Variations in sugarcane yield among farmer's fields and their causal factors in Northeast Thailand

Information on variations in crop yield among farmer fields in a specific area and their causal factors is important for efficiently targeting efforts to increase production of the crop in the target area. This study determined the yield variations and their causal factors for sugarcane grown in the service area of a sugar mill in Northeast Thailand. Two villages with the dominant sandy and clayey soil types in the area were selected as the study sites. A questionnaire was used to collect information on management practices and crop yields for the individual fields in the 2012/2013 and 2014/2015 cropping seasons for 369 fields, of which 134 were planted crop and 235 were ratoon crop. A stepwise multiple regression was used in determining the significant factors influencing yields and their order of importance. The results show great variations of sugarcane yields among farmers’ fields in all crop classes, locations and years. However, their significant causal factors differed among crop classes, locations and years. The number of weedings was the most frequent yield constraint identified, followed by pre-harvest burning, number of fertilizer applications and land type. Soil type, diseases and insects, cultivar and frequency of irrigation were sporadically significant. Yield influencing factors in fields at different yield levels also varied, indicating the need for targeting improved management on individual fields. A participatory approach is suggested in the design and implementation of cultural managements for improving sugarcane yield of the individual fields.