Highland Management in Rotation and Mono Cropping Systems of Li Sub-watershed, Lamphun Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research are: 1) To compare the factors of land tenure, ecological aspects, economic conditions, perception of information and wisdom affecting the selection in highland rotation cropping and mono cropping. 2) To analyze and identify differences in land management between highland rotation cropping and mono cropping. And 3) to analyze and assess the link between the intensive highland rotation cropping and mono cropping with soil management and degradation. There were quantitative and qualitative data collections from farmer groups of both systems by using the tools as questionnaires and in-depth interviews with participant observation including exploring the research area plot. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistical method in the form of frequency distribution, percentage and comparison table. The results showed the land tenure of the two highland cropping systems was not different. There were no documents and rights over the lands. Rotation cropping system focused on intensive commercial agricultural production, whereas mono cropping system focused on subsistence. Both systems used traditional wisdom. The characteristics of rotation cropping were separated rotation cropping with legumes and no legumes, so crops could be grown throughout the year and continuously. Therefore, the soil management was intensive and the soil was not time for resting. The characteristics of mono cropping system involved growing only one type of crop every other year and year after year. There was a one-year soil resting and the mono crops were replanted annually, so there was not the soil resting. There are differences in the use of chemical fertilizers and concentrated chemicals, as well as soil fertility. It could be concluded that both of cropping systems were not different and had moderate fertility The soil erosion in rotation cropping system was very low to moderate level, thus soil condition was sustainable. The soil erosion in mono cropping system was low to very severe level, thus soil condition was not sustainable.The policy and action recommendations, the government should support in terms of alternative agricultural policies and budgets for developing highland areas seriously and comprehensively in accordance with the sufficiency economy.