Khon Kaen Agriculture Journal

Use of black soldier fly larvae to replace soybean meal on feed intake, growth performance, nutrients digestibility and blood metabolites in Anglo-Nubian crossbred male goats

Aneesah Ausengmakeh — 2025-10-15

This study aimed to evaluate Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) as a replacement for soybean meal (SBM) combined with fermented corn silage, in 6-month-old male crossbred Anglo-Nubian goats with an average body weight of 20 ± 2.67 kg. Twelve goats were used in the experiment, divided into 3 treatments with 4 replicates each, consisting of concentrate feeds with BSFL replacing SBM at levels of 0%, 10%, and 20%. A completely randomized design (CRD) was employed for the experimental layout. The experimental results showed that goats receiving 10 and 20% BSFL replacement of SBM had the highest concentrate feed intake (P<0.05) at 1.67 and 1.60%BW. Additionally, goats receiving BSFL replacement of SBM at 10% and 20% levels showed significantly higher body weight gain and average daily growth rate (90 and 80 g/d) compared to the control group (P<0.05). The protein digestibility coefficient decreased in the groups supplemented with 10% and 20% BSFL. Conversely, the digestibility coefficients of fat and lignocellulose in these groups were significantly higher than in the other groups (P<0.05). No differences were found in the digestibility coefficients of crude fiber and neutral detergent fiber components. White blood cell counts in the control group were significantly higher than those in the groups receiving BSFL (P < 0.05), Furthermore, Hemoglobin, hematocrit, blood glucose and blood urea nitrogen values showed no statistical differences. Therefore, BSFL can be used as an alternative protein source to replace SBM at levels of 20% without affecting digestibility, average daily gain and health of goats.

The use of feed raw materials from corn and rice planted in soil mixed with flue-gas desulfurization gypsum in broiler diet

Tonglian Buwjoom — 2025-10-15

The study on the effect of feed raw materials from corn and rice planted in soil mixed with flue-gas desulfurization gypsum in broiler diet, was conducted in 144 male newly hatched broiler chicks with the group T-test separated into 2 experimental groups, 6 replicates of 12 chicks.Group 1, the chickens were fed a control diet without feed raw materials from corn and rice planting in soil mixed with flue-gas desulfurization gypsum (Control). Group 2, the chicks were fed diets containing feed raw materials from corn and rice planting in soil mixed with flue-gas desulfurization gypsum (Gypsum). The experimental period was 5 weeks. The nutrient compositions of corn, broken rice and rice bran were analyzed. The growth performance, carcass and meat quality, heavy metal residues in breast meat and blood chemistry were observed. The results showed that the protein content in the corn and broken rice was lower than that of the general corn meal and broken rice, and the protein content in the rice bran was not different from that of the general rice bran. The growth performance, carcass quality, meat quality and blood chemistry showed no significant difference (P>0.05). The heavy metal residues in breast meat were not found in both groups. Therefore, corn and rice planted in soil mixed with flue-gas desulfurization gypsum can be considered safe and viable sources of raw materials for animal feed.

Efficiency of natural rubber serum fermented with Bacillus aryabhattai (CKNJh11) as a bio-extract in water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica Forssk.)

Orathai Dangsawat — 2025-10-15

This research aims to study the effects of fermented natural rubber serum with bacteria and its application in promoting plant growth. The natural rubber serum was fermented with Bacillus aryabhattai (CKNJh11) at 37°C and then tested for its effectiveness in enhancing the growth of water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica Forssk.). The experiment included treatments with unfermented natural rubber serum, natural rubber serum fermented with bacteria for 7, 14, 21, and 30 days, a positive control using chemical fertilizer (25-7-7), and a negative control without fertilizer application. The results showed that B. aryabhattai (CKNJh11) was able to grow and increase in number in the natural rubber serum. On days 7 and 14, the bacterial population was recorded at 2.5 × 10⁶ and 5.0 × 10⁷CFU/ml, respectively. However, the bacterial population declined on days 21 and 30, reaching 1.0 × 10⁶and 4.0 × 10³ CFU/ml, respectively. When the fermented natural rubber serum was applied to water spinach, the treatment with natural rubber serum fermented for 14 days resulted in the highest growth rate. The average stem height, stem circumference, and root length were 36.38, 2.80, and 32.02 cm, respectively, with an average leaf number of 11.11 leaves. In contrast, the treatment with unfermented natural rubber serum showed the lowest growth rate, with an average stem height and root length of 21.98 and 18.46 cm, respectively, and an average leaf number of 6.44 leaves. These findings suggest that natural rubber serum fermented with B. aryabhattai (CKNJh11) for 14 days can effectively promote the growth of water spinach and serve as a potential biofertilizer for agricultural applications in the future.

