Advisory system for planting Eucalyptus camaldulensis on rice bunds in salt-affected areas. [Thailand]
- Creation:
- Update:
- Compiler: Areerat Wangkaew
- Editor: –
- Reviewers: Rima Mekdaschi Studer, Samran Sombatpanit, Pitayakon Limtong, William Critchley
approaches_4103 - Thailand
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Expand all Collapse all1. General information
1.2 Contact details of resource persons and institutions involved in the assessment and documentation of the Approach
Key resource person(s)
land user:
Chearnchai Sayan
Ban Muang Pia, Muang Pia Sub-disdrict, Ban Phai District, Khon Kaen Province
Thailand
land user:
Pannut Pensri
Ban Muang Pia, Muang Pia Sub-disdrict, Ban Phai District, Khon Kaen Province
Thailand
land user:
Kraisuea Perm
Ban Muang Pia, Muang Pia Sub-disdrict, Ban Phai District, Khon Kaen Province
Thailand
land user:
Mulae Sommart
Ban Muang Pia, Muang Pia Sub-disdrict, Ban Phai District, Khon Kaen Province
Thailand
land user:
Leelarat Wasana
+66-94-2988728
Ban Muang Pia, Muang Pia Sub-disdrict, Ban Phai District, Khon Kaen Province
Thailand
land user:
Chuenjai Sompong
Ban Muang Pia, Muang Pia Sub-disdrict, Ban Phai District, Khon Kaen Province
Thailand
SLM specialist:
Srihaban Pranee
pranee.782@gmail.com
Land Development Department
2003, 61 Phaholyothin Road, Ladyao, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900
Thailand
SLM specialist:
Sritumboon Supranee
ssritumboon@yahoo.com
Land Development Department
2003, 61 Phaholyothin Road, Ladyao, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900
Thailand
SLM specialist:
Pothinam Pornpana
laosuwan18@hotmail.com
Land Development Department
2003, 61 Phaholyothin Road, Ladyao, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900
Thailand
SLM specialist:
Rophandung Weera
weerop@hotmail.com
Land Development Department
2003, 61 Phaholyothin Road, Ladyao, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900
Thailand
SLM specialist:
Jakkarach Usa
usa_kl@hotmail.com
Land Development Department
2003, 61 Phaholyothin Road, Ladyao, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900
Thailand
SLM specialist:
Janplang Chettaruj
joeshua9@hotmail.com
Land Development Department
2003, 61 Phaholyothin Road, Ladyao, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900
Thailand
SLM specialist:
Thamphinon Krainukun
+66-89-9449829
krainukt@scg.com
Phoenix Pulp and Paper Plc Ltd.
Kutnamsai Sub-district, Nam Phong District, Khon Kaen Province
Thailand
SLM specialist:
Tharachom Thawatchai
+66-81-9172140
thawatct@scg.com
Phoenix Pulp and Paper Plc Ltd.
Kutnamsai Sub-district, Nam Phong District, Khon Kaen Province
Thailand
National consultant:
Arunin Somsri
ssarunin@gmail.com
Land Development Department
2003, 61 Phaholyothin Road, Ladyao, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900
Thailand
Name of project which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Approach (if relevant)
Decision Support for Mainstreaming and Scaling out Sustainable Land Management (GEF-FAO / DS-SLM)Name of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Approach (if relevant)
Land Development Department LDD (Land Development Department LDD) - Thailand1.3 Conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT
When were the data compiled (in the field)?
26/09/2018
The compiler and key resource person(s) accept the conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT:
Yes
1.4 Reference(s) to Questionnaire(s) on SLM Technologies
![Planting Eucalyptus on rice bunds to lower saline groundwater](/media/b8/b/b8b80958-e0be-4440-9920-1675591a5f41.jpg)
Planting Eucalyptus on rice bunds to lower saline … [Thailand]
Eucalyptus camaldulensis variety H4 is salt tolerant and has the ability to lower shallow saline groundwater levels; as a result salinity is controlled. Planting eucalyptus on one or two sides of the rice bund in an east-west direction (in single or double rows) at a spacing of 2 m between …
- Compiler: Areerat Wangkaew
2. Description of the SLM Approach
2.1 Short description of the Approach
The Thai government promotes planting of Eucalyptus camaldulensis on rice bunds to lower the saline groundwater level and prevent the spread of salt in soils - through cooperation of farmers, land owners, Siam Forestry Co., Ltd., Subdistrict Administration Organization, Land Development Department, and with specialists/ technical advisors.
