This study examines the relationship between nitrogen concentration in river water and agricultural land use in a large-scale upland farming region, with particular emphasis on the influences of riparian land use in agricultural watersheds on the nitrogen concentration in river water. In 21 watersheds in Northeastern Hokkaido nitrogen concentration was surveyed during normal river flow. Cropland (upland and grassland) accounted for 1% to 88% of each watershed, and forestland for 7% to 98%. The survey was conducted six times during the summer and autumn of 2006 and 2007. There was a close correlation between the percent of cropland in each watershed and nitrogen concentration in river water. Use of land for agriculture was shown to elevate the nitrogen concentration in river water. Next, using the buffering function of ArcGIS software, we set three buffer zones demarcated from the channel centerline outward: BZ₂₀, BZ₆₀, and BZ₁₀₀. The subscripts indicate the width of the zone in meters, with the riverbank as 0 m. The ratio of percent of forestland in BZ₂₀ to the percent of cropland in the watershed was defined as the Land Use Index (LUI), and its relationship with nitrogen concentration was investigated. This revealed a strong negative correlation between LUI and total nitrogen concentration, a correlation that could be approximated by linear regression. This suggests that even when cropland area accounts for much of a watershed, establishment of much riparian forest can reduce the nitrogen concentration in a river.

Inside the current worldwide framework of climate change, economic globalization and population growth, irrigation agriculture faces a series of problems which have to be approached as a challenge to sustainability. To speak about sustainability in irrigation it must be stated that irrigation agriculture is a system of production of goods with the objective of satisfying human needs. From this definition, the concept of sustainable development as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs achieves full meaning. Developing a methodology of evaluation of sustainability, focused through checking the level of satisfaction of human needs of local populations, may allow for a more complete vision of reality than a mere economic evaluation. In this paper, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is proposed as the structural basis of a methodology of evaluation of sustainability through indicators. Through a survey of farmers in the irrigation area of Terra Cha province of Lugo, northwestern Spain, indicators are developed to monitor the sustainability of their production system. Those indicators are included as ecological factors in a specially-designed algorithm to compare social achievements with the resources used for those achievements. Such a comparison is useful in assessing sustainability through the use of indicators.

Various studies in the past have shown that high ozone concentration significantly decreased yield and nutrition in soybean but there is little information in Thailand. Hence, an examination of the aforementioned problem is needed. The purpose of this study is to know the different adverse effects of elevated ambient ozone concentration on yield and protein content of Thai soybean. The research experiment was conducted during December 2007 to March 2008 at the Field Crops Research Center, Phitsanulok, Thailand. Thai native soybean 3 cultivars; Chiang Mai 60, Sorjor 5 and Srisumrong 1; were planted and covered with open top chamber (OTC) since seedling through maturing stage. The OTC with charcoal filtered and non-charcoal filtered were set to control the O₃ level at three different levels ; at ambient level (32 ± 11.1 ppb), lower (12 ± 10.1ppb) and higher than ambient level (62 ± 10.8 ppb). Results indicated that growth and yield loss at maturing stage obviously occurred in all 3 cultivars under high ambient O₃ concentration by statistical significance. However, we found the different reductions in number of total seed/plant of Chiang Mai60, Sorjor5 and Srisumrong 1, by 37, 28 and 33% respectively when they were exposed to 62 ppb O₃ compared to the lower ambient level. The significant reduction by 14% in plant height appeared in only one cultivar, Sorjor 5. The parallel result was shown in protein content; Sorjor5 cultivar showed the most sensitive to high O₃ concentration in protein content reduction by 2.3% but consistent effect was not found in Chiang Mai 60 and Srisumrong 1. The overall results in the study conclude that long-term high O₃ exposure caused different adverse effects in among 3 Thai soybean cultivars. Sorjor5 seems to be more an ozone-sensitivity cultivar than the other cultivars.

