VRU Agricultural and Food Journal

Farmers’ Attitudes on Fallow Farm for Soil Maintenance and Continuous Farming in Lam Luk Ka District, Pathum Thani Province

Wanlapa Chaimat, Sireewan Ratsadornasai, Sirikorn Srithongkum — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The objectives of this research were 1) to study the attitudes and acceptance of farmers towards continuous rice farming and resting rice fields for soil improvement, and 2) to study the problems and collect suggestions from farmers towards continuous rice farming and resting rice fields for soil improvement. The sample group consisted of 200 farmers in Lam Luk Ka District, Pathum Thani Province, with non-resting rice farming and resting rice fields for soil improvement. The results of the survey research were as follows. Most of the farmers were male, at 71.50 percent and the average age ranged from 61 to 70 years at 57.50 percent. Most farmers graduated from elementary schools and had experience in rice cultivation in the range of 11-20 years. The number of workers in rice cultivation was mostly 2 people per household, which accounted for 43.50 percent of all households. The average number of permanent workers was 3 people, at 9 percent. The average number of temporary workers was 3 people, at 25 percent. Farmers had an average rice cultivation area between 21-30 rai, at 29 percent, with 82.50 percent of land being leased. The average yield of rice was in the range of 701-800 kilograms per rai, 54.50 percent. The average selling price of rice was 7.1-8 baht per kilogram. The average income from rice production was in the range of 4,501-5,500 baht per rai. The average expenditure on rice production was in the range of 4,001-5,000 baht per rai, representing 63 percent. 66.7 percent of farmers had knowledge in resting rice fields for soil improvement. The reasons why farmers reduced/stopped burning rice straw and stubble were as follows. Plowed rice straw and stubble could improve soil quality and add nutrients to the soil (mean attitude score 4.02). There were raw materials or methods that reduced the fermentation time to help decompose stubble and rice straw (mean 3.70). The production cost of rice and the production cost of plowing the stubble were cheaper than the cost of burning the stubble and rice straw (mean 3.59). The reasons farmers continue to burn stubble and rice straw were because the time for fermentation to decompose stubble and rice straw was long (mean 3.92), production cycles were accelerated to catch up with water and neighboring plots (mean 3.86), the burning destroyed weedy rice and weed (mean 3.82), and the cost of rice production were not different (mean 3.65). Therefore, for farmers who continue to burn rice stubble and straw, recommendations, advice, and training should be provided so that they gain understanding of the negative impacts of the burning of rice straw and stubble and the benefits of fallow rice farm in soil improvement. The farmers can thus apply the knowledge to improve their farming, reduce production costs, and sustainably utilize their lands.

Effects of Composting Rice Stubble in Rice Field Condition on Water Quality and Azolla Yields

Winakon Theerak, Sarun Atiganyanun — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The objective of this research is to study appropriate methods for azolla cultivation in rice field conditions. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design (CRD). Azolla was grown in 18 pits, comprised of three pits for each of 6 different growth methods. The cultivation was conducted three times, each spanning 10 days. The treatments were as follows. In treatment 1 (control), clean water without added nutrients was used as a growth medium. In treatment 2, 46% urea fertilizer was added to clean water and then used as a growth medium. In treatment 3 and 4, rice field soil and rice stubble compost were used respectively. In treatment 5, rice field soil was mixed with 46% urea fertilizer and used as a growth medium, while, in treatment 6, it was combined with rice stubble composted. Water quality factors, consisting of water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, total nitrogen content, and microorganism count, were measured before and after azolla cultivation. Azolla yield i.e., fresh and dry weight, were also quantified. The results prior to azolla cultivation showed that water temperature was not different (p>0.05) in all treatments. Treatment 6 had the lowest pH (p<0.05). Treatment 5 resulted in the highest electrical conductivity and total nitrogen content, followed by treatment 2 (p<0.01). Water in treatment 1 and 2 had the highest dissolved oxygen content (p<0.05). Treatment 6 led to the highest microorganism count, followed by treatment 3 (p<0.01). After the azolla cultivation, water temperature was similar in all treatments (p>0.05), while treatment 6 had the lowest pH (p<0.05). Treatment 6 also led to the highest electrical conductivity of water, followed by treatment 5 (p<0.01). Dissolved oxygen content was highest in treatment 1 and 2 (p<0.05). Treatment 5 had the highest nitrogen content, followed by treatment 6 (p<0.01). Treatment 6 produced the greatest microorganism count, followed by treatment 4 (p<0.01). The fresh weight of azolla under treatment 5 was highest, followed by treatment 6 (p<0.01). Treatment 5 and 6 also led to the greatest azolla dry weight (p<0.01). Correlation analysis revealed that water temperature, total nitrogen content, electrical conductivity, and microorganism count were positively associated with azolla yields. In conclusion, the treatment with rice field soil and urea fertilizer provided the best fresh weight of azolla. Nevertheless, the treatment with rice stubble compost and rice field soil led to the highest dry weight of azolla similar to the rice field soil and urea fertilizer treatment. Therefore, the use of rice stubble compost is suitable for promoting azolla growth in rice fields. Such use could be an environmentally friendly alternative to burning rice stubbles that farmers often conduct if this use is adapted to each farmer’s situation.

