Variations in sugarcane yield among farmers’ fields and their causal factors in Northeast Thailand

Abstract

<span class="fontstyle0">Information on variations in crop yield among farmer fields in a specific area and their<br />causal factors is important for efficiently targeting efforts to increase production of the crop in<br />the target area. This study determined the yield variations and their causal factors for sugarcane<br />grown in the service area of a sugar mill in Northeast Thailand. Two villages with the dominant<br />sandy and clayey soil types in the area were selected as the study sites. A questionnaire was<br />used to collect information on management practices and crop yields for the individual fields in<br />the 2012/2013 and 2014/2015 cropping seasons for 369 fields, of which 134 were planted crop<br />and 235 were ratoon crop. A stepwise multiple regression was used in determining the<br />significant factors influencing yields and their order of importance. The results show great<br />variations of sugarcane yields among farmers' fields in all crop classes, locations and years.<br />However, their significant causal factors differed among crop classes, locations and years. The<br />number of weedings was the most frequent yield constraint identified, followed by pre-harvest<br />burning, number of fertilizer applications and land type. Soil type, diseases and insects, cultivar<br />and frequency of irrigation were sporadically significant. Yield influencing factors in fields at<br />different yield levels also varied, indicating the need for targeting improved management on<br />individual fields. A participatory approach is suggested in the design and implementation of<br />cultural managements for improving sugarcane yield of the individual fields.</span>