1.2 Contact details of resource persons and institutions involved in the assessment and documentation of the Technology

Name of project which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)

Decision Support for Mainstreaming and Scaling out Sustainable Land Management (GEF-FAO / DS-SLM)

Name of project which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)

Book project: where the land is greener - Case Studies and Analysis of Soil and Water Conservation Initiatives Worldwide (where the land is greener)

Name of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)

Land Development Department (Land Development Department) - Thailand

1.3 Conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT

The compiler and key resource person(s) accept the conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT:

Yes

1.4 Declaration on sustainability of the described Technology

Is the Technology described here problematic with regard to land degradation, so that it cannot be declared a sustainable land management technology?

No

Comments:

Through this technology, farmers can pump water from shallow wells for agriculture throughout the year: it can lower the groundwater table and reduce salinity. This technology has resulted in reduction salinity in surrounding low land areas. Hence, shallow wells have been accepted by land users.

2.1 Short description of the Technology

Definition of the Technology:

Pumping groundwater from shallow wells for agriculture can control the groundwater table in recharge areas. It helps to manage saline aquifers and reduce soil salinity. Such shallow wells range from 25 to 30 meters deep. This technology is very well-accepted by the land users.

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

The shallow well is a structure created in the ground by digging or drilling to access water resources. This example of shallow wells is their use in recharge areas to lower groundwater tables. The technology is a subproject of a larger LDD initiative. The technology has been promoted by the Land Development Department at Bua Yai district Nakhon Ratchasima province since 2014. The objectives of the main project are (1) to provide water resources in recharge areas for agriculture: (2) to reduce the amount of saline groundwater and (3) to set up positive economic impact measures.
The process of technology establishment comprises 1) a recharge area survey in salt-affected areas, 2) drilling shallow wells to 25-30 meters depth, 3) installing 5.5 hp gasoline pumps and testing water quality, 4) pumping groundwater and distributing it to the cultivated areas.
Shallow well technology has been implemented on the fields of Mr. Boonchu Supho, Ban Nong Mek, Moo 9, T.Dan Chang, A. Buayai, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Mr. Boonchu Supho has 21 rai (approx. 3.4 hectares), undulating area with a 2-5% slope, situated at approx. 200 meters above sea level, with a tropical climate, and soil which is classified as being in the series of Kula Ronghai (Ki). This area is upland, and located in the recharge area. Mr. Boonchu Supho has 13 rai (approx. 2 hectares) of lowland rice fields and one shallow well.
In the past, water scarcity was the main issue with his land. Droughts resulted in water scarcity and low productivity. After excavating a shallow well in 2014, groundwater was used for 19 rai of cultivation. Due to soil salinity reduction, rice yields increased to 590 kg/rai (approx. 3700 kg/ha: an increase of approx. 47.4%). Sugar cane yield increased to 30 ton/rai. Moreover, land users can use land more efficiently with mixed plantations of banana, pineapples, sweet bamboo, chilies, galangal and lemongrass to generate income. Even with a drought in 2018, his land had enough water for cultivation, while rice fields in the surrounding area faced water scarcity problem.
In conclusion, the benefits of the shallow well are 1) lowering the groundwater table and reducing salinity, 2) enhancing rice and sugar cane yields, 3) ability to cultivate throughout the year and 4) better soil properties and a better environment. However, the disadvantage of the shallow well is that farmers have to pay for electricity (around 1,200 THB/ 9 months or 10,800 THB/year).

2.3 Photos of the Technology

2.4 Videos of the Technology

2.5 Country/ region/ locations where the Technology has been applied and which are covered by this assessment

2.6 Date of implementation

Indicate year of implementation:

2014

If precise year is not known, indicate approximate date:

• less than 10 years ago (recently)

2.7 Introduction of the Technology

Specify how the Technology was introduced:

• through projects/ external interventions

Comments (type of project, etc.):

The Land Development Department and local authorities created a demonstration plot to solve the saline soil problem under the LDD project (on preventing soil salinity and to lower the groundwater table in the recharge area) in Bua Yai district. Nakhon Ratchasima Province, since 2014

3.1 Main purpose(s) of the Technology

• improve production
• reduce, prevent, restore land degradation
• create beneficial economic impact

• prevents soil salinity and to lower the groundwater table on recharge area

3.2 Current land use type(s) where the Technology is applied

Land use mixed within the same land unit:

No

Comments:

An excavating shallow well on recharge area was to lower groundwater table and prevent soil salinity in recharge area. Groundwater was used for rice, sugar cane, banana, pineapple and vegetable growing. This technology has increased productivity up to 47.4% in rice: sugar cane has more than doubled its yields.

