Effect of site-specific nutrients management on rice yield and economic return in Sikhoraphum District, Surin Province

Abstract

Site-specific nutrient management is a widely used technology that helps reduce the cost of crop production. The objective of this study was to determine the appropriate amount of chemical fertilizer for rice cultivation in the study area, utilizing the physical and chemical properties of the soil. This involved the application of site-specific nutrient management technology, also known as tailor-made fertilizer, and a thorough investigation into the yields achieved through rice production using this technology. The study was conducted in the rice-growing areas of Yang Subdistrict, Sikhoraphum District, Surin Province. Soil samples were collected from 50 rice fields and analyzed for their physical and chemical properties, including soil texture, pH, total nitrogen (Total N), available phosphorus (Available P), and exchangeable potassium (Exchangeable K). The study also examined rice production, costs, and economic returns during the 2021-2022 period. The results indicated that the soil belonged to the Roi Et soil series (Series Re) and had a silt loam texture, consisting of 20.78% sand particles, 70.09% silt particles, and 9.13% clay particles. Notably, the soil exhibited low nutrient levels, insufficient for optimal plant growth. To address this issue and improve the soil's chemical properties for rice cultivation, area-specific plant nutrient management or tailor-made fertilizers were recommended. The application of these customized fertilizers led to a 13.33% increase in rice yield and an 11.95% reduction in production costs. By adopting area-specific plant nutrient management, farmers could ensure that the soil contained sufficient nutrients for plant growth, resulting in higher yields, reduced production costs, and sustainable income increases.