The environmental consequences of swine farming are of increasing public concern particularly from waste and waste water. Environmental risk assessment is a key tool to deal with concerns from wastewater reuse by land application.The aims of this study were to evaluate: (i) the diffuse pollution from swine farm, in terms of water quality parameters in effluent and copper contamination due to the application of swine waste water in different Thai soil series; and (ii) the impact of copper in swine wastewater on soil biota activity (soil respiration and earthworm avoidance behavior). The results found that wastewater effluent had average BOD, COD,TDS, Total N, pH and EC at 467, 320, 3950, 0.048 mg/L, 7.8 and 4.5 dS/m, respectively, and average copper concentration of 0.05-0.28 mg/L. Copper contamination was analyzed in two Thai soil series (Roi et (Re) and Namphong (Ng) soil series) after application of the swine wastewater. The results showed that copper level in the Roi et soil series was higher than for Namphong soil series but the copper concentration in leachate from two soil series was the opposite. Soil microbial activity in soil receiving application of swine wastewater was greater than found for the control plot (without applying swine wastewater). The 50% avoidance behavior of earthworm on copper (EC₅₀) in the Namphong (Ng) and Roi et (Re) soil series were 153and 61 mg/kg soil at 7 days. In conclusion, the land application of swine waste water effluence should consider the ecological risks and impact on soil ecosystem from different soil ecosystems as a basis for land management.

Waste water from animal farm especially from poultry industry is one of the sources of non-point source water pollution in Thailand. Plants can be a practical tool for waste water treatment. Aquatic fern (Azolla pinnata) has been used to for organic matter, nitrogen and phosphorus removal from waste water and can be good for increase soil fertility. The objectives of this study were to use Azolla pinnata for poultry industry wastewater treatment and to assess the potential use of Azolla pinnata biomass for increasing fertility of soil resource. The results found that Azolla pinnata can reduce BOD of wastewater from slaughter to 41% and produce the biomass of Azolla pinnata 90, 167, 245% in 100, 50, 25% dilution of wastewater, respectively. This study demonstrated that Azolla pinnata can be taken into consideration as a tool for wastewater treatment from agriculture activities especially suitable wastewater treatment for small poultry farming.

Deforestation which causes the forest area decreasing and lead to the global environmental change through biodiversity loss and emissions of greenhouse gases is one of the most of important environmental problems faced by developing countries like Thailand. Forest management is the one of an important strategy in biodiversity conservation and carbon mitigation. The aim of this study was to investigate the suitable strategy for forest management in local community of Northeastern Thailand based on the community participation. Plant biodiversity in Khon Kaen local community forest 200 Rai (6.25 Rai = 1 hectare) was surveyed during 2008-2009. Focus Group Interview and SWOT analysis was used as a tool to find out the sustainable strategy for forest management. The results found that forest biodiversity was rich. Ninety-four plant species were found in this study area. Indigenous community forest management such as traditional, cultural, local commitment and believe was found to be the most suitable strategy in managing this community forest. The outcome of this project in long term would be beneficial for biodiversity conservation, carbon mitigation and sustainable rural development.

Eucalyptus has been introduced to the farmer and extensively grown in Thailand for paper pulp production and giving high income to the farmer. However, the long term impact of eucalyptus plantation on soil ecosystem has been less studied. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of eucalyptus plantation on the soil ecosystem under different soil series in Northeast Thailand. The study site was located at Amphur Nam Pong, Khon Kaen, Northeast of Thailand. The biological, physical and chemical soil properties in Eucalyptus plantation (more than 3 years) were analyzed compared with the dry dipterocarp forest nearby. Moreover, impacts of eucalyptus on soil biota (Earthworm) under different soil series (Pimai and Nampong soil series) were evaluated in the laboratory. The results indicated that microbial activity such as soil respiration, microbial biomass nitrogen and microbial biomass carbon in Eucalyptus plantation were less than in the dry dipterocarp forest significantly from 3.950 to 5.916 mg C/day for microbial activity and 15.811 and 108.620 µg N/g soil for microbial biomass nitrogen and 102.24 to 244.25 µg C/g for soil microbial biomass carbon (p<0.01), respectively. For the 50% avoidance of the earthworm to eucalyptus leave in Pimai (Pm) and Nampong (Ng) soil series were 17.35 and 19.44 g/kg soil, respectively. The result showed that eucalyptus plantation has adverse effect on soil microbial activity in soil ecosystem and differ in each soil series. The result of this study is useful as decision making in appropriate land use management. The impact of eucalyptus plantation should be considering of site specific location and find out the suitable place to grow eucalyptus.

