Rice Production Potential Zoning of Phrae and Nan Provinces

Abstract

In a small paddy area limited by undulating topography, the increasing potentials of rice production by increasing yield and reducing cost are importance. Finding out an appropriate technology for such conditions were carried out in Phrae and Nan provinces during 2002-2007. Under irrigated area, most of paddy areas are used for growing cash crops in dry season, whereas rice-fallow is dominating in rain-fed area. Based on suitability of soil on rice production, soil fertility, introduced in demonstrated technologies to compare with farmers' practices. Results showed that most of rice soils were very suitable. In an irrigated area with rice-crop growing pattern, not more than 5 kg N/rai of nitrogen application led to maximum decrease in fertilizer input cost by 70%. In rain-fed area where rice - fallow is well known, demonstrated technologies led to the increasing of total maximum profit approximately 16.3%.