Quality of vermicompost from sheep dung and sheep dung compost and effect of their use on vegetative plant cultivation

Issariyaporn Damrongrak — 2025-10-15

Vermicompost is widely used for planting. However, the cost is higher than that of using general compost. Presently, ruminant animal excrement is widely used for vermicompost production. This research aimed to compare the quality of sheep dung vermicompost (SdV) and sheep dung compost (SdC) and to prove the effect of the application of these fertilizers for growing tomatoes and Chinese kale. A completely randomized design with 6 treatments was used. The treatments concluded SdV application (T1), SdV with nitrogen equal to using chemical fertilizer (T2), SdV+chemical fertilizer (ChF) (T3), SdC (T4), SdC + ChF (T5), and ChF (T6). The rates of SdV and SdC were calculated based on 4,000 kg/rai, whereas 46-0-0 and 15-15-15 were applied at the rate of 100 kg/rai. The results showed that SdV gave available forms of macronutrients higher than those in SdC, whereas the concentration of micronutrients was lower, except for extractable Fe. The application of fertilizers to produce vegetable crops showed that the SdV +ChF treatment gave higher growth and yield of tomatoes than other treatments. Using sole ChF gave the lowest growth and yield. Growing Chinese kale, which is a leaf edible and short-life vegetable, by using SdV or SdC together with ChF, or sole ChF gave a higher yield than using them solely. Thus, SdV should be applied together with ChF to produce vegetable crops. In the case of organic production, it must apply vermicompost of more than 4,000 kg/rai, which might not reach the economic gain.

Evaluation of food loss in iceberg lettuce production across different growing seasons: A case study in Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai Province

Natchalaphat Taichan — 2025-10-15

This research aims to evaluate losses in iceberg lettuce production across different seasons through a case study in Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai Province. Data were collected from farmers’ planting plots under the supervision of the Mae Hae Royal Project Development Center. The data collection was divided into three seasons: summer, rainy, and winter. Each season, data were collected from 10 farmers, totaling 30 farmers. Data were analyzed using a completely randomized design (CRD). The results showed that the average weight per plant before and after trimming lettuce, the total yield weight before trimming per rai, and the total yield weight after trimming per rai were the highest in winter, followed by summer and the rainy season, respectively. Moreover, it was found that the winter season had the highest expected biological yield, which was not different from the summer season. In contrast, the rainy season had the least expected biological yield. However, the total weight of unharvested plants in the three seasons was not different. The parts that were trimmed off included the stems, roots, and leaves. There was no difference in the amount of trimming between summer and winter, with both seasons showing higher amounts of trimming compared to the rainy season. When classifying the causes of damage to the trimmed leaves, it was found that the most common cause of leaf damage in each season was overmature leaves. Additionally, it was found that during the rainy season, the highest number of leaves were trimmed due to leaf spot symptoms compared to other seasons. Regarding the percentage of loss, it was found that the summer season had the highest tendency of loss during cultivation, equaling 12.28±2.40%. Meanwhile, the rainy season had the highest tendency amount of trimming during harvesting, equaling 38.79±1.19%. However, it was found that the percentage of

Effects of canopy management and fertilization on robusta coffee’s growth and bean