Rapid increasing of agro-industrial waste production has caused a serious environmental damage in Thailand. Thus, a proper management of agro-industrial waste has become an important issue. The objective of this study was to prove vermicompost as a suitable tool for agro-industrial waste management. The experiment of feasibility study of using vermicompost to reduce the cadmium contaminated in some typical Thai soil (Nampong (Sandy) and Phimai (Clay) soil series) were conducted by spike soil at various concentrations of Cd (0, 5, 50 mg/kg of Cd) as CdCl₂. The physical and chemical properties of soil were analyzed before and after compost and vermicompost. The results indicated that vermicompost could absorb the cadmium in sludge waste and subsequently reduce the cadmium contamination. Earthworm activity significantly increased the availability of soil pH, P, K, Na, Mg, Ca and decreased organic carbon as well as Cd contamination in soil. The production of earthworm was increased followed by the increasing of agro industrial waste. Thus vermicompost is a promising method for agro-industrial waste management that use locally available materials, enrich microorganism in soil and less impact on the environment.

Sub-Saharan Africa is one of the most vulnerable regions, as desertification has been advancing. In order to mitigate the degradation of crop productivity, this study aims to investigate how to apply pearl millet stalk residues for improving soil moisture condition and plant growth. The experiment was carried out at a greenhouse of Tokyo University of Agriculture, Japan. Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) was cultivated at each plot of 6.5 m long and 0.8 m wide, and soil moisture was monitored with a TDR soil moisture meter. Nine plots were divided into 3 groups based on irrigation intensity; the first was irrigated at 3 to 6 mm/day as standard plots, the second at 2/3 of the standard as slightly water-saving plots and the third at 1/3 of the standard as water-saving plots. Each group was constituted with 3 different treatments; stubble mulching with pearl millet stalk residues, mixing soil with pearl millet stalk residues and non-treatment as control. The results from non-treatment indicated that plant growth of pearl millet above ground surface did not show a significant difference among the plots under the different irrigation intensities. Under non-treatment condition, pearl millet even in the 2/3 and 1/3 water-saving plots grew as well as that in the standard plots. However, the fresh weights of non-treatment were significantly lower than that of other treatments, stubble mulching or mixing soil with pearl millet stalk residues, at 95% confidence level. Additionally, there was a tendency for pearl millet growth of stubble mulching to be higher than that of mixing soil with pearl millet stalk residues. This implies that mulching with pearl millet stalk residues can be more effective for plant growth. The utilization of stubble mulching in the production of crops under low rainfall condition such as Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to play beneficial roles such as improving soil moisture condition and plant growth.

Thailand is a predominantly agricultural country where the majority of people earn a living by agriculture. Rapid agricultural growth in recent decades leads to high use of agrochemical. Lack of packaging management has created an environmental risk from pesticide residues. The objective of this study was to monitor the environmental risk from agrochemical packaging waste in Northeast, Thailand. Farmers from 4 villages in Bung-nium, Khon Kaen Province were interviewed using a questionnaire together with the study of diffuse pollution from agrochemical waste in soil and water. The pesticides used in every step of agricultural production followed in decreasing order: organophosphate, pyrethroid, carbamate, organochlorine, thiocarbamate, paraquat, and others, respectively. Agrochemical package waste investigated included foil bags, glass bottles, gallon plastic containers, plastic bottles, paper bags, carton, aluminum bottles and woven sacks. Glass bottle and plastic container were found in higher proportion. Most of agrochemical package waste was disposed in unattended repositories in the field such as under trees or in pits. The outcome of this study is useful for agrochemical waste management and seeks to reduce the diffuse pollution of agrochemical waste to environment.

Salt affected soil is a serious problem in Thailand, particularly in the Northeast Plateau where salt bearing rocks are abundant. Excessive amounts of salts have a range of adverse effects on the physical and chemical properties of soil microbiological processes and plant growth. However, soil biological aspect of saline environment has been less studied. Tree Plantation has been introduced to improve salt-affected area. Monitoring of the changes by study the soil biota activities relation with physical and chemical soil characteristics are important. The aim of this study was to monitor the change of soil biota activity relation with the soil properties in the improved salt-affected area by Tree Plantation at Amphur Borabue, Mahasarakam Province, Northeast of Thailand. The physical, chemical and biological soil characteristics in soil sample were analyzed before and after tree plantation. The results showed that soil biota activity after tree plantation was higher than before. Soil respiration before and after tree plantation were 12.13 and 71.50 mg CO2/day, respectively. The EC, Na, K, and CEC values were decreased and pH, OM, and N were increased after tree plantation. The result from this study indicated that physical, chemical and biological properties were improved after tree plantation. This study’s result would be useful for sustainable land resources improvement and rehabilitation.

