A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science

Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1996

Inorganic and organic fertilizer are important resources for rice production in Takeo Province. Management of these resources was different among the farmers and between the recommendation rate . This study was undertaken to examine the trend in inorganic and organic fertilizer, perception of how inorganic and organic fertilizer effect the farm field and the rice crop, management practice, and analysis why farmers adopt or reject innovation. The survey results indicated that The popular kind of fertilizers used in the province were urea, 16- 20-0. Urea usually applies as a top dressing, while 16-20-0 usually applies as a basal application. Farmers having large farm, higher saving, and higher economic status tend to use low rate of fertilizer. The rate of fertilizer was high for dry season rice compared to wet season rice. Most of fertilizers used in the province were from private sector. Only a very small proportion was from government. Organic manure available in the farm was only farmyard manure (FYM). FYM available in the farm was not adequate for rice cultivation. A large proportion of cultivated area received little or no FYM. Farmers tend to apply FYM to nursery, some to income- generating crops and the remaining was applied to the field. Farmers perceived that inorganic and organic fertilizer have a good effect to rice crops and the combination of them provides a better effects than applying separately. Management of FYM and animal urine were rather poor in term of collecting, storing and incorporating to the field. FYM usually applies before land preparation. Farmers adoption to fertilizer recommendation was minimal due to lack of farm resource; information; extension, training and credit service; farmers' knowledge; lack of rainfall and irrigation water. For improvement of the situation recommendations have been provided.