2.2 Detailed description of the Approach
Detailed description of the Approach:
The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives through the Land Development Department (LDD) has initiated a project on planting salt-tolerant perennial trees on salt-affected land in the Northeast of Thailand. Thus, this project, which began in 1996 facilitated planting Eucalyptus camaldulensis on rice bunds. The main objective of the approach is to encourage and support the land users to plant Eucalyptus camaldulensis on rice bunds in salt-affected land with shallow saline groundwater. The target of planting is 1,000 rai/yr (1 ha = 6.25 rai).
The activities started with public meetings under the local administration, identifying salt-affected areas by SLM specialists and preparing soil salinity maps; establishing demonstration plots by SLM specialists and farmers, on farmers' land, as learning centers and communicating. The local administration called farmers’ meetings to prepare detailed work plans and discussion of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of planting eucalyptus. The methods used were questionnaires and interviewing the stakeholders for their willingness to take part and cooperate with LDD SLM specialists, researchers, and experts. The LDD has provided funding for land preparation and planting cost while corporates such as Siam Forestry Co., Ltd. purchase eucalyptus poles through a contract. The Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives provides loans to land users.
There are three phases: the preparation phase which was seedling preparation, site selection for establishment of a demonstration plot, rice bund preparation, and establishing a demonstration plot of 200 rai at Ban Kham Riang, Muang Pia Sub-district, Banphai District, Khon Kaen Province. The coordination phase included joint meetings between farmers and researchers, joint monitoring, evaluation and follow-up with land users, and site visits to the demonstration plot. Then planting and tree establishment on farmers’ land in the salt-affected area – those farmers who were convinced by the results of the demonstration plots, Those farmers were then supported by the project on Planting Salt-Tolerant Perennial Trees on Saline Soils in the Northeast of Thailand. A market was established for the purchase of logs. There was joint monitoring & evaluation and follow up.
Results from interviews show that land users favor this project and the spread of eucalyptus planting by themselves - due to the perceived decrease in salination as well as higher income from better rice production, plus additional income from selling poles. However, there are some negative effects of fallen eucalyptus leaves (some farmers believe eucalyptus produces organic compounds detrimental to rice yield through “allelopathy”) and there was shading of the rice crop. But in some site visits there were no effects found. Furthermore, the favorable microclimate is cooler, local earth worms which used to be absent now returning, resulting in better soil properties. However, more birds and rats dwelling in this better environment became a disadvantage because they damaged the rice yield. Nevertheless, as there are more advantages than disadvantages, farmers still adopt this technology. It has been found that more than 10,000 rai (1,600 ha) with shallow saline groundwater of the salt-affected land were planted with eucalyptus trees on rice bunds in the low-lying salt-affected discharge area.
2.3 Photos of the Approach
2.4 Videos of the Approach
Comments, short description:
SLM discussion and explanation
Date:
26/09/2018
Location:
Ban Muang Pia
Name of videographer:
Supranee Sritumboon
2.5 Country/ region/ locations where the Approach has been applied
Country:
Thailand
Region/ State/ Province:
Khon Kaen
Further specification of location:
Ban Phai
Map
×2.6 Dates of initiation and termination of the Approach
Indicate year of initiation:
2009
Comments:
This approach has been used since 1996 until now (the LDD project started in 1996 but the land user interviewed started planting Eucalyptus in 2009).
2.7 Type of Approach
- project/ programme based
2.8 Main aims/ objectives of the Approach
The main objective of the approach is to reduce salinity by encouraging and supporting land users to plant Eucalyptus camaldulensis, with a planting target of 1,000 rai/year (1 ha = 6.25 rai).
2.9 Conditions enabling or hindering implementation of the Technology/ Technologies applied under the Approach
social/ cultural/ religious norms and values
- enabling
The land users follow what their neighbours practice.
availability/ access to financial resources and services
- enabling
Farmers outside the project may get loan from the Bank for Agriculture and Cooperatives.
institutional setting
- enabling
Local administration
collaboration/ coordination of actors
- enabling
Coordinators of the project are soil doctor volunteers and community leaders in the area.
legal framework (land tenure, land and water use rights)
- enabling
policies
- enabling
The government has a policy of preventing soil degradation.
land governance (decision-making, implementation and enforcement)
- enabling
knowledge about SLM, access to technical support
- enabling
To provide knowledge for land users in the area.
markets (to purchase inputs, sell products) and prices
- enabling
Through corporate contract
workload, availability of manpower
- enabling
For land users under the project
3. Participation and roles of stakeholders involved
3.1 Stakeholders involved in the Approach and their roles
- local land users/ local communities
Farmers under the project
Planting eucalyptus
- community-based organizations
Local government (Sub-district Administration Organization)
Call for meeting
- SLM specialists/ agricultural advisers
Land Development Department
Site selection
- researchers
Land Development Department
Provide technical recommendation
- private sector
Siam Forestry Co., Ltd.
