Planting Eucalypts on Paddy Bunds, Along Fence Lines and in Front Backyards

Abstract

Applied research was carried out on the possibility and potential of planting eucalypts on paddy bunds, along fence lines and in front backyards to earn additional income for farmers. The study was carried out in 22 districts in Chachoengsao and Prachinburi provinces, with 660 farmers participating. A total of 84,700 eucalypt cuttings from the Cooperative Eu-Tech Co., Ltd were used.

The survival rate of the eucalypts planted was 78.54%, which was rather low compared with general eucalypt plantings. The fact that there were no significant differences in survival rates might have been due to the inability of farmers to plant the cuttings on schedule, which greatly influenced the tree survival rate. The average growth rate of eucalypts planted in backyards and along fence lines was not significantly different and was similar to the general growth rate for eucalypts planted by farmers. Consequently, these two practices had the potential to generate satisfactory extra income for farmers. The growth rate of eucalypts planted on paddy bunds was highly significantly different compared with the other two practices above. It also had potential to earn a higher level of extra income for farmers.

Therefore, these three practices were considered worthwhile for promotion throughout the country by both the Government and private sector. Where Leptocybe invasa disease outbreaks occurred in the early stages of eucalypt planting, affected farmers should contact forestry experts to receive the proper advice on insecticide spraying. Properly treated eucalypts could recover and show normal growth at age three years.

Keywords: eucalypts, front backyard, house’s fence line, paddy bunds