Page 44 - Final Report Improving information and developing a repository of sustainable soil management practices in Asia

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4. FISH FARMING FOR SALINE SOIL MANAGEMENT IN KHON KAEN PROVINCE,

THAILAND

1. General Information and description of best practice/technology

Information

Saline soil management technology for the best utilization and efficiency through fish

farming by Mr. Sompong Chaisong was applied at 171, Village No. 9, Ban Nong Nang Khwan

Mueang Pia Subdistrict, Ban Phai District, Khon Kaen Province. The goal of this method is to do
productively farming in saline soil. Previously, the land was mostly utilized for rice farming, but

the yield was of poor quality in terms of flavor and texture, as well as quantity. It generated income
of only 735.20 USD/ha in a year which they have adequate income. Nowadays, farmers earned

1,177-1,471 USD/ha after altering and adapting technology to tilapia and snapper farming, which
was well worth the investment and required significantly less labor than rice production. In 2013,

Mr. Sompong Chaisong who was selected to be the chairman of the Ban Nong Nang Khwan Fish

Farmers Network Group. The Objectives are to reduce, prevent and restore the soil degradation in
saline soil area and to improve farming incomes. in saline soil to be more diverse and sustainable

agriculture.

Fish farming is a close system for Mr. Sompong Chaisong. Water will not be released from

the fish pond to the outside, but it will be circulated around the farm. He would pump outside water

into the ponds around 2-3 times a year once the water in the fish pond drained and decreased, but
rainwater provided the majority of the water. Make a large and high embankment around the fish

farming area to prevent saline water from outside seeping into the fish pond and spreading soil
salinity. This technology has no serious impact on the environment or the local communities.

Plants along the pond's edge include salt-tolerant perennials like coconut and tamarind, which are
consumed in the home and to simply prevent soil erosion by holding the dirt on the embankment.

Furthermore, it aids in keeping the soil surface moist at all times. It also prevents salt from moving

from the bottom layers to the soil surface. Farmers who took part in the program and put the
technology to work were pleased because they were able to produce high-quality agricultural

products while still earning a steady income. Soil deterioration is also controlled by this

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