Products and Management of False Cardamom in Agroforestry System at Ta Moon Village, Sai Khao Sub-district, Soi Dao District, Chanthaburi Province.

Abstract

This research aimed to study cropping patterns and management of false cardamom at Ta Moon Village, Chanthaburi Province. Plant communities in agroforestry land use system of all 11 farmers who grew false cardamom were surveyed using sample plots sized of 100 m2. Owners of each plot were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Management practices and production of the cultivated land were analyzed comparatively. The results revealed that there were 5 cropping patterns of agroforestry land use with false cardamom namely: 1) combination with one perennial fruit plant, 2) combination with one fruit plant and banana, 3) combination with two fruit plants, 4) combination with two fruit plants and taro, and 5) combination with rubber tree. Management of agroforestry land use varied from one farmer to another. Common practices included planting, watering, weeding, trimming and harvesting. Products of false cardamom mean/rai 1,616 tree. Value of products for false cardamom and perennial plant mean/rai 21,270 baht. Cost of management for false cardamom and perennial plant mean/rai 5,223 baht. Profit for false cardamom and perennial plant mean/rai 16,047 baht.