Effect of weather and soil characteristics on rice production using DSSAT modeling: Case study in Thailand

Abstract

Weather and soil are abiotic factors which have a huge effect on rice production. Precipitation, solar radiation and temperature are the kinds of weather in which significantly affect crops. Meanwhile, soil characteristics have an important role in plant growth and production. Combination of appropriate weather and fertile soil would result in high yield. That combination can be simulated using the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT). This research used a case study in Thailand, a developing country which is one of the largest rice producing countries. There were four treatments simulation in this research; (1) combination soil characteristic in Sing Buri with DTSP station weather, (2) combination soil characteristic in Sing Buri with PCNM station weather, (3) combination soil characteristic in Tha Tum with DTSP station weather and (4) combination soil characteristic in Tha Tum with PCNM station weather. The combination Sing Buri and DTSP obtained the highest yield and Tha Tum and PCNM reached the lowest yield. It was due to soil fertility in Sing Buri better than Tha Tum, it can be seen from texture, pH, C and CEC (cation exchange capacity) which was more suitable for rice.