Page 118 - Final Report Improving information and developing a repository of sustainable soil management practices in Asia

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4. To build economic impact which is useful (Opportunities to increase incomes or

employment)

Incomes from selling products and net incomes

The period in planting to harvesting nipa palm sugar from the first time takes about 6 years.

Therefore, in this first period, farmers do not have incomes from nipa palm plantations and will
start having incomes from the 6th year on. Regarding the period in producing nipa palm sugar,

yields can be given for 4 months in a year.
- In an area of 1 rai, yields of nipa palm sugar can be harvested for 300 kilograms per

rai per year.

- The selling price is 1.76 USD per kilogram. Therefore, the total income: 300*1.76 =
328 USD.

Besides making nipa palm sugar, farmers who grow nipa palms can create income from
other products such as sewing nipa palm leaves for palm leaf thatch roofing, nipa palm vinegar,

nipa palm leaves used to make cigarettes, making distilled liquor and making Nam Tan Tuoy (cup
sugar).

Property characteristics of the natural environment

The mentioned area, the Annual Mean rainfall is 2,778.30 mm., which is at the moisture

level.

The area is flat and 1 meter from the mean seal level. The soil is very deep with the depth

more than 120 centimeters. The top soil texture is fine clay and the bottom soil texture is clay. The
level of soil organic matter is high (>3%). The ground water cannot be utilized. The water at the

soil surface is at the level which is more than enough. Regarding the water quality (not treated

yet), the water can be used for agriculture only. The salinity value of soil is between 2-8 dS/m.

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