Soil and crop management
As climate change impacts the Mekong River Delta through increased saline intrusion, drought and variable weather conditions, farmers are seeking alternative crops to rice for dry season production. These upland crops are required to grow in conditions where the salinity of irrigation water can exceed 4 g/L and dry season temperatures can reach over 35 degrees Celsius. Freshwater scarcity is becoming increasingly common throughout the dry season and difficult soil conditions such as acid sulfate soils, compaction and low fertility make choosing suitable upland crops difficult. The identification and implementation of alternative crops and associated management practices to rice includes multiple research phases including a literature review, glasshouse and greenhouse trials, plant screening, field trials and agronomic optimisation.
Alternative
crops
Field trials are located across the provinces of Can Tho, Soc Trang, An Giang and Hau Giang. They utilise farmers fields which are continually monitored throughout the dry season. Quinoa, cowpea, red beet, maize and watermelon have all been trialed as potential upland crops with each species displaying various qualities and challenges.
Soil
management
Associated management practices investigated in the FOCUS project aim to improve soil properties and crop growth. Mulching decreases evaporation and reduces soil salinity, raised beds help alleviate waterlogging issues at seedling stages, and biochar and compost aim to improve soil structure and fertility.
Irrigation
management
Chameleon soil moisture sensors (via.farm) provide a relative quick and easy way to determine a soils moisture status. Chameleons used in the FOCUS project trials have significantly reduced water use and labour inputs, without yield compromise. Chameleons have helped farmers develop suitable irrigation schedules for upland crops to maximise water use efficiency.
Greenhouse
trials
Greenhouse and glasshouse trials have been conducted to trial various upland crops and associated management practices prior to implementing in the field. Plant screening for salinity and drought tolerance, irrigation trials, and fertiliser optimisation of has occurred.
