Soil degradation and herbicide pollution by repeated cassava monoculture within Thailand's conservation region
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Cassava monoculture in Thailand degraded soil properties, decreasing organic carbon and increasing bulk density. Long-term farming also altered nitrogen levels and pH, alongside concerning glyphosate contamination in soil and water.
Area Of Science
- Soil Science
- Environmental Science
- Agricultural Science
Background
- Small-scale farmers in Northeast Thailand converted natural forests to cassava farmland.
- Cassava monoculture is hypothesized to degrade soil properties over time.
- Understanding soil changes is crucial for sustainable agriculture and ecosystem health.
Purpose Of The Study
- To investigate the impact of long-term cassava monoculture on soil physical and chemical properties.
- To compare soil properties in cassava farmland with adjacent natural forests.
- To assess potential soil degradation and herbicide contamination risks.
Main Methods
- Conducted a five-year (2016-2020) study on soil properties in cassava farmland and control natural forest.
- Analyzed physical properties (bulk density, soil texture) and chemical properties (organic carbon, nitrogen, pH, potassium, phosphate, electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity).
- Detected herbicide presence (glyphosate) in soil and stream water.
Main Results
- Significant decrease in soil organic carbon and increase in bulk density observed shortly after farmland conversion.
- Significant increase in soil nitrogen and decrease in pH noted later in the study period due to agricultural practices.
- Glyphosate detected in farmland soil and adjacent stream water, indicating herbicide pollution.
Conclusions
- Long-term cassava monoculture significantly degrades soil properties, including organic matter and structure.
- Agricultural activities and potential herbicide use pose risks to soil health and water quality.
- Soil degradation and herbicide pollution may lead to irreversible terrestrial ecosystem changes, necessitating policy interventions.
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