Sudanai Krualee — 2025-10-15

Robusta coffee is an important economic crop. However, limited knowledge among farmers regarding appropriate fertilizer management and canopy pruning practices often results in suboptimal yield and quality, falling short of market demands. One key reason is that most coffee farmers lack knowledge of proper fertilizer management and canopy pruning techniques. Therefore, appropriate management methods are necessary to enhance production efficiency and improve coffee quality. This study aimed to determine suitable canopy management practices and fertilizer application rates for the growth and yield of robusta coffee. The experiment was conducted in a farmer’s field in Si Khit subdistrict, Sichon district, Nakhon Si Thammarat province, using a factorial experiment in a completely randomized design (CRD). The study consisted of two factors. The first factor comprised management, which included (1) no pruning, (2) pruning, and (3) bending. The second factor was composed of nutrient management, which included the following fertilizer applications (1) N:P₂O₅:K₂O at 0.5:0.06:0.5 kg/tree, (2) N:P₂O₅:K₂O at 0.5:0.06:1.0 kg/tree, and (3) N:P₂O₅:K₂O at 0.5:0.06:1.5 kg/tree. The experiment was conducted on 4-year-old coffee trees. Growth and yield characteristics were monitored over a period of one year. The results of this experiment indicated that pruning combined with proper fertilizer application enhances coffee yield by optimizing tree structure for better light and nutrient absorption. This leads to improved growth, strength, and fruit production. As yield increases, farmers can supply more to the market, meeting demand and contributing to economic stability.

Production systems, marketing, and extension strategies for lychee of the Large-Scale Lychee Farmer Group (NP 1), a Geographical Indication (GI) product of Nakhon Phanom Province

Charapas Tongklan — 2025-10-15

This study aims to describe the production and marketing system of lychee in the large-scale lychee farming group in Kham Thao Subdistrict, Mueang Nakhon Phanom District, Nakhon Phanom Province. It also seeks to identify challenges and propose strategies for Extension lychee cultivation among large-scale lychee farmers. Data on lychee production were collected from November 2022 to October 2023 through structured interviews with 51 lychee growers in the large-scale farming group (NP 1), as well as three key informants, including lychee collectors, lychee product processors, and middlemen. Additionally, a community forum was conducted with 20 stakeholders from relevant organizations. The findings reveal that the lychee production system in Nakhon Phanom can be classified into three main types: (1) fresh lychee production, (2) lychee sapling production, and (3) lychee blossom honey production. The marketing system can be categorized into three primary channels: (1) direct sales from farmers to consumers, (2) sales through the large-scale farming group, and (3) sales through middlemen. The marketing of lychee saplings follows two main channels: (1) sales through collectors and (2) direct sales from orchards or nurseries. Meanwhile, the marketing of lychee blossom honey is primarily conducted through two channels: (1) sales to orchard owners or government agencies and (2) sales to honey processing and packaging factories. Key strategies for Extension lychee production in Nakhon Phanom include: (1) developing a premium lychee brand to enhance value and competitiveness, (2) leveraging government support policies to strengthen farmers' capacity, (3) expanding processed lychee products to increase market opportunities, (4) enhancing lychee differentiation and credibility to improve market competitiveness, (5) reducing production costs and diversifying marketing channels to mitigate price fluctuations, and (6) improving knowledge and skills in pest control to maintain product quality.

Effects of Leucaena leucocephala leaf bio-extract, chicken manure, and chemical fertilizer on growth and yield of sweet corn

