This project is a pioneering endeavor to establish a database information of energy producing tree species in Region I. Along with other programs, it is  intended to support the national government program to explore and utilize inexpensive, sustainable and environment-friendly alternative sources of energy.

The core concept of the project involves the exploration, identification, determination of abundance and phenology characterization of existing potential sources of biofuel in Region I. Participatory approach and collaboration with government agencies (i.e., DENR, DA) and local government units (LGUs) in Region I will be employed in gathering baseline information (secondary data) such as identification of potential biofuel species, historical data about the species and identification of specific areas where potential biofuel-source species are located.

Standard inventory instrument shall be formulated based on the secondary information collected. The characterization of geographic site conditions shall comprise vegetation profile, pertinent site and soil variables, stand age and origin. Estimates of growing stocks and resource attributes including phenological characteristics and fruit yield of the individual trees shall also be quantified through direct observation/measurement.. Information on the phenology of the potential biofuel species could greatly enhance our understanding of their growth and development and can help in the development of cultural practices for better management and conservation of these resources. Likewise, knowledge of the timing of shoot growth, flowering and fruit set allow the planning of seed collection schedules and allow the application of cultural practices at optimum times.

The project will be divided into two phases/activities. The first phase shall involve the comprehensive exploration, identification and determination of abundance at a specific location of existing potential biofuel-source species. The 2nd phase shall involve the phenological characterization and assessment of fruit yield per growing season.

Component Activity 1. Exploration, identification, and determination of abundance of promising biofuel-source species in Ilocos Norte.

The first phase will encompass the identification of potential biofuel-source species and their specific locations in the various barangays and municipalities in Ilocos Norte. Information about the site (i.e., rainfall, soil characteristics and other biophysical conditions) and other environmental factors that influence the morphological growth of the species, historical data and other resource attributes will be described and documented. Specifically, the data elements needed in the assessment of the vegetation profile, site and soil variable shall comprise the following: existing land cover, land form, slope, elevation, ownership, geographic coordinates, land-use, stand age, origin and stocking. A checklist/questionnaire will be designed to ensure operational consistency and compatibility that will provide the basic information required in this activity.

Component Activity 2. Phenological characterization and assessment of fruit yield potential.

This component of the project shall involve the identification and selection of sample trees in randomly selected towns in the region where each tree species will be found growing abundantly. The results of Component Activity I will be used as basis in the selection of study sites. Since the trees to be identified and included in the study will likely come from areas with varying site conditions, the soil characteristics and other biophysical conditions shall be describe/documented in detail.

Likewise, tree features shall be described in terms of growth characteristics (height, stem girth or diameter at breast height, and crown diameter), crown forms, stem forms (mean cylindricality, straightness and taper, etc.), and branching habits. Sample fruits shall be collected from the sample trees. The following traits shall be measured: a) fruit size, b) fruit weight or mass, and; c) seed weight. Fruit/nut yield attributes shall be carried out to determine the productivity estimates of the individual tree species at a specific location. Tags will be used in labeling the collected materials indicating the collection number, date and site and the species.

The leafing, flowering and fruiting of each tree species shall be monitored for two growing seasons. The sample trees will be visited every two weeks and the timing of leaf fall, leaf flushing, start and duration of flowering, and the development of fruits until maturity shall be monitored and recorded. Data on monthly rainfall, temperature and day length will be obtaied from an Agromet station nearest to the study sites. A diagram of the phenological cycles of each species shall be prepared.