Using Vetiver Grass to Improve Compact Hardpan Soil for Plant Cultivation Based on case study entitled : “Demonstrational Experiment on Improvement of Compact Hardpan Soil by Using Vetiver Grass for Purpose of Planting Various Tree Crops” Authored by : Aree Suwanchinda, from RCE Cha-am-Huay Sai Royal Development Study Center, Cha-am, Thailand Presented by : Dr. Sonjai Havanond, from the Sirindhorn International Environmental Park (SIEP), at Asia Regional Forum on Biodiversity, Cha-am, Thailand, November 2011 Although most parts of Thailand are river basin areas suitable for agriculture, some areas are dominated by compact hardpan soil. Its highly condensed soil composition with extremely low porosity makes this kind of soil unsuitable for plant cultivation. Such areas of compact hardpan soil are caused by high defacement of the soil resulting from deforestation. Lack of proper means for prevention and improper use of land also contribute to the creation of compact hardpan soil. If the issue of compact hardpan soil problem is not addressed, its coverage may expand and affect crop production or reduce biodiversity. If the problem is resolved, the soil quality will be 2 THE ASIA REGIONAL FORUM ON BIODIVERSITY improved, making it suitable for agriculture and thus enriching the well-being of Thai people. One of the strategies broached by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, which has also been the result of some research, is the use of the vetiver grass (Vetiveria spp.). This serves as a natural tool to improve the components of compact hardpan soil to allow air, water and micro-organisms to penetrate into the soil and make it suitable for plant cultivation. Experiments using vetiver grass to improve compact hardpan soil were conducted at Huay Sai Royal Development Study Center, Sampraya Sub-district, Cha-am District, Phetchaburi Province. Figure 1. Their Majesties the King and the Queen on a visit to Huay Sai Royal Development Study Center in Cha-am District, Phetchaburi Province on 3 April 1997.
In Celebration of His Majesty the King of Thailand’s 84th Birthday Anniversary
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