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

Abstract

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)