Ecological and Socioeconomic Factors That Affect Rice Production in Saline Soils, Borabue, Mahasarakham, Thailand: Implications for Farm Management Practices

Abstract

Factors affecting rice production in saline soil regimes and farmer adaptations were studied in northeast Thailand during 2012. Measurements included composite soil sampling, combined with a household survey on rice production and socioeconomic conditions. Soil salinity reduced rice productivity, despite the application of organic matter and fertilizers. Average rice yields were estimated at 1.56 tons/ha, but varied according to size of the saline paddies. Farmers with a high percentage of saline paddies incurred more costs, especially on farm maintenance. Income did not show significant relationships with farming activities, but it limited the number of options for fertilizer application. Although sufficient amounts of water can reduce soil salinity, irrigation creates some tension over local water supplies, thus an issue of social equity. Rice farmers in northeast Thailand feel compelled to practice the agricultural traditions of previous generations in light of diminished crop yields. Although farming is a source of identity for older people, it is not followed among many youth who perceive greater wealth opportunities from city jobs, leaving the future of family rice farming in jeopardy. Biophysical environments determine farming practices in saline soil regimes, as well as socioeconomic factors—an interdependent model called environmental–socioeconomic determination.

KEYWORDS:

• adaptation
• Borabue
• ecological and socioeconomic factors
• rice production
• saline soils

Notes

1. 1.Thailand’s community administrative hierarchy from a top-down direction includes province, district, subdistrict and then village. Tambon in a Thai language is a subdistrict level, consisting of a group of villages.

2. 2.Rai is a common measurement for a unit of land area in Thailand; 1 ha = approx. 6.25 Rais.

3. 3.Exchange rate in 2011: USD 1 = approx. 30 Baht.

4. 4.The national poverty line in 2011 is 23,000 Baht/capita (Chokeaw 2012).

5. 5.A rough estimate was computed from amounts of rice kept for household consumption (kg), multiplied by average price of rice (Baht/kg) sold in Mahasarakham province in 2012 (Department of Internal Trade of Thailand: Mahasarakham Office 2013).

6. 6.Thailand’s average rice yield = approx. 2.38 tons/ha, and the northeast average yield = approx. 2.02 tons/ha (Office of Agriculture Economics of Thailand 2012).