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EXTENSION OF SUNN HEMP AS A SOIL AMENDMENT IN SALINE SOILS

Type: Approaches

Creation: 2024-08-06 08:49   Updated: 2025-03-21 10:17

Compilers: Laksamee Mettpranee

Reviewers: William Critchley, Rima Mekdaschi Studer

Country/ region/ locations where the Approach has been applied
  • Country: Thailand
  • Region/ State/ Province: Nakhonratchasima
  • Further specification of location (e.g. municipality, town, etc.), if relevant: Moo 5, Ban Kok Phrom, Non Thai sub-district, Non Thai district
  • Map: View Map

Description of the SLM Approach

Short description of the Approach

An outreach programme aims to educate farmers about the benefits of ploughing rice stubble into the soil and incorporating green manure crops such as sunn hemp - as well as other sustainable practices. Groups of farmers are formed, and they are assisted by various organisations including the Land Development Department and volunteer "soil doctors".

Detailed description of the Approach

An outreach programme aims to educate farmers about the benefits of ploughing rice stubble into the soil, while incorporating green manure crops such as sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea). It also provides demonstrations on proper and effective SLM techniques that enable farmers to apply this knowledge to improve their own lands. Farmers can generate greater and more sustainable income while reducing production costs. Agricultural staff of the Nakhon Ratchasima Land Development Station coordinate with local government agencies to organize activities and lead campaigns: they also help in planning and group formation. One particular group of 50 farmers is part of a project to encourage the use of organic substances instead of chemicals. A nine-member committee coordinates and drives its activities.
The purpose of group establishment is to exchange knowledge, create networks and develop clusters of active participant farmers to trade experience with SLM in relation to rice growing– including the cultivation of green manures and sunn hemp.
Agricultural academics and officers of the Land Development Department give training, as well as continuous advice, knowledge and support in managing areas with saline soils. The Rice Department provides salt tolerant varieties of rice. Government agencies provide some funding for the approach. They help preparing the learning process for coaching farmers in methods of natural agriculture. Study tours are also organised. Furthermore, a group of volunteer “soil doctors” with knowledge and expertise in the area lend their assistance and collaboration (note that the organisation and activities of soil doctors in Thailand has already been described in WOCAT’s global database). In addition, monitoring is carried out jointly between farmers and officers of Land Development Department.
Between 2010-2011, Land Development Department officials promoted farmers to plant Sunn hemp to plow and cover the soil and create seedbeds to collect seeds for use in the next season, which reduces production costs and increases organic matter in the soil.

Photos of the Approach

Image Monitoring the yield of rice fields improved with green manure from sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea).
Monitoring the yield of rice fields improved with green manure from sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea).
  • 📍 Moo.5 Bankokprom, Nonthai District, Nakhonratchasima province
  • 📷 Mr. Jirasak Siangsunthia
Image The Rice Department promotes the use of salt-tolerant rice varieties which is associated with the main approach.
The Rice Department promotes the use of salt-tolerant rice varieties which is associated with the main approach.
  • 📍 Moo.5 Bankokprom, Nonthai District, Nakhonratchasima province
  • 📷 Mr. Mana Siangsunthia
Image Farmers' rice fields which benefit from the green manure crops of Crotalaria juncea together with salt-tolerant rice varieties.
Farmers' rice fields which benefit from the green manure crops of Crotalaria juncea together with salt-tolerant rice varieties.
  • 📍 Moo.5 Bankokprom, Nonthai District, Nakhonratchasima province
  • 📷 Mr. Mana Siangsunthia
Image Land Development Department officers survey and monitor land use in saline soil areas.
Land Development Department officers survey and monitor land use in saline soil areas.
  • 📍 Moo.5 Bankokprom, Nonthai District, Nakhonratchasima province
  • 📷 Mr. Mana Siangsunthia
Image Rice field improved with the green manure plant, Crotalaria juncea.
Rice field improved with the green manure plant, Crotalaria juncea.
  • 📍 Moo.5 Bankokprom, Nonthai District, Nakhonratchasima province
  • 📷 Mr. Mana Siangsunthia
Image Rice field improved with the green manure plant, Crotalaria juncea
Rice field improved with the green manure plant, Crotalaria juncea
  • 📍 Moo.5 Bankokprom, Nonthai District, Nakhonratchasima province
  • 📷 Mr. Mana Siangsunthia
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