Use of the Yasothon Soil Series for Agricultural Purposes in Northeast Thailand

Abstract

The Yasothon soil series which occurs on high terraces in Northeast Thailand, is derived from old alluvium. the top soil is deep (over 150 cm), sandy loam in texture and of low fertility. Cultivation of certain types of field crops can be undertaken under rainfed conditions with supplementary irrigation and the us eof appropriate fertilizers. To prevent the loss of top soil, uncultivated land should be sown to leguminous species such as Centrosema pubescens Benth., Phaseolus calcaratus Roxb. and Pueraria Phaseoloides Benth. When supplementary irrigation water is available the soil is suitable for tree fruit crops such as mangoes and sweet tamarind. The tree crops can be intercropped with selected crops including pineapple, pumpkin, melons and certain orther field crops, to increase farm incomes. A major problem relating to the use of the soil relates to the drought conditions which prevail in the dry season. Certain types of fast growing forest trees can be grown on the soil series including Casuarina junghuniana Mig., Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Azadiracht indica L. and Leucaena leucocephala. In situations where the soil has seriously deteriorated it is recommended that it be put down to pasture.