3.3 Has land use changed due to the implementation of the Technology?

Has land use changed due to the implementation of the Technology?

• Yes (Please fill out the questions below with regard to the land use before implementation of the Technology)

Land use mixed within the same land unit:

No

Comments:

An excavated shallow well in the recharge area was to lower groundwater table and prevents soil salinity in the recharge area. Groundwater was used for rice, sugar cane, banana, pineapple, and vegetable growing. This technology has increased productivity up to 47.4% in rice: sugar cane has more than doubled its yields.

3.4 Water supply

other (e.g. post-flooding):

• shallow well

Comments:

Land users know how drought or rain can delay affect productivity. Hence, land users have decided to engage in this project

3.5 SLM group to which the Technology belongs

• rotational systems (crop rotation, fallows, shifting cultivation)
• ground water management

• desalination

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

Comments:

Groundwater from the shallow well was used for 19 rai of plantation area. The result shows that this technology can increase soil moisture; make a better environment, crop residue from post-harvest can enhance soil organic matter and soil fertility

3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology

Comments:

There is not much organic fertilizing in 19 rai of land. Most organic fertilizer has been used in vegetable growing while other plantations are usually chemical fertilizing. Hence, increasing crop production needs more chemical fertilizing.

3.8 Prevention, reduction, or restoration of land degradation

Specify the goal of the Technology with regard to land degradation:

• reduce land degradation
• adapt to land degradation

Comments:

The land user has used shallow well technology during drought and rain delay situation since 2014-2018. They found that using shallow wells can reduce groundwater table which might dissolve saline aquifer and spread salinity. Hence, shallow well technology can reduce salinity in lower lying land. With less salt in the topsoil, rice yield has increased to 5-10%

4.1 Technical drawing of the Technology

4.2 General information regarding the calculation of inputs and costs

Specify how costs and inputs were calculated:

• per Technology area

other/ national currency (specify):

THB

4.3 Establishment activities

	Activity	Timing (season)
1.	To drilling shallow well with 25-30 meters depth	January 2014
2.	Sugar fields	May 2014, 2016, 2018
3.	Pineapple fields	May 2018
4.	Banana fields	May 2014
5.	Reed fields	May 2015
6.	Sweet bamboo fields	May 2015
7.	Chillies, galangal and lemon grass fields	May 2014-2018
8.	Rice fields	June 2014-2018

Comments:

No irrigation water therefore planting time depends directly upon the period of the early rainy season, which will be May to July

4.4 Costs and inputs needed for establishment

	Specify input	Unit	Quantity	Costs per Unit	Total costs per input	% of costs borne by land users
Labour	Costs of labor for sugarcane cultivation	puddle	1.0	2500.0	2500.0
Labour	Costs of labor for rice cultivation.	rai	13.0	1150.0	14950.0
Labour	Costs of labor for sugar cane cultivation.	rai	1.5	1200.0	1800.0
Labour	Costs of labor for pineapple cultivation.	rai	1.0	1200.0	1200.0
Equipment	Costs of labor for Banana cultivation	rai	1.0	600.0	600.0
Equipment	Costs of labor for Papyrus cultivation.	rai	0.5	900.0	450.0
Equipment	Costs of labor for Sweet bamboo cultivation.	rai	1.0	600.0	600.0
Equipment	Costs of labor for Chilli, galangal, lemon grass cultivation	rai	1.0	900.0	900.0
Equipment	Cost of shallow water well drilling equipment	puddle	1.0	100000.0	100000.0
Plant material	Bud seedling sugarcane	seedling	2250.0	0.9	2025.0
Plant material	Bud seedling Pineapple	seedling	2500.0	2.0	5000.0
Plant material	Bud seedling Banana	seedling	100.0	10.0	1000.0
Plant material	Bud seedling Papyrus	seedling	3000.0	0.2	600.0
Fertilizers and biocides	Bud seedling sweet bamboo	seedling	25.0	80.0	2000.0
Fertilizers and biocides	Bud seedling Chilli, galangal, lemon grass	seedling	2000.0	1.0	2000.0
Fertilizers and biocides	Seedling rice KDML105	seedling	65.0	25.0	1625.0
Fertilizers and biocides	Chemical fertilizer 15-15-15	kg	300.0	13.0	3900.0
Fertilizers and biocides	Chicken manure	kg	2000.0	2.0	4000.0
Other	Electricity charge	hr	240.0	5.0	1200.0
Other	Machinery	rai	19.0	500.0	9500.0
Total costs for establishment of the Technology					155850.0
Total costs for establishment of the Technology in USD					155850.0