Purchase logs
- national government (planners, decision-makers)
Land Development Department
Funding, planner, decision-makers
If several stakeholders were involved, indicate lead agency:
Land Development Department
3.2 Involvement of local land users/ local communities in the different phases of the Approach
Involvement of local land users/ local communities | Specify who was involved and describe activities | |
---|---|---|
initiation/ motivation | interactive | Land users in the project based |
planning | passive | Discussion with land users on the work plan before starting the activity. |
implementation | interactive | Land users/farmers in the project |
monitoring/ evaluation | passive | Land users in the project |
3.3 Flow chart (if available)
Description:
Process of participating technology development of 3 phases including preparation, coordination and planting action.
Author:
Stakeholders concerned
3.4 Decision-making on the selection of SLM Technology/ Technologies
Specify who decided on the selection of the Technology/ Technologies to be implemented:
- mainly SLM specialists, following consultation with land users
Explain:
SLM specialists locate salt-affected areas where shallow saline groundwater area is found. They then consult with land users to agree with the set technology and the shared benefit between LDD in combating salinity problem as well as their additional income with better soil and favorable microclimate.
Specify on what basis decisions were made:
- evaluation of well-documented SLM knowledge (evidence-based decision-making)
4. Technical support, capacity building, and knowledge management
4.1 Capacity building/ training
Was training provided to land users/ other stakeholders?
Yes
Specify who was trained:
- land users
Form of training:
- demonstration areas
- public meetings
Subjects covered:
Reclamation and prevention for salt-affected land with available technology and increased income for farmers.
4.2 Advisory service
Do land users have access to an advisory service?
Yes
Specify whether advisory service is provided:
- on land users' fields
Describe/ comments:
1. Community soil doctor volunteers from Land Development Department provide knowledge by training farmers in the area.
2. SLM specialists from Land Development Department and specialists of Siam Forestry Co., Ltd. visited and advised farmers in the area.
4.3 Institution strengthening (organizational development)
Have institutions been established or strengthened through the Approach?
- no
4.4 Monitoring and evaluation
Is monitoring and evaluation part of the Approach?
Yes
Comments:
SLM specialists from Land Development Department collaborated with Siam Forestry Co., Ltd. and community soil doctor volunteers on the soil conditions, the survival rate and follow up the growth of plants in the area.
If yes, is this documentation intended to be used for monitoring and evaluation?
Yes
Comments:
There are various points in this document that are interesting and should be adapted for each area to use for evaluation.
4.5 Research
Was research part of the Approach?
Yes
Specify topics:
- technology
Give further details and indicate who did the research:
The Soil Salinity Research Group, LDD, conducted research on saline groundwater flow path along the landscape in Northeast Thailand with Prof.Dr. Adrian Peck from University of Western Australia, supported by Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) and another project with Dr. Nico Marcar from Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) on screening for salt-tolerant trees.
5. Financing and external material support
5.1 Annual budget for the SLM component of the Approach
If precise annual budget is not known, indicate range:
- 2,000-10,000
Comments (e.g. main sources of funding/ major donors):
Land Development Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MOAC), Thailand
5.2 Financial/ material support provided to land users
Did land users receive financial/ material support for implementing the Technology/ Technologies?
Yes
If yes, specify type(s) of support, conditions, and provider(s):
Assistance in kind, labour cost and seedling supply.
5.3 Subsidies for specific inputs (including labour)
- labour
To which extent | Specify subsidies |
---|---|
fully financed | Rice bund widening as establishment labour cost subsidized by LDD while planting and maintenance costs born by land users. |
- agricultural
Specify which inputs were subsidised | To which extent | Specify subsidies |
---|---|---|
seedling | fully financed | Free seedlings |
If labour by land users was a substantial input, was it:
- voluntary
Comments:
Voluntary labour from land users for planting and maintenance has been calculated as labour cost even though LDD did not pay for the labour.
5.4 Credit
Was credit provided under the Approach for SLM activities?
No
5.5 Other incentives or instruments
Were other incentives or instruments used to promote implementation of SLM Technologies?
Yes
If yes, specify:
1. The policy of Siam Forestry Co., Ltd. to expand the planting area as a source of raw materials for industry and the company organizes a market in the area.
2. This technology encourages farmers to easily access their capital sources such as Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, while the LDD will send the work plan and names of participating land users to the bank.
6. Impact analysis and concluding statements
6.1 Impacts of the Approach
Did the Approach empower local land users, improve stakeholder participation?