The consequences of piggery farm are increasing public concern particularly, wastewater because of its high pollutant potential. Without the good wastewater treatment systems, it could lead to contaminate the natural water resources nearby. The number of the small and medium size of piggery farms could not afford the wastewater treatment cost. The wastewater management is needed. The objective of this study aims to evaluate the water quality characteristics from the piggery farm in Northeast of Thailand and feasibility study of using wastewater from piggery farm for agriculture purpose. The wastewater from influent, effluent from the system and wastewater before release to natural waterway were sampled and analyzed for water characteristics in term of pH, Temperature, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN), Total Total Phosphorus (TP), Total Solids (TS), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Total Dissolved Solid (TDS), Fat OilandGrease (FOG), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and other heavy metal contaminants such as Zinc (Zn), Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd) and Cupper (Cu). The results found that the wastewater had high potential to pollute the natural waterway. However, some water quality characteristics such as N and P may be the source of good nutrients for agriculture production and increasing soil fertility. Therefore, using piggery farm wastewater for agriculture may be one of alternative solution for soil fertility and wastewater management.

Land use pattern in the upland area of Kratie Province consists of forest, grazing, shrub and farming land. Due to economic development and demographic pressure, the use, access and control of the forest land have changed significantly. The main objectives are (1) to analyze the impact of the change in land-use on use and extraction of non-timber forest products, (2) to analyze the impact of the change in land-use on livelihood of each type. Structured questionnaires were used on 75 respondents stratified into four sub-groups: resin tapper, former tapper, never tapped and immigrant. Three kinds of forest changes were noticed in the study area. Firstly, forest land was converted to plantation by economic land concession. Secondly, forest was converted to Chamkar and rice growing by farmers. Finally, forest and resin trees of households were destroyed by illegal logging. Commune statistics (2008) showed that 41% of total area was under economic land concession. Furthermore, the average area of Chamkar has been enlarged from 0.44 to 1.30 hectare per households per period of time. The study also shows a problem with resin trees which decreased from more than 160 to only 20 trees per household. Furthermore, the number of resin of tapper was decreased from more than 360 to only 130 trees per household. The income of former tapper from collecting non-timber forest products decreased from approximately 35% (1000 USD/year) to 0.64% (20 USD/year). The result shows significant change on the income of resin tapper from 42.9% (1200 USD/year) to 34.9% (813 USD/year) even though the price of resin increased, which doubled since 2004-2009. In conclusion, changing in forest land-use strongly affected household livelihoods.

Over the period of last 80 years, massive irrigation development in Pakistan and subsequent disturbance in the natural course of Indus River has led to significant changes in landscape and natural resources of the Indus delta. Thousands of hectares of precious agricultural land have been engulfed by the sea. The pace of these changes has been reported considerably faster during the last two decades. A survey using structured questionnaire, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and interviews was carried out during April-July, 2009 to study how the changes in landscape and resources have affected the local livelihoods and social fabric in the delta. The findings of the analysis revealed all three major occupational groups - rice farmers, livestock herders and fishermen - in the delta are experiencing disturbing changes in their livelihoods. Former rice farmers and livestock herders have diverted to fishing, resulting in the overcrowding of marine fishery. Subsequently, various harmful fishing practices are in vogue, thereby exerting severe pressure on resources and making local livelihoods increasingly vulnerable. Increased competition for limited resources has significantly affected the social fabric in the delta as different social groups do not have similar degrees of harmony as enjoyed in the past. The case of Indus Delta is a stark example of environmental and social disturbances arising from a narrow-focused ‘development’. The findings of the study have useful policy implications.