Paiboon Muymas — 2025-10-15

Leucaena leucocephala leaf bio-extract and chicken manure rice with husk are rich in nutrients beneficial to plants. If it is used in agriculture or as a substitute for chemical fertilizers, it may help bring about yield improvement and reduce the production cost of sweet corn. This research aimed to study the effects of Leucaena leucocephala leaf bio-extract (LB), chicken manure mixed with rice husk, and chemical fertilizer on the growth, yield quantity, and quality of sweet corns. The completely randomized design (CRD) under greenhouse condition comprised Treatment 1: no fertilizer applied (T1: control), Treatment 2: top dressing with chemical fertilizer at 50 kg/rai (T2: Formula 15-15-15 at 50 kg/rai followed by Formula 8-24-24 at 50kg/rai), Treatment 3: the application of chemical fertilizer as in T2 along with LB spraying (diluted at a ratio of 60 mL/1 L of water) at a volume of 1 L/plant (T3), Treatment 4: LB spraying applied solely at 60 mL/1 L of water at a volume of 1 L/plant (T4), and Treatment 5: top dressing with chicken manure mixed with rice husk applied solely at 500 kg/rai (T5). Results showed that T3 plants exhibited the highest figures of leaf count, leaf width, leaf length, ear count, fresh weight with husk, fresh weight without husk and number of seeds/ear. The highest seed sweetness levels were observed in T3 and T5, whereas the stem heights, ear diameters, and seed counts of T3 and T5 were not significantly different from those of T2. Therefore, this research showed that the substitution of chemical fertilizer with chicken manure mixed with rice husk not only resulted in a comparable yield but also improved the corn sweetness. The application of LB in conjunction with chemical fertilizer yielded corns with comparable sweetness levels to those of corns grown with chicken manure/rice husk top

Extension of biotechnology substance utilization for fruit plantation by farmers in Nakhon Nayok province

Thanyaporn Saikrasoon — 2025-10-15

The objectives of this research were to study (1) personal and socio-economic situations of farmers,
(2) situations and management of fruit plantation by farmers, (3) biotechnology substance knowledge and utilization of farmers, (4) reception by farmers in biotechnology substance extension, (5)extension needs in biotechnology substance utilization of farmers, and (6) extension guideline of biotechnology substance utilization for fruit plantation by farmers. This was a survey research study, the samples included 140 fruit farmers who were collaboative farm members in Nakhon Nayok Province. The data were collected by using a structured interview form and analyzed to determine frequency, percentage, mean, maximum value, minimum value, standard deviation, and analysis of internal and external environments by using SWOT Analysis and TOWS Matrix. The research findings showed that (1) farmers were an average of 58.99 years old and had finished primary education. They had an average of 3.52 household members and 2.09 laborers to work in 13.33 rai of farming area. They had an average of 18.22 years of experience in fruit plantation. (2) They had an average of 4.85 rai for total fruit plantation, while an average of the producing area was 3.96 rai. The plantation featured a mix of fruit varieties, with the main crop being Marian plum. Fertilizers were applied by using both organic and chemical fertilizers. A sprinkler system was used for watering and pruning was done after harvesting. An average income from selling fruits in the previous year was 94,577.14 baht, while an average expense was 25,338.18 baht. (3) Farmers had knowledge of biotechnology substances at a moderate level (50.71% of them), while the utilization as a whole was stated at a low level (average = 1.65). (4) They had received an extension of biotechnology substance at a moderate level (average = 2.10). (5) Farmers needs in extension of

Assessment of selected soil properties across different land suitability classes for rice yield potential in northern Thailand

Pitchanan Kanghae — 2025-10-15

Rice yield in northern Thailand remains relatively low despite being supported by agricultural zoning policies that aim to promote land use based on the potential of each area. Continuous rice cultivation without proper soil management has led to soil property limitations that affect rice production potential. This study aimed to assess rice production potential in areas classified as highly suitable (S1) and moderately suitable (S2) across eight provinces in northern Thailand. Key soil properties were analyzed, rice yields were compared by variety and soil texture, and preliminary correlations between soil properties and rice yield were explored. Data were collected from 318 paddy fields during the 2021 wet season. The results showed that the majority of soil types were sandy loam, which is coarse-textured and inherently low in fertility. Available phosphorus ranged from low to moderately low, exchangeable potassium was at moderate to low levels, and soil pH ranged from strongly to moderately acidic. A discrepancy was found between actual soil properties and their assigned land suitability classes. While S1 areas showed high potential for rice production, some fields still yielded poorly. Conversely, S2 areas had moderate average yields but a higher proportion of low- and very low-yielding fields. The rice variety Sanpatong 1 yielded the highest in S1 areas, while RD6 and KDML105 performed better in S2 areas. These findings suggest that enhancing rice productivity requires field-level soil sampling and chemical analysis to enable site-specific fertilizer management. Moreover, integrating macro-scale land suitability maps with field-based data will support more precise and sustainable land management for rice production.

