27. Group of Soil Series No.27

This group of soils is well drained, deep and fine-textured that occurs on basaltic terrain along the south-east coast. They are moderate fertility. Tree crops i.e. durian, longong, rambutan and mangosteen and rubber are commonly grown in the areas. Soils in this group are Nong Bon (Nb) and Ta Mai (Ti) series.

Problems : Low fertility, lack of water in dry season and soil erosion on steep slope.

Management for upland crops or vegetables : Upland crops or vegetables will grow better in leveling ground with crop rotation with green manure to improve soil qualities. Apllication of 1-2 ton/rai compose or animal manure or mixed green manure (broadcast 8-10 kg/rai sword bean , 6-8 kg/rai cow pea or 4-6 kg/rai Crotalaria juncia) and leave for 1-2 weeks with chemical or liquid LDD fertilizer. Plants should be grown on the contour or strip cropping with mulching. Soil should be conserved by vetiver around the areas. Farm ponds are recommended to preserve water to be used in dry season.

Management for orchard : Soil preparation in 50*50*50 pit is to mix 15-25 kg compose fertilizer or animal manure. Conserve the soils by cover crops, mulching, and contour or fencing the tree with vetiver. Application of compose fertilizer or animal manure with chemical or liquid LDD fertilizer at vegetative growth, before and after harvesting. Farm ponds are recommended to preserve water to be used in dry season.