Suchart Choengthong

pp. 133 - 144

Abstract

The purposes of this study were to analyze soil properties and to find out a suitable soil conservation method for soil management in Surat Thani campus,Prince of Songkla University.Land in the area was divided
into plots depending on different land use. Soil samples were collected from each plot and were analyzed for soil properties. The results from soil analysis revealed that soils in Surat Thani campus had pH between 4.53- 7.62. The quantitative levels of soil total N, available P and exchangeable K were low. Also the quantitative levels of Ca, Mg and S were low. Moreover, the quantitative levels of organic matter were low between 4.6-9.9 gkg^-1. There was no salty effect as the electrical conductivities (EC) were low between 6.8 - 26.4 µS/cm. Furthermore, the cation exchange capacities (CEC) were low, between 1.65 - 2.78 cmol_ckg^-1 . In conclusion, soil in Surat Thani campus, Prince of Songkla University, had soil nutrients lower than those needed for plant growth and development. Therefore, there is a need for application of fertilizer to obtain good plant growth.
       Soil conservation experiment was done by studying soil loss from a control plot (no cover crop) compared with the ones growing Peuraria phaseoloides , Wedelia trilobata and Vetiveria zizanioides. The results revealed that Peuraria phaseoloides was suitable to grow as cover crop for controlling soil erosion. Peurariacould reduce soil loss up to 87% compared to those with bare soil. Wedelia trilobata(Creeping daisy) and Vetiveria zizanioides could reduce soil loss about 55% and 30 % respectively. In order to reduce soil
leaching that can be as high as 38 kg from an area of only 8 m², soil protection method by growing Peuraria phaseoloides, or Weddelia trilobata on sloping and bare land are highly recommended.