Characterization and implication of land productivity under different cropping systems

摘要

Two subsequent cropping seasons information from a selected sub-catchment in northeast of Thailand was studied to explore the possibilities for maintaining land productivity in the existing farming systems. Farm survey was conducted to understand thebiophysical condition, farmers' perceptions, together with the management practices for maintaining productivity under existing farming systems. In addition, soil chemical analyses were done to determine the fertility and the causes of low productivity.In the study area, almost 80% of the total lands are occupied by the subsistence agriculture with the family labors in a varying elevation of steep to undulating topography. Maize is the most commonly annual crop cultivated, which covers around 70% of the total arable land followed by the permanent orchard. Intensive and continuous maize-monocropping leads to low land productivity and hence low yield, which are confirmed by the soil chemical analyses. Moreover, dependency on erratic rainfall, and lack of conservation measures, collectively hinders the crop yields and sustainability by destructing the systems and deteriorating the land productivity. Thus formulation of suitable land management strategies and provision of inputs as a package may help toimprove the productivity of the existing farming systems and livelihood in this area.