Ecological Management in Salt-affected Area of Northeast Thailand: Monitoring Soil Quality

抄録

Soil salinity has become one of the major determinants of crop productivity in Northeast Thailand, and has an adverse impact on the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil, as well as plant growth and yield. Ecological management of soil is essential to sustainable production. Soil microorganism may fulfill many important ecological roles including decomposition and nutrient cycling in salt-affected area. This study aimed to monitor the impact of salinity on soil properties under tree plantation at Amphur Borabue, Mahasarakam Province, Northeast Thailand. The study area was divided into 3 zones followed by the plant community found in each area which correlated with the flooding situation and soil salinity. Soil samples were collected from three different zones at the same depth (0-20 cm) with three replications during the rainy seasons of 2008 and 2010 in order to analyze soil physical, chemical and biological properties. The results showed that biodiversity of soil biota and soil microbial activity in terms of soil microbial carbon, soil microbial nitrogen and soil respiration after tree plantation was higher than before. The EC, Na and K values were decreased, whereas pH, OM and N were increased after tree plantation. It could be concluded that soil physical, chemical and biological properties were improved after tree plantation. Therefore, this result would be valuable for sustainable land resources improvement and rehabilitation.