidus of the Betaproteobacteria; sequence similarity values with their nearest phylogenetic neighbour, Cupriavidus basilensis, were 97.1–98.3 %. In addition to phylogenetic analysis, results of whole-cell protein profiles and biochemical tests revealed that these strains were members of two distinct species. DNA–DNA hybridizations and whole-cell protein profiles enabled these isolates to be differentiated from related Cupriavidus species with validly published names. The isolates were aerobic, Gram-negative, non-sporulating, peritrichously flagellated rods. Their G+C contents ranged from 65.2 to 65.9 mol% and their major isoprenoid quinone was ubiquinone Q-8. On the basis of these results, two novel species are proposed, Cupriavidus pinatubonensis sp. nov. [nine strains, with 1245T (=CIP 108725T=PNCM 10346T) as the type strain] and Cupriavidus laharis sp. nov. [one strain, the type strain 1263aT (=CIP 108726T=PNCM 10347T)]. It is also suggested that Ralstonia sp. LMG 1197 (=JMP 134) should be included in the species C. pinatubonensis.

No abstract

The multi-functionality of agriculture was studied from June to December 2005 in an upland community in Central Luzon, Philippines, by looking across the entire basin of two small water impounding systems or SWIP (Maasin and Buted II). Several sub-studies were undertaken, namely (a) the role of dominant vegetative cover on the rate of surface runoff and erosion; (b) rainfall-runoff analysis in a sub-watershed (i.e., through runoff experimental plot) and within the main watershed (i.e., reservoir inflow analysis); and (c) the environmental functions of agriculture across the entire watershed. The results indicated that about 85% (i.e., throughfall) of rainfall could reach the ground as vegetations intercept the rest. The runoff experimental plot covering a sub-watershed revealed a good correlation between throughfall and runoff. On the other hand, monitoring of reservoir inflows through which surface runoff was measured indicated similar behavior. Integrating the result of runoff experimental plot studies and reservoir inflow analysis resulted to a rainfall-runoff relation which can be applied in the development of rainwater harvesting scheme. The result also showed the dominance of surface runoff as This paper is part of the progress report of the project "Multi-functionality of Agriculture in Selected Sites in the Philippines" presented in the 6th Meeting of the Working Group for the ASEAN-Japan Project on Multi-functionality of Agriculture in ASEAN Countries. R. N. Concepcion ( ) · S. M. Contreras · W.the main component of reservoir inflow, confirming the soil and water conservation, and flood prevention functions of the system. Flood analysis conducted in both SWIP confirmed their flood prevention function by reducing flood peak discharge. The difference between with and without the reservoir was also highlighted in the process. In the paddy field, a 5-cm water depth was consistently maintained, contributing in retaining about 0.543 and 0.272 MCM of rainwater in Maasin and Buted II, respectively. The value of fostering groundwater recharge throughout the entire system was almost equivalent to the value of flood prevention function. Moreover, SWIP also trapped sediments, thereby preventing offsite impact downstream and in surrounding areas.

No abstract