This research was carried out on a pig farm in the HUNG YEN Province of Vietnam from October 2008 to August 2009. The farm had 36 sows, selling about 1.5 tons of weaned piglets and 33 tons of live weight pigs per year. The piglets (from weaning to 15 kg) consumed on average 0.42 kg of feed/head/day and produced on average 0.25 kg of solid waste/day. The ratio of solid waste to feed consumed was 0.59. Pigs (from 15 to 30 kg) consumed on average 0.76 kg of feed/head/day, and the ratio of solid waste to feed consumed was 0.61. Growing pigs consumed 1.64 kg of feed/head/day and the ratio of solid waste to feed consumed was 0.49. This ratio for finishing pigs (>60 kg) was 0.46 and consumed feed was 2.3 kg/head/day. For the sows, this ratio was 0.43 for all periods including gestation and lactation. Over 24 hours in winter the biogas produced was on average 4.16 m³/day in the 24m³ biodigestor. This was much less than in summer (9.06 m³/day). To create one kW electricity, 0.92 m³ of biogas was needed. Pig manure treatment by biodigestor has considerably decreased some pollutants, including BOD₅ (Biological Oxygen Demand) concentration down by 77%, the COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) concentration down by 83%, the dissolved sulphide concentrations down by 88%, the concentration of heavy metals Cu²⁺ down by 52%, Zn²⁺ down by 37%, the Cl^- concentration down by 29% and NH₄-N down by 52%.

There has been little information available on nutrient and heavy metal contents of animal manure (cattle, poultry and pigs) in Integrated Agriculture-Aquaculture (IAA) farm systems in Thailand and Southeast Asia. Such systems have an important role in these areas. In this study the nutrient and heavy metal contents were measured so that metal budgets could be constructed and “typical” rates of the inputs to IAA-farming systems calculated. This study was carried out over a period of one year (2007- 2008) in a peri-urban area in Thailand. Small scale pig farms in the peri-urban Pathum Thani province near Bangkok were considered typical of up to a third of total pig farms of the country. The specific objective of this study was to quantify nutrient and heavy metal (nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn)) fluxes in (i) the agricultural systems with small scale pig farms and (ii) the downstream aquacultural systems with piggery waste-fed fish ponds. We quantified the amount of nutrients released as a result of farming and estimated the assimilative capacity of the surrounding environment. Nutrient inputs (feed) and releases as pig manure were sampled monthly in the fattening period (about 6-7 months) to provide information on the environmental load in that period. Information about nutrient and heavy metal fluxes in the IAA system can be used for farm management decisions with a view to decreasing the environmental impact of piggeries and fish farms. Nutrient and heavy metal flux data can be used as a basis for developing a practical tool to estimate nutrient flux for an IAA system.

Approximately 90 million tons of dung is produced annually from cattle farms all over Japan. Considering the proper treatment of this waste product, applying manure to farmlands has been focused from a viewpoint of popularizing organic agriculture. However, pathogenic bacteria known as E.coli may possibly be released from the immature fermented manure that was applied in farmlands. In this study, model experiments were conducted employing slope plots under artificial rainfall simulator to investigate the E.coli loss. The slope plots were filled with soil and then applied 3 types of manure such as cow dung, manure fermented for 2 weeks and for 12 weeks. Additionally, two methods of application were proposed such as broadcasting method and incorporating method to differentiate the loss of E.coli from farmlands applied manures. The experimental results showed the amounts of E.coli loss by the broadcasting method were significantly higher than that by the incorporating method in the plots applied cow dung. Also in both methods, surface runoff showed higher amounts of E.coli loss compared to percolation. In addition, there was a tendency the loss of E.coli decreased with fermentation stage of manures. Therefore, it was concluded that the loss of E.coli, being affected by the fermentation stage of manure, was remarkably influenced by surface runoff in both broadcasting and incorporating methods.

Soil properties and soil types suitable for coffee production have not been well researched in Lao People’s Democratic Republic. The objectives of this study were to determine the basic physical and chemical properties of the soils planted to coffee at different elevations and to identify the soil types that are suitable for coffee production. Nine coffee growing sites located in nine villages of Pakxong district, Champasak province were selected as representatives of major coffee growing areas in Laos including Lak 35, Lak 40, Nongbone, Lak 43, Kapheu, Nonglouang, Phoumaknao, Phou Oy and Phoumako. Trenches were created in these coffee plantations to study soil profiles and soil samples were analyzed physically and chemically in laboratory. Soils in all sites were classified in the great group of Acrisols. These soils were mostly highly acidic, and lime amendment was necessary to sustain coffee yield. Deficiencies of phosphorus and potassium occur in some sites but nitrogen was abundant in most soils. Soil physical and hydraulic properties favor the production of coffee and it can be grown successfully in all soils without severe limitations. Phoumaknao and Phoumako were identified as the most productive sites for coffee because of high organic mater, high cation exchange capacity and high soil nitrogen content. Fertilizer recommendations and lime requirement are site-specific and should be based on plant and soil analysis. Maintaining high organic matter should result in sustaining coffee productivity in these areas.

