Page 101 - Final Report Improving information and developing a repository of sustainable soil management practices in Asia

ห้องสมุดกรมพัฒนาที่ดิน

9. INTEGRATED AGRICULTURE-BASED LAND USE IN AREAS WITH SALINE SOIL

1. General Information description of best practice/technology

Introduction

The problem of soil degradation in areas with saline soil originates from chemical and
physical degradation and low fertility which are main limitations for land use, including shortage

of water in the dry season and intermittent rain during cropping season. Farmers in the area of

growing rice every year between May and October by implementing wisdom going through error-
and trial farming including knowledge gained from performing duties as soil doctors stationed at

Non Thai district, Nakhon Ratchasima which is done by growing vegetables for export supported
by Marketing Organization for Farmers, Non Thai district, Nakhon Ratchasima province

cooperating with private companies. Regarding soil amendment for planting vegetables in the
Northeast, the method to increase and keep the fertility level throughout the harvesting season,

including off-season production of chili spur pepper is to increase organic matter and plant

nutrients, and to adjust pH values to be suitable. They can be planted in the irrigation zone
throughout the year. However, the best time for planting them is in the period of January and

February which is when chili peppers have good prices. For areas outside the irrigation zone, they
should be planted in the rainy season. Chili peppers can thrive in every kind of soil, but the most

suitable soil is sandy loam. They do not like waterlogged or wet areas because this condition can

cause the root to become rotten and the plant to die easily. The form of planting chili peppers in
Thailand is different according to soil characteristics. In any case, whatever methods are used,

farmers place importance on procedures of cultivation preparation, watering as well as
maintenance for diseases and insect prevention. This also includes vetiver as soil covering together

with application organic fertilizers, fermented bio-extracts and useful microorganisms. Good soil

management will make chili trees become strong and disease and insect resistant. This has been
brought about challenges to overcome the nature with limitations in terms of soil, water and the

environment whereby there is a motto lived by stating that "There is nothing easy and nothing
difficult either if we understand the nature before taking actions. Do not view money as

denomination, but look at the value of products to occur at first."

100