Land utilization efficiency after rice harvesting follows mungbean cultivation on fertility improvement of paddy soil, rice yield and economic benefit return under organic production: Case Study Sikhoraphum District Surin Province

Puchong Suphakwarangkun — 2025-10-15

Farmers in Surin Province face challenges such as soil infertility, declining crop yields, and rising production costs. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of post-rice mungbean cultivation under an organic farming system on soil fertility, rice yield, economic returns, and land use efficiency during the 2023-2024 growing season. Data was collected through interviews. The results showed that many farmers were female (65.45%), with males making up 34.55%. The average age of the farmers was 57 years, with 54.55% of respondents being in this age group. The majority (81.82%) completed primary education, and 81.82% had more than 10 years of experience in organic farming. The findings on land use efficiency indicated that post-rice legume cultivation significantly increased soil organic carbon (SOC = 2.50%) (P<0.05). Additionally, it enhanced soil chemical properties, including total nitrogen, available phosphorus, and exchangeable potassium. The yield of Khao Dawk Mali 105 rice under organic management ranged from 339.33 to 397.11 kg/rai. The yield from Khao Dawk Mali 105 followed by post-rice legume cultivation (397.11 kg/rai) was higher than that of Khao Dawk Mali 105 monoculture (339.33 kg/rai). The Land Equivalent Ratio (LER) for organic rice followed by post-rice legume cultivation was 2.68, indicating efficient land use. Post-rice legume cultivation not only improved soil fertility but also reduced production costs (1,916 THB/rai) and increased profits (2,758 THB/rai) compared to organic rice monoculture (production costs of 2,145 THB/rai and profits of 1,327 THB/rai)

Monitoring of Khao Hom mali Thoung samrit growth using UAV and vegetation indices

Wassana Phanurak — 2025-10-15

The production of Khao Hom Mali Thoung samrit, a geographically indicated rice variety in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand, is constrained by limitations in yield and field management efficiency. Timely and accurate monitoring of rice growth stages is essential to support precision agriculture. This study investigated the growth of rice at the tillering, booting, and heading stages by integrating aerial imagery from an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) with vegetation indices, namely, the Green-Red Vegetation Index (GRVI), Visible Difference Vegetation Index (VDVI), and Excess Green Index (ExG), along with rice clump height measurements in field plots. A DJI Phantom 3 Professional UAV was deployed to capture high-resolution imagery, which was processed using Agisoft Metashape to generate orthomosaic maps and compute vegetation indices. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was employed to investigate the multivariate relationships between the vegetation indices and plant height across growth stages. Results indicated that GRVI, VDVI, and ExG reached their peak values during the tillering stage, corresponding to vigorous vegetative development and high chlorophyll content. These indices declined in subsequent stages, reflecting physiological transitions in the plants. PCA revealed that the first two components accounted for 90.21% of the total variance, with PC1 strongly associated with vegetation indices and PC2 inversely correlated with plant height. The findings underscore the potential of UAV-based remote sensing and RGB-derived indices as practical and cost-effective tools for assessing rice crop development, supporting more targeted and sustainable field interventions.

Development of DNA markers associated with early heading date in F2 populations of RD41 rice variety and KDML 105 photoperiod-insensitive, semi-dwarf rice line. (KDML 105-PISD)

