A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering, School of Environment, Resources and Development

Thesis (M.Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1993

This study attempts to develop a methodology that would assist in identifying potential areas for soil compaction to improve the water transmission and retention capacity of the soil in rainfed paddy areas. In order to identify the areas for improvement, field data in terms of soil properties, land use, groundwater table depths, topography and rainfall distribution were . collected. Using an available GIS package (ARC/INFO), a GIS for the area was developed. Thematic maps for land use, soils, topography, groundwater table and rainfall distribution were digitized and overlaid. Field studies were carried out in a selected identified potential area to investigate the constraints that influence the adoption of soil compaction. These included the assessment of the paddy field layout, existing drainage facilities, presence of trees, and verification of soil properties and hydrological information. Survey of farmers view was conducted and it was found out that about 50 percent of the farmers are willing to try soil compaction technique provided that the compaction cost will not be directly shouldered by them. Using the available information for cost and benefits, economic analysis was conducted. Benefit-cost (BC) estimate of the proposed soil compaction project revealed a favorable BC ratio of 2.1: 1. Results show that identification of land improvement opportunity can be realized using overlay operations of GIS with available data and information.