Changes in tree density in paddy fields around Pakse, southern Laos

Abstract

In this study, tree density and its changes in paddy fields around Pakse City, southern Laos, were measured. Thirty-two grid-cells, measuring 1 km × 1 km, around Pakse City, were randomly selected. Google Earth images of 2006 and 2013 were used in this study. Tree identities and density boundaries in paddy fields were determined by visual interpretation, and tree density was calculated using geographical information software (Arc view version 10.0). Mean density of trees in paddy fields around Pakse was 20.0 trees/ha in 2006 and 18.6 trees/ha in 2013. This study revealed that the landscape of paddy fields with high tree densities, as seen in the southeastern region of northeast Thailand, including Ubon Ratchathani and Amnat Charoen provinces, is also found in Pakse. Mean tree density in paddy fields located in the high-density grid cells had substantially decreased from 2006 to 2013.