Traditional Cropping Systems Management in the Chiang Mai Valley

Abstract

Traditional multiple cropping practices of farmers in the Chiang Mai Valley were examined and compared in two villages, one in an area of fertile soils (Hang Dong district) and the other in an area of infertile soils (Ssan Pa Tong district).
In both willages rice was the main crop in teh wet season. When grown for home consumption. glutinous rice was grown, the main variety beign San Pa Tong, popular on account of its palatability. When grown for sale, non-glutinous rice was grown, the main variety beign RD 7, popular on account of its yield potential.
Most land was double cropped in both villages. Cool season crops included tobacco, soybean, chilli and cucumber. The selection of cool season crops was influenced by the type of wet season rice crop grown; tobacco, chili and cucumber often followed early varieties, while late varieties were often followed by soybean.
Weed management in rice fields differed with soil type. In the village located on fertile soils hand weeding of teh rice crop was usal; herbicides were more often used in teh village located on poor soils.
Soybean although popular on both villages, was more often a cool season second crop in the village on the more fertile soils. The sowing technique was similar in both situations, sowing taking place directly into the rice stubble.
Soybean lthough popular on both villages, was more often a cool sseason second crop in the village on the more fertile soils. The sowing technique was similar in both situations, sowing takin gplace directly into the rice stubble.
The rate of fertilizer application in the rice and soybean crops was similar in both village situations. However, concern about th esoil as reflected by soil problems often beign a subject of discussion, was greater in the village with poor soils than the village with fertile soils.