Abstract
On the sand and gravel tailings after tin mining in Takuapa, Phang-nga province, Thailand, Eucalyptus camaldulensis was planted mainly for rehabilitation of the degraded land, and cassava and pineapple were cultivated for demonstrating the possible way of agriculture. This work is a part of "WasteLand Project" (WLP), having been conducted in Thailand for six years. Mulching among others was considered to be the best treatment for both trees and crops based on the following reasons, i) mulching lowered the maximum soil temperature in the hottest period, ii) it kept a good moisture condition throughout the year, iii) mulching materials could be utilized by plants as a source of nutrients as well as enhanced biological activity, and iv) they could be practiced easily, using weeds collectible in situ. As far as rehabilitation of a barren land is mainly concerned, Eucalyptus camaldulensis combined with Imperata mulching proved to be most promising. On the other hand, in order to establish a practical approach to agriculture under the severely poor soil conditions encountered, further exertion is indispensable for the goal, i.e., a reasonable, at least, sustainable yield of cassava and pineapple.