While millions of poor still depend on small scale freshwater fisheries to earn a meager leaving, the sector shows overall decline in catches over recent years throughout South East Asia. Among few other causes, overfishing is often pointed out as a main issue. Little research is done regarding the socio-economic and technical diversity among the fishing communities, being both the victims of the problem and its possible cause. This research aims to characterize fishing communities in Singkarak Lake (West Sumatra, Indonesia) by exploring their socio-economic and fishing characteristics and also identifying the problems, constraints confronted by those communities as the entry point for policy formulation in an effort to support small-scale fishermen and to address fisheries related problem appropriately. Results show that fishing communities in Singkarak Lake have high level of homogeneity in terms of their fishing activities which represents the highest in cash households’ income, but extreme diversity in portfolio of livelihood activities. Combination of fishing and farming widely practiced by fishers in addition to other income supplements either seasonal or permanent. Income generating activities employed by the fishers become more diverse in conjunction to the decrease of fish production and some other factors such as degraded environmental condition, construction of Hydro Electric Power Plant (HEPP) and fishing practiced itself. Fishing labor productivity is found to be lower than construction works and nearly same as farming labor productivity. However, fishers keep fishing because it can secure their daily food needs. The choice of diversification strategies is also based on the assets owned by the households and on higher labor productivity offered by alternative activities out of fishing.

Yam Tubers were classified in the Family Dioscoreacea which is starch staple foods. This is the main source of starch supply in Africa. The original from Southeast Asia are D.alata and D.esculenta. Yam tubers were distributed to all region parts of Thailand. The aim of this research is to study some physical-chemical properties of starch obtained from three types of yam tubers from two species: water yam (mun jao diang: jd and mun lued: ld) and lesser yam (mun mue seu: ms) as alternative for food industry. Starch was extracted from fresh tubers by wet milling process and purification. Products were compared among three types of yam tubers. The yields of starch were about 17.01-41.73% for jd and ms, but ld was quite different in starch content at 95-99% (dry weight) estimated by enzymetric method. The chemical properties were not quite different, but the structural starch granule by image analysis and morphological approach by scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed that the shape of D.alata were trigonally rounded with average size of 20-26; also in D.esculenta the shape was polygonal with average size of 4.7. It was considered that some of starch granule could be destroyed by milling process. Viscosity and some functional properties were not remarkably different for all of yams starch.

As chemical fertilizers have been applied to farmlands beyond the environmental capacity, leaching of nitrate nitrogen (NO₃-N) have been causing severe problems, such as groundwater contamination or eutrophication in water systems of watersheds. Also, high concentration of nitrate nitrogen in groundwater happens to affect human health, especially on infant. So, research interests have been focused on the effective measures for eliminating nitrate nitrogen leaching from farmlands. This study dealt with the strategy on removal of nitrate nitrogen from farmlands through the column experiment using activated carbon (charcoal) with calcium chloride (CaCl₂) treatment. In the experiments, 2 types of activated carbon were prepared; one was activated carbon with calcium chloride (CaCl₂) treatment and the other activated carbon without treatment. The experiment was conducted to corroborate the removal of nitrate nitrogen between 2 types of activated carbon and to quantify the amounts of activated carbon added for certain amounts of nitrate nitrogen removal. Glass beads, around 1.1 mm in diameter, were used as an alternative soil and incorporated with activated carbon at 10, 20 and 30% by volumetric basis. The experimental results indicated that average adsorption ratio of the columns with 20% and 30% of CaCl₂ treated carbon was larger than that of other columns, as initial adsorption ratio of the columns with 20% and 30% of CaCl₂ treated carbon was much higher than other columns. However, decreasing tendency in adsorbing NO₃-N of the columns with CaCl₂ treated carbon was comparatively higher than that of other columns.