If land user bore less than 100% of costs, indicate who covered the remaining costs:

The Land Development Department supports expenses for drilling shallow wells approximately 100,000 THB. The land users are involved in the maintenance of shallow wells at the 2nd year about 2,000 THB and pay for cost of maintenance and electricity bills about 1,200 baht per month for 9 months. Moreover, land users have to paid for farm pond construction under farm pond project of LDD about 2,500 THB.

Comments:

Nong Mek Village, Moo 9, Dan Chang Subdistrict, Bua Yai District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province located on the recharge area which has totally 1,000 rai. Recharge area is a type of upland where use for cassava and sugar cane planting. Most land users have not much knowledge and motivation on shallow well drilling. Hence, Land Development Department comes to train, solution on salt-affected soil with the project on prevents soil salinity, and to lower the groundwater table on recharge area since 2014. The shallow well technology has been implemented through the demonstration plot, which is the first learning center of salt-affected soil management on the recharge area

4.5 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

	Activity	Timing/ frequency
1.	Maintenance	1 Times/year
2.	Electricity charge	1 Times/month

Comments:

Shallow well which supported by LDD is a type of 5.5 hp gasoline pump then, land users try to use the electric water pump instead. The use of electrical water pump can increases yield productivity and enhance land users’ income. This is resulting in a better life.

4.6 Costs and inputs needed for maintenance/ recurrent activities (per year)

	Specify input	Unit	Quantity	Costs per Unit	Total costs per input	% of costs borne by land users
Equipment	electricity charge,5 baht per unit 8 hours per day, 360 days / year	time	2880.0	5.0	14400.0
Equipment	Machinery	time	1.0	2000.0	2000.0
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology					16400.0
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology in USD					16400.0

Comments:

Land users do maintenance this technology by themselves, without hiring labor. There has only cost of modifying.

4.7 Most important factors affecting the costs

Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:

Cost of shallow wells implementation at the 1st year consists of 100,000 THB of labor hiring, equipment, and installation. Besides, land users have to pay 2,500 THB for farm pond construction

The expenditure at the 1st year in 2014, pumping groundwater needs to use electricity 8 hours/ 270 day. The amount of water pumping has distributed to 13 rai of rice fields, 1.5 rai of sugar cane fields, 1 rai of chilies, galangal and lemongrass fields. The expenditure at the 1st year with 19 rai is 42,050 THB combine with electricity charge 10,800 THB. Thus, the grand total of expenditure is 52,850 THB.
The income from crop production at 1st year, land users sold rice yield and got 109,200 THB (the average amount of yield is 560 kg/rai, totally gain yield is 7,280 kg, price of rice yield is 15 THB/kg). Land users got 40,500 THB from sugar cane production (the average amount of yield is 30 ton/rai, totally gain yield is 45 ton, price of sugar cane yield is 900 THB/ton). Moreover, land users also got 2,000 THB/month or 24,000 THB/year from chilies, galangal, and lemongrass production. Thus, the grand total of income is 173,700 THB and net income is 120,850 THB
Cost and income at 2nd year in 2015 are described as following;
The expenditure at 2nd year in 2015, pumping groundwater needs to use electricity 8 hours/ 270 day. The amount of water pumping has distributed to 13 rai of rice fields, 1.5 rai of sugar cane fields, 1 rai of sweet bamboo, 1 rai of chilies, galangal and lemongrass fields and 0.5 rai of reed fields. The expenditure at the 2nd year is 40,475 THB combine with electricity charge 10,800 THB and 2,000 THB of water pump modifying fee Thus, the grand total of expenditure is 51,275 THB.
The income from crop production at the 2nd year, land users sold rice yield and got 109,200 THB (the average amount of yield is 560 kg/rai, totally gain yield is 7,280 kg, price of rice yield is 15 THB/kg). Land users got 40,500 THB from sugar cane production (the average amount of yield is 30 ton/rai, totally gain yield is 45 ton, price of sugar cane yield is 900 THB/ton). Moreover, land users also got 3,500 THB/month or 42,000 THB/year from reed, sweet bamboo, chilies, galanga, and lemongrass production. Thus, the grand total of income is 191,700 THB and net income is 140,425 THB

