Land use of farmers in Chiang Krua subdistrict, Muang district, Sakon Nakhon province

Objectives of this investigation were to study some socio-economic factors of farmers as related to present land use and adoption of soil management practices for shallow and skeleton soils in Chiang Krua subdistrict, Sakon Nakhon province. Farmers' problems and suggestions were also studied. Jaeger's sampling technique was used to obtain these research data and three hundred and thirty farm households were random by selected to be interviewed by questionnaire. Statistical analysis included percentage, arithmetic mean, standard deviation and Pearson product moment correlation coefficient. Sattelite images of the study areas were analyzed and interpreted. Soil samples from study areas were also analyzed for chemical and physical properties. The results of this investigation revealed that on an average each household owns 25.6 rai (4.10 ha) and the average farm size is 19.6 rai (3.10 ha). The average rental area for farming is 4.3 rai (0.69 ha). Majority of farmers in these areas did not use their lands in accordance with its capability as recommended by the Department of Land Development and they did not install soil management and conservation practices on their farm lands. It was found that the present land use was significantly correlated with age of farmer, total income, size of land tenure and family farm labor while the installation of soil management and conservation measures on their farms with shallow and skeleton of soil was significant correlation with total income, size of land tenure and agricultural media reception. High ferrilizer prices and shortage of water supply for agriculture are main problems in these areas and need to be solved by the government. Farmers' suggestions included 1) to promote mixed farming systems; 2) water resource management; 3) to establish the farmer association; and 4) to provide training courses on family handicraft as local products.