- No
- Yes, little
- Yes, moderately
- Yes, greatly
Strengthening relationship between local government administration and land users.
Did the Approach enable evidence-based decision-making?
- No
- Yes, little
- Yes, moderately
- Yes, greatly
Establish learning center for information to farmers for technology adoption.
Did the Approach help land users to implement and maintain SLM Technologies?
- No
- Yes, little
- Yes, moderately
- Yes, greatly
Farmers well adopted the technology, resulting in expansion of the areas for such technology.
Did the Approach mobilize/ improve access to financial resources for SLM implementation?
- No
- Yes, little
- Yes, moderately
- Yes, greatly
Land users access to the bank loan supported by LDD project work plan as well as the names of the land users presented to the bank.
Did the Approach improve knowledge and capacities of land users to implement SLM?
- No
- Yes, little
- Yes, moderately
- Yes, greatly
Farmers have adapted and changed SLM model to suit their own preference.
Did the Approach improve knowledge and capacities of other stakeholders?
- No
- Yes, little
- Yes, moderately
- Yes, greatly
There are many other technologies that reduce salinity carried out by LDD.
Did the Approach lead to improved food security/ improved nutrition?
- No
- Yes, little
- Yes, moderately
- Yes, greatly
Increased rice yield due to the decrease of soil salinity, resulting in farmers getting higher incomes.
Did the Approach improve access to markets?
- No
- Yes, little
- Yes, moderately
- Yes, greatly
Siam Forestry Co., Ltd. establishes market in the area for the purchase of the product.
6.2 Main motivation of land users to implement SLM
- increased production
Increase varieties of products in the area (rice, eucalyptus, livestock).
- reduced land degradation
Decrease salinity in the soil.
6.3 Sustainability of Approach activities
Can the land users sustain what has been implemented through the Approach (without external support)?
- yes
If yes, describe how:
Farmers have a better understanding and positive attitude of planting eucalyptus, since they obtain additional income from selling eucalyptus logs.
6.4 Strengths/ advantages of the Approach
Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the land user’s view |
---|
Community soil doctor volunteer and community leader are the coordinators in the area. |
Farmers access to markets and sources of Eucalyptus seedlings easily. |
LDD officers have continually surveyed and followed up in the area. |
Distribute seedlings free of charge. |
Good marketing for the purchase and sale in the area. |
Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view |
---|
A supported technique created to develop technology to suit landscape in the Northeast area. |
Planting eucalyptus knowledge was provided regularly by the Land Development Department and Siam Forestry Co., Ltd. |
Siam Forestry Co., Ltd. develop marketing covering the Northeast region. |
A demonstration plot established in the area. |
6.5 Weaknesses/ disadvantages of the Approach and ways of overcoming them
Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the land user’s view | How can they be overcome? |
---|---|
The LDD officers do not visit when the land users need help. | The officers need to contact the land users and give advice more often. |
More birds and rats attack rice seeds in the field. | Set up crow scaring; some farmers catch birds and rats to eat. |
Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view | How can they be overcome? |
---|---|
Farmers planted closer spacing of 1 m, expecting to get more wood product, regardless of the adverse effect on rice. | Clearly illustrate the adverse effect of closer spacing of plants. |
Income from logs is considered too low. | Changing crops such as olives, figs, dates, pomegranate, etc. |
7. References and links
7.1 Methods/ sources of information
- interviews with land users
7 participating farmers
- interviews with SLM specialists/ experts
2 officers from Land Development Department
- Stakeholders, local government, and private company
2 officers from Siam Forestry Co., Ltd. and 1 officer from Sub-district Administration Organization
7.2 References to available publications
Title, author, year, ISBN:
Land Development Department
Available from where? Costs?
http://www.ldd.go.th/
7.3 Links to relevant information which is available online
Title/ description:
Planting Eucalyptus on rice bunds: Better way for the Northeast farmers
URL:
http://www.ldd.go.th/
Title/ description:
Eucalyptus : New opportunity by Siam Forestry
URL:
http://www.scgpackaging.com/others/forestry/eucalyptus/TH
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![Planting Eucalyptus on rice bunds to lower saline groundwater](/media/b8/b/b8b80958-e0be-4440-9920-1675591a5f41.jpg)
Planting Eucalyptus on rice bunds to lower saline … [Thailand]
Eucalyptus camaldulensis variety H4 is salt tolerant and has the ability to lower shallow saline groundwater levels; as a result salinity is controlled. Planting eucalyptus on one or two sides of the rice bund in an east-west direction (in single or double rows) at a spacing of 2 m between …
- Compiler: Areerat Wangkaew
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