Anuchida Wongchuen — 2025-10-15

The heading date of rice is a key trait affecting its adaptation and growing season. It is regulated by multiple genetic loci and influenced by environmental factors, especially photoperiod length. This study aimed to develop DNA markers associated with an early heading date in an F₂ population derived from a cross between the RD41 rice variety and the photoperiod-insensitive, semi-dwarf KDML 105-PISD rice line. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed on the female and male parent rice cultivars to analyze and identify variations in single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertion/deletion (InDel) positions within the exons of genes involved in controlling heading date at 56 loci. A set of 20 gene markers was identified and developed, enabling a clear distinction between the homozygous alleles of either the female or male parent and the heterozygous alleles combining alleles from both parents. DNA markers were subsequently used to establish a correlation with the early heading date of the F₂ population under both NLD and NSD conditions. Through the simple regression analysis, it was observed that the genotypes of DNA markers located at the RFT1 gene exhibited the highest relationship with the early heading date, achieving the coefficient of determination (R-squared; R²) value of 36.52% in NLD and
17.88% in NSD. Analyzed by the multiple regression method, between DNA markers and early heading date, it was found that the genotypes of DNA markers of the RFT1, Hd2, OsDof12 and OsCOL9 genes model were related with early heading date, the R² value was 61.06% in NLD. While the genotypes of DNA markers of RFT1, Hd6, OsCOL9 and OsDof12 genes model were related to early heading date, the R² value was 44.54% in NSD. The identified DNA markers can improve breeding efficiency for early heading rice when combined with conventional methods.

Opinions of rice farmer toward organic rice production in Bang Nam Priao District, Chachoengsao Province

Sutapat Nuynun — 2025-10-15

The objective of this research is to study factors affecting opinions of rice farmers towards organic rice production in Bang Nam Priao District, Chachoengsao Province. The sample group consists of 383 rice farming households, calculated using the Taro Yamane formula with a sampling error of 0.05. Data for the research were collected through interview schedules and analyzed using descriptive statistics and stepwise multiple regression hypothesis testing. The result showed that most of the farmers were male with an average age of 58.46 years. Graduated from Primary education. They had 29.60 years of experience in rice farming, and an average rice cultivation area of 25.06 rai. In the 2023/24 rice cultivation season, farmers had an average income from rice farming of 195,236.29 baht per household, and an average expenditure of 103,779.37 baht per household. Most farmers are members of agricultural groups or organizations, but they do not receive information about organic rice production, and have not received training in organic rice production. The overall level of farmers' opinions regarding organic rice production was high (mean 3.95). The hypothesis testing results revealed that education level, exposure to information through online and personal media, had a statistically significant positive correlation with the opinion level of rice farmers towards organic rice production at the 0.01 level. The research recommendations include 1) There should be continuous promotion of understanding of organic rice production to farmers, with an emphasis on practical training workshops and the establishment of demonstration plots. 2) Increase the dissemination and sharing of knowledge or examples of organic rice production through personal media and online media and 3) Relevant organizations, such as the Rice Research Center and District Agricultural Office, should continuously provide farmers with information about the production and marketing of organic rice products. This will ensure that farmers receive the

Properties of resistant starch from cassava flour cv. Rayong 9 by acid hydrolysis

Chalermwoot Sompark — 2025-10-15

Modification of starch to enhance resistant starch (RS) content has attracted growing interest because of its health benefits. Acid hydrolysis is considered a simple, safe, and scalable approach applicable to both smallholder and industrial production. However, its effectiveness in cassava flour remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the potential of organic acid hydrolysis to produce RS-enriched cassava flour and evaluate its physicochemical properties for application in health-promoting food products. Cassava flours from three varieties recommended by the Department of Agriculture (Rayong 9, Rayong 11, and Rayong 15) were analyzed for yield, nutritional composition, and RS content. Rayong 9 exhibited the highest flour yield (28.60%), amylose content (26.27%), and RS content (3.84%). To further increase RS levels, Rayong 9 cassava flour was treated with citric acid and acetic acid at concentrations of 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 M for 24 hours, compared with a control (distilled water). Treatments with 1.5–2.0 M acid slightly increased RS content, but the change was not statistically significant. Acid-hydrolyzed samples showed increased glossiness and brightness but reduced viscosity. Scanning electron microscopy revealed rougher starch granule surfaces compared to the control. Overall, the results indicate that organic acid hydrolysis is ineffective for enhancing RS content in cassava flour cv. Rayong 9, suggesting that alternative modification methods such as enzymatic or heat–moisture treatments should be further explored.