The expenditure at the 3rd year in 2016, pumping groundwater needs to use electricity 8 hours/ 270 day. The amount of water pumping has distributed to 13 rai of rice fields, 1.5 rai of sugar cane fields, 1 rai of sweet bamboo, 1 rai of chilies, galangal and lemongrass fields and 1 rai of reed fields and 0.5 rai of reed. The expenditure at the 3rd year is 40,800 THB combine with electricity charge 10,800 THB and 2,000 THB of water pump modifying fee Thus, the grand total of expenditure is 51,600 THB.
The income from crop production at 3rd year, land users sold rice yield and got 109,200 THB (the average amount of yield is 560 kg/rai, totally gain yield is 7,280 kg, price of rice yield is 15 THB/kg). Land users got 40,500 THB from sugar cane production (the average amount of yield is 30 ton/rai, totally gain yield is 45 ton, price of sugar cane yield is 900 THB/ton). Moreover, land users also got 3,500 THB/month or 42,000 THB/year from reed, sweet bamboo, chilies, galangal, and lemongrass production. Thus, the grand total of income is 191,700 THB and net income is 140,100 THB

The expenditure at the 4th year in 2017, pumping groundwater needs to use electricity 8 hours/ 270 day. The amount of water pumping has distributed to 13 rai of rice fields, 1.5 rai of sugar cane fields, 1 rai of sweet bamboo, 1 rai of chilies, galangal and lemongrass fields and 1 rai of reed fields and 0.5 rai of reed. The expenditure at the 4th year is 37,125 THB combine with electricity charge 10,800 THB and 2,000 THB of water pump modifying fee Thus, the grand total of expenditure is 47,925 THB.
The income from crop production at 4th year, land users sold rice yield and got 109,200 THB (the average amount of yield is 560 kg/rai, totally gain yield is 7,280 kg, price of rice yield is 15 THB/kg). Land users got 40,500 THB from sugar cane production (the average amount of yield is 30 ton/rai, totally gain yield is 45 ton, price of sugar cane yield is 900 THB/ton). Moreover, land users also got 3,500 THB/month or 42,000 THB/year from reed, sweet bamboo, chilies, galangal, and lemongrass production. Thus, the grand total of income is 191,700 THB and net income is 143,775 THB

The expenditure at the 5th year in 2018, pumping groundwater needs to use electricity 8 hours/ 270 day. The amount of water pumping has distributed to 13 rai of rice fields, 1.5 rai of sugar cane fields, 1 rai of sweet bamboo, 1 rai of banana, 1 rai of chilies, galangal and lemongrass fields,1 rai of reed

5.1 Climate

5.2 Topography

Indicate if the Technology is specifically applied in:

• not relevant

Comments and further specifications on topography:

Geography The Bua Yai district is located in the north of Nakhon Ratchasima. On the Korat Plateau

5.3 Soils

If available, attach full soil description or specify the available information, e.g. soil type, soil PH/ acidity, Cation Exchange Capacity, nitrogen, salinity etc.

The surface soil is sandy loam. The bottom soil is sandy loam soil. The pH is between 7.5 - 8.5. Salinity is at a salty level. Have salt stains on the surface throughout the year and have very low P and K.

5.4 Water availability and quality

Is water salinity a problem?

Yes

Specify:

Slightly saline

Is flooding of the area occurring?

No

Comments and further specifications on water quality and quantity:

saline groundwater

5.5 Biodiversity

Comments and further specifications on biodiversity:

Before drilling shallow wells there were very few animals living in this area. After 1 year of shallow well being implemented, there is an increase in food and plant sources, the habitat of living things. To implement the technology resulting in more organisms such as fish, birds, rats, earthworms, and insects

5.6 Characteristics of land users applying the Technology

Indicate other relevant characteristics of the land users:

Land users are diligent in their work and patient. They carried out crop rotation throughout the year. The, they get more revenue daily, monthly and yearly.

