Rubber farmers warned not to plough their land

Rubber farmers warned not to plough their land

Rubber planters are warned not to plough their land during the dry season since such action will increase the evaporation of ground water and the withering of rubber trees.

Mukdahan Rubber Replanting Aid Operation Center Caretaker Director Thurapol Kanarbkaew warned rubber farmers not to plough their land during the dry season. He suggested farmers to cut grass and weeds instead of ploughing the whole plantation.

Rubber planters usually plough their land to prevent wildfires. Mr Thurapol said that although the method was effective, it would increase the rate of evaporation of ground water.

Mr Thurapol said that during the dry season, water in the ground would evaporate faster than usual and so would rubber trees wither, resulting in cracks on the tree trunks.

Farmers are advised to prevent damages to their plantations, especially rubber trees aged 2-3 years by covering the base of the trees with weeds.

He also suggests farmers to coat the trees with a mixture of lime and water at a ratio 1:1 left overnight, to protect the surface and the trunks of the trees from prolonged exposure to strong sunlight.

National News Bureau of Thailand
08 March 2009