Effect of Suitable Rate of Pelletized Chicken manure for Sesame Production in Organic Paddy Fields

Siriluk Somnuek, Bunleua Srimungkun — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The cultivation of sesame in organic systems under paddy field conditions is currently limited by data on the appropriate use of organic fertilizers as a replacement for chemical fertilizers. This research aims to investigate the suitable rate of pelletized chicken manure application for sesame production to achieve high seed yields and improve the benefit-cost ratios (BCR). This study was conducted at the Ubon Ratchathani Field Crops Research Center, Ubon Ratchathani Province, during 2022-2023. The experiment was designed using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 7 treatments and 3 replications. The treatments included a control without pelletized chicken manure and the applications at rates of 200 400 600 800 1,000 and 1,200 kilogram per rai. In 2024, three fertilizer application methods that provide optimal sesame seed yields and BCR will be selected. Each method will be tested in large-scale organic paddy fields owned by farmers, compared to a control without organic fertilizer application. The results indicated that the application of pelletized chicken manure in each treatment did not result in statistically significant differences in sesame yield or its components. The production cost of sesame ranged from 2,600 to 6,560 baht per rai. Based on the results of this study, the application rate of 600 kilograms of pelletized chicken manure per rai is recommended as the most suitable rate and worth of investment.

Selection of Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz Cultivars with High Yield and Beta-Carotene Content in The Lower Northern Region

Nuntana Boonsanong, Jiraporn Ketwaraporn, Warapong Pirabun — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Selection of indian trumpet flower (Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz) cultivars for high-yield and beta-carotene content in the Lower Northern Region. Objective: To select indian trumpet flower cultivars with high yield and high beta-carotene content. Using a randomized complete block design of 4 replications, 3 plants per replication, 9 treatments, indian trumpet flower cultivars STI-1, STI-2, STI-3, STI-4, STI-5, STI-6, STI-7, UTT-1 and PCT-1. Conducted at Uttaradit Agricultural Research and Development Center from October 2022 to September 2024. Growth studies revealed that the STI-3 strain of indian trumpet flower had the lowest height in the first year, measuring 2.71 meters. And in the second year, the STI-7 variety of indian trumpet flower measured 3.86 meters. In the first year, the STI-2 variety of indian trumpet flower had the widest base circumference, measuring 28.44 centimeters. In the second year, the STI-3 variety of indian trumpet flower had the widest base circumference, measuring 47.08 centimeters. In terms of fresh pod weight, the STI-2 variety of indian trumpet flower showed the highest pod weight, measuring 428.8 grams per pod. There was no statistically significant STI-7 variety, which yielded a pod weight of 427.0 grams. However, there was a statistically significant difference compared to other strains. The STI-7 variety of indian trumpet flower yielded the highest yield per plant, at 15.0 kg. There was no statistically significant difference in yield per tree between STI-5 and UTT-1 indian trumpet flower varieties, with yields of 14.1 kilograms and 14.0 kilograms, there was a statistically significant difference in yield per tree with the STI-2 indian trumpet flower variety, which averaged 10.9 kilograms, and indian trumpet flower varieties STI-6, STI-4, PCT-1, STI-3, and STI-1 yielded average production per plant of 8.74, 8.09, 7.28, 6.65, and 5.06 kilograms, respectively. Beta-carotene content, indian trumpet flower varieties STI-3 was found to have the highest beta-carotene content at 983.66 µg/100g, followed by indian trumpet flower varieties STI-4, PCT-1, UTT-1, STI-6, STI-7, STI-5, STI-1, and STI-2, which had beta-carotene contents of 748.93, 710.61, 697.31, 618.91, 587.15, 549.69, 452.33 and 444.89 µg/100g, respectively.

