INTEGRATED AGRICULTURE-BASED LAND USE IN AREAS WITH SALINE SOILS
Type: Technologies
Creation: 2024-08-08 04:19 Updated: 2025-04-09 09:49
Compilers: Laksamee Mettpranee
Reviewers: William Critchley, Rima Mekdaschi Studer
Country/ region/ locations where the Technology has been applied and which are covered by this assessment
- 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 Technology
Short description of the Technology
Salinity and associated land degradation in parts of the Northeast of Thailand limits production. Knowledge of saline soil management was integrated into an organic agriculture system: dolomite application adjusted pH levels, manure increased the soil's organic matter, while fermented bio-extracts stimulated root systems. Yields of chili pepper and parsley improved greatly.
Detailed description of the Technology
The problem of soil degradation in regions with saline soil such as parts of the Northeast of Thailand shows up as chemical and physical deterioration and low fertility, which are significant limitations to land use. These issues are exacerbated by water shortages in the dry season and excessive rainfall during the cropping season.
To address this, a group of farmers interested in learning effective soil management strategies has formed. Their aim is to mitigate the effects of salinity and improve crop productivity on their farms. The group has received support in the form of production inputs, including microbial activators for producing organic fertilizers and bio-fertilizers, vetiver grass of the Songkhla 3 variety, and dolomite. Additionally, they have implemented guidelines based on learning, observation, and trial and error to develop a 0.04-hectare vegetable plot.
Previously, this area was characterized by low soil fertility and salinity, which resulted in reduced crop yields. The sandy clay loam soil, though slightly saline, had very low moisture content during the dry season. Furthermore, the area lay outside the irrigation zone. To answer these questions, farmers in the community of Moo 5, Ban Kok Phrom, Non Thai Sub-district, collaborated to develop sustainable farming practices. With support from the Land Development Department, they integrated knowledge of saline soil management into an organic agriculture system.
This technology began with soil analysis and appropriate measures for managing saline soil before land preparation. Farmers combined their wisdom with Land Development Department technologies, such as dolomite application to adjust pH levels and eliminate pathogenic microorganisms affecting chili pepper growth. Manure was applied to increase the soil's organic matter, while fermented bio-extracts containing beneficial microbes stimulated root systems.
To conserve soil moisture, drip irrigation technology was installed in the chili planting plots, and the soil was covered with straw. Vetiver grass was also used to further conserve moisture as a grass barrier strip. After these soil amendments, the soil structure improved, becoming friable and suitable for planting chili peppers—specifically the Amphawa Gold variety, which has a high market demand.
Additionally, parsley was intercropped between plots to optimize land use. On average, the chili pepper yields reached 400 kilograms per 400 square meters over 180 days, with a market price of about 2.50 USD per kilogram. Parsley, as a by-product of watering the chili pepper plants, produced just over 100 kilograms per 400 square meters per production cycle of chili peppers.
Photos of the Technology
- 📍 Moo.5 Bankokprom, Nonthai District, Nakhonratchasima province
- 🗓 2011-01-08
- 📷 Mr. Jirasak Siangsunthia
- 📍 Moo.5 Bankokprom, Nonthai District, Nakhonratchasima province
- 🗓 2011-01-08
- 📷 Mr. Jirasak Siangsunthia
- 📍 Moo.5 Bankokprom, Nonthai District, Nakhonratchasima province
- 🗓 2011-01-08
- 📷 Mr. Mana Siangsunthia
- 📍 Moo.5 Bankokprom, Nonthai District, Nakhonratchasima province
- 🗓 2011-01-08
- 📷 Mr. Jirasak Siangsunthia
- 📍 Moo.5 Bankokprom, Nonthai District, Nakhonratchasima province
- 🗓 2011-01-08
- 📷 Mr. Mana Siangsunthia