The seagrass species diversity and distribution were evaluated in the coastal area of Kampot Povince, Cambodia. Observations of general environmental conditions which support seagrass growth are included. The samples were taken from 960 points within the seagrass area with quadrat method. Twelve seagrass species were reported. They are: Halodule uninervis, Cymodocea rotundata, Helophilla decipiens, Syringodium isoetifolium, Enhalus acoroides, Thalassia hemprichii, Halophila ovalis, Cymodocea Serrulata, Halophila beccarii, Halophila minor, Ruppia maritima and Halodule pinifolia. Of the twelve species, Halodule uninervis was the most dominant and was widely distributed along the coastline of Kampot. Based on survey and data analysis, less number of seagrass species occurred in the shallower water depth (0.1-1 meters) and deeper water depth (4-7 meters), whereas more species occurred in the water depth of 1-3 meters. Four species; Halodule uninervis, Cymodocea rotundata, Helophilla decipiens, Syringodium isoetifolium widely distribute everywhere. The seagrass coverage in the area is correlated with water depth. The higher seagrass coverage was found in the shallow water whereas the lower seagrass coverage was found in the deeper water.

Participatory modelling is one of several techniques that can help communities to share and test ideas, and to agree on the ‘best bet’ for improving livelihoods of individuals and communities. A case study from Africa illustrates how participatory modelling can help change livelihoods, by informing communities, by providing an objective way to conduct ‘risk-free’ experiments and explore scenarios, and by helping people to gain the confidence needed to make changes. This case study highlights how participatory modelling can inform communal decisions about shared rights to avoid ‘the tragedy of the commons’. The example illustrates how a shared understanding of a resource, coupled with a rigorous framework to consider its dynamics, leads to better decisions and sustainable outcomes. The resulting model is not an endpoint, but a disposable ‘stepping stone’ in developing the confidence needed for communities to take action. Thus for many participatory models, success means being momentarily inspirational in the search for solutions, rather than being a permanent monument to a static concept.

The inadequate management of solid waste causes environmental and social problems that can be minimized by realizing sustainable practices in communities. In Japan, some communities are taking active role in efforts to achieve sustainability on regional scale. In Shizuoka-Japan, Konohana Family, a community of 56 members, nowadays, known as an ecovillage is challenging to be a sustainable community. Ecovillages are considered the newest and most potent kind of sustainable community. Although ecovillage definitions do not indicate a specific way to manage solid wastes, Konohana community, is challenging its safe management by using sustainable practices. As solid waste management is closely linked not only technical but also social aspects, it should be studied based on an integral approach. Thus through a physical characterization of Konohana’s solid wastes, this research assesses parameters for a sustainable local management. Also, through 43 surveys to adults and 7 surveys to children, this study was complemented. It is identified that 77% of members believe that reducing wastes should be the major priority in their ecovillage; 14% argues reusing wastes; and 9% suggest recycling as main concern. Besides children’s opinions, support the necessity of preserving the common environment through eco-friendly actions like composting and recycling. This research also determines that 0.4 kg is daily generated per person, where almost 70% are organic wastes and completely recycled. The 17% is potentially recyclable, 5% is previously reused and 8% are others (mixed waste); indicating favourable conditions and the necessity of dialogue to reconsider some recyclable materials which may be recycled or reused in source, in order to reduce, even more, the amount of wastes given to local collection facilities. Finally to contextualize Konohana’s scenario, it is important to mention that the spiritual aspect (without any religion) plays an important role since spirituality is understood as the ability to communicate and cooperate with spiritual forces, belongs to the basic necessities of humankind.

System of rice intensification (SRI) is an environment-friendly and sustainable rice farming practice developed in Madagascar in 1980s under irrigated condition. Unlike the Green Revolution technology, which was widely applied in many developing countries after 1960s, SRI does not require additional chemical fertilizers or agrochemicals. Recently, SRI has been diffused not only in irrigated area but also in rainfed lowland paddy in Cambodia. It is significant, if SRI is confirmed to be effective in rainfed area, where green revolution technology is ineffective. The objective of the research is to analyze acceptability of SRI by farmers in rainfed lowland paddy area and illustrate reasons for acceptance or non-acceptance. Farming practice comparison test was conducted in the rainy season of year 2008 by six volunteer farmers in three villages of Prey Nheat commune, Kong Pisei district, Kampong Speu province in Cambodia. Each of these farmers’ rainfed lowland paddy plot was divided into two parts, SRI practices on one part and the traditional practice on the other.In year 2008, the farmers did not adopt all of the SRI principles but only for some. There was no significant difference between the yield of SRI and conventional practice. However, the farmers founded benefits from SRI, such as less labor and less seeds and they accepted SRI. The research indicates prospect of SRI in rainfed lowland paddy, since farmers can maintain at least the same level of yield with less resources and cost. It was also revealed that decreasing seedlings per hill has been an important motive for the farmers to change their farming practice.