AN APPLICATION OF GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR LAND ASSESSMENT FOR RICE CULTIVATION IN SUPHANBURI PROVINCE

Abstract

 Rice is an important crop in terms of food security and economics in Thailand. Overall, there are plenty of rice however the prices is low but high investmentcost.  The major rice production factors are soil and water. This research aims to evaluate the appropriateness of the area for rice cultivation in Suphanburi province with the geographic informatics system based on FAO land evaluation guidelines. By selecting the quality of land according to Water availability (W), Nutrient availability (NAI), Oxygen availability (O), Water retention (I).The appropriateness of each factor used in the evaluation was overlapped by geographic information systems. Then calculate the equation LS = W x NAI x I x O. The results of the study show the suitability of the area for rice cultivation in Suphanburi province. It can be divided into 2 levels: moderate and less appropriate, accounted for 59.26% and 40.74% of the study area, respectively. The verification of area suitability with rice yield from the Office of Agricultural Economic Development, it was found that the major rice yield was consistent with the area, but the second rice yield was reversed. It is possible due to farm management.