Converting upland field to rice terraces: Alternative way of farmers in the highlands

摘要

Converting upland rice to rice terrace production is considered as a sustainable rice farming system on the slope area of upper northern Thailand. Upland rice yield was mostly fluctuated due to various environments. Rice yield from terrace paddy field was higher and more stable than those of upland field. The increased yield could promote and encourage the highland community to conserve of the forest. In the first year, rice terrace yield increased more than two times. The yield would increase by 25 percent with soil fertility improvement, and over 50 percent with the use of recommended rice varieties adapted to the highland environments.