The Effect of Integrating Organic and Chemical Fertilizers on the Yield Enhancement of Arabica Coffee

Tipawan Kaewnoo, Varis Khaenkhong, Srisuda Reuncharoen, Patimaporn Jinjakam — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The use of organic fertilizers combined with chemical fertilizers is a form of integrated fertilization that can enhance plant production efficiency. It helps plants grow well and produce high-quality yields. The application of organic fertilizers improves soil fertility, making the soil more suitable for plant growth, thus allowing plants to better absorb nutrients from chemical fertilizers. This experiment aimed to study the effect of integrating organic and chemical fertilizers on the yield enhancement of Arabica Coffee. A Split plot experimental design with three replications was used, consisting of the main factor, which was chemical fertilizers at 4 levels: 0 (no chemical and organic fertilizer), 100% of the recommended rate (220-92-45 g N-P₂O₅-K₂O per plant), 75% of the recommended rate (165-69-34 g N-P₂O₅-K₂O per plant), and 50% of the recommended rate (110-46-23 g N-P₂O₅-K₂O per plant). The secondary factor was organic fertilizer (cow manure) at 5 levels: 0, 1.25, 2.5, 5, and 10 kg per plant. The results showed that integrating organic and chemical fertilizers to increase the yield of Arabica coffee. Using organic fertilizer at 5 kg of per plant combined with chemical fertilizer rate 220-92-45 g N-P₂O₅-K₂O per plant resulted in the highest yield of Arabica coffee, with a value of 1,130.60 kg per rai, significantly higher than other treatments. Additionally, this combination also resulted in the highest net profit, which amounted to 19,846.26 baht per rai.

The Appropriate of Fruit Setting on Organic Sapodilla Production in Sukhothai Province

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The Fruit setting of organic sapodilla product aimed to increase the production efficiency and quality of sapodilla products for value creation. It was conducted in the sapodilla. Famer’s plot in Thatong Subdistrict, Sawankaloke District Sukhothai Province. Between October 2022 to September 2024. Plan an experiment like Randomize Complete Block Design (RCBD) consisting of 6 methods 4 replication. Rate of impact on trees 200 250 300 350 400 and No effect amount control (METHOD OF COMPARISON). The results of an experiment be found out There is no statistical difference in productivity per tree, with a productivity per tree ranging from 12.7 to 21.9 kilograms per tree. The fruit setting is 250 give maximum yield weight per tree of 21.9 kilograms. The amount affects the weight of kilogram be found out There is a significant statistical difference. A fruit setting the 400 fruits rate the number of fruits has an effect on kilogram the largest number of effects on the weight of kilogram is 13.8 fruit. Weight per effect It was found that there was a statistical difference by a margin of 250 and 300 fruit. The maximum weight per effect is 47.40 and 48.23 grams. respectively. Fruit width It was found that there was no statistical difference with an effect width between 3.83 to 4.05 centimeters.in the rate of 300 fruit. The maximum effect width is 4.05 centimeters. Effect Length It was found that there was no statistical difference with an effect length between 4.88 to 5.15 centimeters. With a rate of 300 effect on the tree the maximum effect length is 5.15 centimeters. The Sweetness percentage there was found to a statistical difference with the fruits rate of 250 have the least sweetness. 20.08 brix while the fruit rate 300 fruits has the highest value 21.28 Brix. The different rates of fruit retention resulted in larger fruit size than those without controlling the number of fruits, which will be a guideline for product quality fruit to produce fruit of the size that meets consumer demand and meets export standards and will increase income for farmers product fruit in the future. The retention of 300 and 400 fruits per tree tends to produce fewer fruits per kilogram than other rates, at 14.5 and 13.8 fruits per kilogram. The retention of 250 and 300 fruits per tree gave the highest weight of fruit at 47.4 and 48.2 grams per fruit

Effect of Paclobutrazol on the Growth of Cassava (Rayong 86-13) under Tissue Culture for Greenhouses Transplanting

