Page 55 - Final Report Improving information and developing a repository of sustainable soil management practices in Asia

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5. MANILA TAMARIND PLANTING IN COMBINATION WITH INREGREATED

FARMING FOR SALINE SOIL MANAGEMENT IN NAKHON RATCHASIMA
PROVINCE, THAILAND

1. General Information and description of best practice/technology

Information

Nakhon Ratchasima Province has a total saline soil area of 480,958 ha which is

approximately the most saline soil area in the northeastern part of Thailand. More than 50% of the
area of 11,196 ha has salt stains on the soil surface. The purpose of this technology, Manila

tamarind planting in combination with integrated farming for saline soil management in Nakhon
Ratchasima Province, Thailand, was to reduce the level of salinity in the soil

and to improve saline soil areas to be able to grow a variety of plants and also to enhance
sustainable integrated farming for farmers who live in saline soil areas for higher productivity,

income, and a better quality of life. In terms of land use adaptation, Manila Tamarind was used in

conjunction with integrated farming (tilapia and cow farming) in areas such as water restoration,
maintenance, harvest, and transportation.

Mr. Niphon Plianklang is a volunteer soil doctor in Makha Sub-district, Non Thai District,
Nakhon Ratchasima Province. He was a role model farmer who pioneered the application of this

method in his area, which was formerly utilized for rice production but is now used to cultivate

Manila tamarind using integrated farming. The land of the Manila tamarind plantation has been
rehabilitated at this time. Previously, the salinity of the soil in this area had a negative impact on

rice harvests. However, after implementing this technology, Manila Tamarind may thrive in saline
soil environments. The taste, as well as the size and color, were excellent, and the market demand

was met. Aside from tamarind production, there was also a section set aside for tilapia and cow
rearing. As a result, there are goods that may be gathered and sold throughout the year as a source

of revenue.

The objectives was to assess the soil salinity in order to prevent the salinity spread and
reduce salt level and to be a future potential agricultural sustainability.

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