Page 72 - Final Report Improving information and developing a repository of sustainable soil management practices in Asia

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Moreover, guidelines obtained from learning are implemented to develop his own area where the

Khaw Dawk mali 105 rice variety is grown accounting for 1.12 ha. Previously, any plants grown
in the mentioned area could not produce any yields. Due to problems of degraded soils used in

cultivating industrial crops for a long time, the soils have been degraded chemically and physically
with low fertility. Soil texture is characterized by being sandy clay loam. Flaky salt stain was found

on the soil surface and the soil is saline with lack of water in the dry season. As a result, a snag
occurs. This also includes the fact that the area is outside the irrigation zone, making farmers

unable to cultivate rice and obtain yields as needed. As a result, household incomes are low.

Therefore, knowledge of using green manure plants has been implemented in the area with saline
soils for growing rice together with using fermented bio-extracts from banana shoots and chemical

fertilizers application according to advice. In 2004, average yields of 1,125-1,563 kg/ha were

obtained. This had been practiced continuously until 2011. Rice yields increased to 2,500 kg/ha
After having used Crotalaria juncea (Sunn hemp) for 16 years continuously, the soil has

had better structures, becoming incoherent. Salinity of the soil has been reduced. This has brought
about the origin of conducting farming based on natural agriculture restoring areas with saline soil

without using chemical fertilizers from 2013 to the present time. Farmers also use the technique
of observing weather conditions together with water management to be sufficient during having a

dry spell due to climate variability. The green manure plant " Crotalaria juncea (Sunn hemp)" is

used at the rate of 31.25 kg/ha for soil amendment for every 2 years together with selection of salt
tolerance Kow Hom Thai rice varieties with outstanding characteristics of tolerating drought and

pests well. As a result, yields of 3,125-3,750 kg/ha were obtained.
During the dry season after harvesting yields, in order to keep moisture in the soil, the

method of plowing up and over to cover straw and stubble is used. They are not burned. The ground
is covered with leaf debris. Crotalaria juncea (sunn hemp) is sowed during the harvesting season

and it is allowed to fall naturally without plowing up an over during the flowering period.

Fermented bio-extracts are used after harvesting. Soil and water conservation is focused in the
cultivation area. During the rainy season, if rain water is at a high enough amount, it can be stored

to be used in the dry season. Apart from this, farmers can also use the technique of washing off

salt from the soil surface into water resources. There has been improvement of water quality with
fermented bio-extracts at the rate of about 40 liters per cubic meters to be used for cultivation in

the dry season.

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