5.7 Average area of land used by land users applying the Technology

5.8 Land ownership, land use rights, and water use rights

Land ownership:

• individual, titled

Land use rights:

• individual

• Rainfed.

Are land use rights based on a traditional legal system?

Yes

Comments:

Land users can decide to use the land by themselves. They did crop rotation by using water pumped from shallow wells. The Land users could be an example for the other that could be shown by surrounding farmer want to engage in this project.

5.9 Access to services and infrastructure

6.1 On-site impacts the Technology has shown

Socio-economic impacts

Production

Water availability and quality

Income and costs

Socio-cultural impacts

Ecological impacts

Water cycle/ runoff

Soil

Biodiversity: vegetation, animals

Climate and disaster risk reduction

6.2 Off-site impacts the Technology has shown

6.3 Exposure and sensitivity of the Technology to gradual climate change and climate-related extremes/ disasters (as perceived by land users)

Comments:

An opinion of the land user, there are many situations such as rain delay during 2014-2016, drought during December – April 201 and flood in rainy season while rain delay in 2018 can lead to water scarcity problem. However, that situation cannot impact farmland with shallow wells.

6.4 Cost-benefit analysis

How do the benefits compare with the establishment costs (from land users’ perspective)?

How do the benefits compare with the maintenance/ recurrent costs (from land users' perspective)?

Comments:

Land users to pay a 2,000 baht machinery as a long-term investment to operate for several years and pay the electric fee for water pumping but land users can have 10,800 THB and the revenue daily, monthly and annually and reduce costs in the household

6.5 Adoption of the Technology

• 1-10%

Of all those who have adopted the Technology, how many did so spontaneously, i.e. without receiving any material incentives/ payments?

• 0-10%

Comments:

Land user and other farmer have knowledge and understanding on an advantage of shallow well technology implemented. Some of them drill water well by themselves.

6.6 Adaptation

Has the Technology been modified recently to adapt to changing conditions?

Yes

other (specify):

changing practice

Specify adaptation of the Technology (design, material/ species, etc.):

Land users have modified water pump machine by use electric pump instead of a gasoline pump

6.7 Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities of the Technology

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the land user’s view
Reduce soil salinity
Save money by bringing rice and vegetables grown into household food.
Increase sales revenue, rice, sugarcane, pineapple, Papyrus, banana, lemongrass, galangal, chili, and sweet bamboo.
Save money by bringing rice and vegetables grown into household food.

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view
Pumping water from shallow wells for agricultural use, can reduce groundwater table and prevent salinity that is a great measure on land degradation mitigation
The land user can have food from plant production from their farms. The land user can reduce household expenses. Left to sell, resulting in a daily, monthly and annual income and make a better life.
Biodiversity enhancement, there are many plants and living things such as earthworms, birds, fish, frogs, and insects. This is resulting in a balanced ecosystem.

6.8 Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks of the Technology and ways of overcoming them

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the land user’s view	How can they be overcome?
After one year of shallow wells implemented, land users must take care and maintain shallow wells as usual.	Make an agreement on taking care of shallow wells after implemented.
	To inform LDD when something is wrong

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view	How can they be overcome?
Other land users who are not participating. will not get knowledge about the use of shallow well to reduce the level of underground water.	LDD staff / Land users participating in the project to advise or educate other farmers on how to join the project.

7.1 Methods/ sources of information

7.2 References to available publications

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Evaluate the project using water from shallow wells to prevent. Distribution of saline soil as farmers participate in Bua Yai District,Nakhon Ratchasima Province (Kamolthip Sasithorn: 2017

Available from where? Costs?

http://www.ldd.go.th

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Study of groundwater level changes to rice production in an integrated saline soil development project area, Bua Yai District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province (Bowon Buakhao: 2017)

Available from where? Costs?

http://www.ldd.go.th

7.3 Links to relevant online information

Title/ description:

where the land is greener - Case Studies and Analysis of Soil and Water Conservation Initiatives Worldwide

URL:

https://www.wocat.net/library/media/27/

7.4 General comments

Some part of the questionnaire is very complex such as the cost of input