Comparison of the Water Footprint of Cassava and Sugarcane in Northeast, Thailand
2016 Volume 7 Issue 2 Pages 18-23
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2016 Volume 7 Issue 2 Pages 18-23
The water footprint (WF) is an indicator of water use consists of the direct and indirect water use throughout the life cycle of crop produce and it varies on different climate and agricultural production system. This study aims to assess the water use of cassava and sugarcane cultivation in northeastern, Thailand using WF concept which is a tool for sustainable water analysis and management. The results of this study show the average the WF of cassava (345 m3/ton) is more than that sugarcane (157 m3/ton). At the provincial level, the WF of cassava is the most highest in Amnat Charoen (378 m3/ton; green WF 44 m3/ton, blue WF 233 m3/ton and grey WF 101 m3/ton), while Buri Ram has the lowest WF (313 m3/ton; green WF 38 m3/ton, blue WF 181 m3/ton and grey WF 94 m3/ton). For sugarcane, Amnat Charoen show the highest of WF of 167 m3/ton, which consists of green WF 20 m3/ton, blue WF 84 m3/ton and grey WF 63 m3/ton. Meanwhile, the lowest WF was 133 m3/ton in Bueng Kan (green WF 16 m3/ton, blue WF 64 m3/ton and grey WF 54 m3/ton). As a result, the different location, crop, agricultural production systems and yields have an effect on WF. Therefore, not only developing the efficiency water system to water resources sustainable but also increased crop productivity and soil fertility are certainly important for decrease the amount of water used in this region.