Kulachart Nakchantuk, Suwaluk Sansanee, Narachai Phosan, Nantawan Nakchantuk — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The objective of this experiment is to effects of paclobutrazol on the growth of cassava (Rayong 86-13) under tissue culture for seedling preparation, as well as the growth after transplantation to the greenhouse at the Rayong Field Crops Research Center. This experiment was designed as a CRD with 4 replications. The experimental factors were 5 levels of paclobutrazol (PBZ) concentrations: 0, 4, 8, 12, and 16 ppm. It was found that when cassava seedlings were grown in medium supplemented with paclobutrazol (PBZ) for 14 days and then grown in normal root induction medium. The average percentage of seedling survival at 7 days after transplantation at paclobutrazol (PBZ) concentrations of 0, 4, 8, 12, and 16 ppm were 100, 94, 92, 86, and 83 percent, respectively, but there was not significantly difference . When the height was 56 days of transplantation, the method that not previously treated with PBZ had the highest height, which was 3.98 centimeters, and when transplanted into a greenhouse from 14-56 days after transplanting. The PBZ concentrations of 4 and 8 ppm gave the highest height growth, with the heights at 56 days after transplanting being 8.98 and 8.89 cm, respectively. At 90 days, the samples were weighed fresh and dry (tree and root parts). It was found that all treatments were not significantly different. Therefore, adding paclobutrazol at a concentration of 4 ppm to the root induction medium for 14 days before transplanting into the normal root induction medium will enhance the growth of seedlings in the greenhouse.

Evaluation of Plant Spacing on Growth and Yield Performance of the Cotton Elite Line

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The growth and yield of cotton are influenced by several factors, including variety, environmental conditions, and management practices such as soil, water, fertilizer, weed, and pest control. Plant spacing, or plant population, is another critical factor that directly affects yield. This study aimed to determine the optimal planting spacing for the cotton elite line V1/TF86-8-B-B-B-47B to achieve high yield and good fiber quality. The field e×periment was conducted at the Nakhon Sawan Field Crops Research Center from June to December 2023 and was arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with five replications. The treatments consisted of four planting spacings: 1) 1.00 × 0.50 meters, 2) 1.25 × 0.50 meters, 3) 1.50 × 0.50 meters, and 4) 1.75 × 0.50 meters. The results showed no statistically significant differences among the treatments in terms of plant height, number of sympodial branches, and number of fruiting branches per plant. However, seed cotton yield was highest at the closest spacing of 1.00 × 0.50 meters, with an average yield of 695 kilograms per rai, followed by 1.25 × 0.50 meters, which yielded 628 kilograms per rai. Fiber quality was found to be similar across all spacing treatments. Therefore, the optimal planting spacing for the cotton elite line V1/TF86-8-B-B-B-47B is 1.00 × 0.50 meters, equivalent to a plant population of 3,200 plants per rai.

Development of Vanilla Waffle Product from Edible Cassava Flour

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Edible cassava can be processed into flour, which is a gluten-free flour and can be used to replace wheat flour in various bakery products. The purpose of this research was to study the effects of using 100% edible cassava flour of 5 elite lines/variety including OMRE62-04-20, OMRE62-04-28, OMRE62-04-54, OMRE62-09-01 elite lines and Hanatee variety compared with 100% wheat flour in vanilla waffle products. The sensory test by using the 9-point hedonic scale of 50 panelists and texture analysis by using texture analyzer. The results found that the sensory test score of vanilla waffle from 5 types of edible cassava flour showed similar values to wheat flour. In addition, all of edible cassava flour was not significantly different with wheat flour in 5 characteristics including color, odor, taste, texture and overall acceptability out of all 6 characteristics (P<0.05). While, the results of the texture analysis showed that wheat flour had the highest hardness, gumminess values and was significantly different with the 5 types of edible cassava flour in hardness values (P<0.01). Therefore, all of edible cassava flour can be used to substitute 100% of wheat flour in vanilla waffle product.

Evaluation of Promising Hybrid Field Maize Varieties under Paddy Field Condition in Ubon Ratchathani and Si Sa Ket Provinces

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the elite line hybrid maize varieties under high-yielding paddy field conditions suitable for the planting season. The study was conducted in Ubon Ratchathani and Si Sa Ket provinces. The experimental design used was a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications, including six hybrid maize varieties: NSX152067, NSX152097, NSX202002, NSX172017, Pac789, and DOA Nakhon Sawan 5. Combined analysis of variance for the six hybrid maize varieties across the four environments found that no statistically significant differences among varieties and environment and no interaction between varieties and environment. The variability of yield is a result of the influence of varieties (genotype). The comparing the mean yields across the four environments, Pac789 showed the highest yield, showing a statistically significant difference compared to the other five varieties/lines. However, there were no significant differences among the varieties/lines. Pac789 consistently produced high yields across all environments, while DOA Nakhon Sawan 5 and the elite line NSX152067 showed a trend to high yield performance. Therefore, these three varieties are recommended for dry season varieties in paddy fields in Ubon Ratchathani and Si Sa Ket provinces.