Integrated Land Management: The Khok-Nong-Na Model
Type: Technologies
Creation: 2018-10-13 14:24 Updated: 2021-01-14 11:36
Compilers: Pitayakon Limtong
Reviewers: Rima Mekdaschi Studer, William Critchley
Country/ region/ locations where the Technology has been applied and which are covered by this assessment
- Country: Thailand
- Region/ State/ Province: Chiang Mai Province
- Further specification of location (e.g. municipality, town, etc.), if relevant: Ban Thap Sub-district, Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai Province, 50270
- Map: View Map
Description of the SLM Technology
Short description of the Technology
Under the "Khok-Nong-Na" model, the far area is divided into 30:30:30:10. 30% is for water resources (ponds and water channels), 30% for paddy rice, 30% for the upland area (mound) with forest or economic trees and 10% for settlements and animal husbandry. The application of the Khok-Nong-Na model in highland areas is to restore and rehabilitate the deforested land.
Detailed description of the Technology
The "Khok-Nong-Na" model takes account of the geology, topography, and social and economic aspects of the area. The officers of the Foundation train the villagers to understand the concept of the "Khok-Nong-Na" model, under which the farm area is divided into 30:30:30:10. Thus 30% is for water resources (ponds and water channels), 30% for paddy rice, 30% for the upland (mound) area with forest or economic trees and 10% for settlements and animal husbandry. The application of the Khok-Nong-Na model is designed to restore and rehabilitate the deforested mountainous zone. The topography of the area is an important factor in selecting a suitable location for the mound, the reservoir and the paddy field, as follows:
1. Upland or Mound (Khok) is the slope where "three kinds of trees” are cultivated: with the slogan "three forests, four benefits". The four benefits are consumption, construction and economy, while preserving the ecosystem.
2. Reservoir (Nong), the lowland area is dedicated to water resources, including the checkdam or weir, the sediment trap, the water channel and the pond, for both consumption and agricultural use. The checkdam or weir in the upper area serves as storage and to control the flow of water. The water channel is designed to deliver water to the pond or reservoir in the lower area.
3. Paddy field (Na) is important because rice is the main staple for Thai people. Rice terraces are used on slopes, with paddy fields in the lowland. The main purpose of rice production is for home consumption as well as income. The ridge surrounding rice terraces should be high and wide to hold enough water.
Water storage in this area is modified by retaining water in the upstream and setting up checkdams to increase water level in front of each checkdam. There should be several dams depending on the length and slope of the water channel. Some water is stored in the soil profile in the forest as well as in the area under trees as a source of underground and absorbed water. Soil management is integrated in conservation and improvement; terraces with vetiver grass planted along the contour line prevent soil erosion on the steep slopes where rice is produced. Soil rehabilitation starts with use of organic fertilizers, which release plant nutrients and increase soil microbial activities. The native rice variety is grown: rich soil reduces the risk of diseases and insect pests. Proper management of the water level in the paddy field can control weeds, accelerate plant growth and crop yield. Around this area edible crops and vegetables can be grown, as well as the establishment of small livestock and fish farms.
Photos of the Technology
- 📍 Ban Thap, Sub-district, Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai Province 50270, Thailand
- 🗓 2018-12-09
- 📷 Ms.Tanomkwan Tipvong
- 📍 Ban Thap, Sub-district, Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand
- 🗓 2018-12-09
- 📷 Ms.Tanomkwan Tipvong
- 📍 Ban Thap, Sub-district, Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand
- 🗓 2018-12-09
- 📷 Ms.Tanomkwan Tipvong
- 📍 Ban Thap, Sub-district, Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand
- 🗓 2018-12-09
- 📷 Ms.Tanomkwan Tipvong
- 📍 Ban Thap, Sub-district, Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand
- 🗓 2018-12-09
- 📷 Ms.Tanomkhwan Tipvong