Reversing Soil Degradation in Southeast Asia through Low-Cost Clay-based Technologies

Chronic poverty and poor soils are twin problems that affect poor farmers in the developing world. Poor land management practices often result in low agricultural output which threatens food and livelihood security. Researchers from IWMI and Thailand’s Khon Kaen University have explored new approaches to combat and reverse soil degradation using bentonite clays that rejuvenate the soil. This practice provides an alternative to current unsustainable approaches that treat soils using termite mounds or material dredged from reservoirs.

Researchers from IWMI and Khnon Kaen University, Thailand gaather at a soil remediation plot.

Northeast Thailand’s Land Development Department (LDD) has adopted the clay- based approach which includes the use of co-composted bentonite technology developed by IWMI. Combined with limited amounts of lime, bentonite offers an eco-friendly and sustainable option for increasing soil productivity. Farmers accept this option because they recognize the potential of adding clays to soils. Research has shown that yields of organic rice increased dramatically when organic composts and clay-based materials were introduced. This product, called LDD 10, will be promoted throughout 2005.

Around 200 farmer families in 200 villages in Northeast Thailand are using clay-based materials, indicating that approximately 20,000 farmers are aware of this practice. In Cambodia, some 400 households are using clay-based technologies, while in Vietnam, IWMI was approached by the South Vietnam Department of Agriculture for advice on the use of bentonites. Estimates show that approximately 900,000 hectares in South Vietnam could benefit from this technology.