THAIGERM cooperation 030

Recently, rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) plantations have largely expanded in Northern Thailand, especially on hillsides. Converting forests or field crop areas to rubber plantations on sloping lands without establishing any soil conservation measures may lead to strong environmental impacts including soil degradation and landslides. Additionally, growth performance and latex production of rubber under drier climates as found in Northern Thailand and sloping land conditions is still poorly understood. The overall aim of the proposed project is to promote a better integrated assessment of the impact of such changes on natural resources by facilitating Thai/German staff and student exchange and to enhance access to essential resources. The resulting improved researcher interactions and synergies will support the development of sustainable land use options for farmers in the target region. The impact of land use change to rubber on sloping lands will be monitored and evaluated at several field sites by staff of Naresuan University, while the research team based at the Hohenheim University provides training for improved assessment of crop physiology and land use change. Through the proposed project, monitoring will be enhanced and extended by providing knowledge and equipment transfer on erosion and plant physiology measurements by the German partner. By using integrated dynamic modelling approaches, developed at the Institute of Plant Production and Agroecology in the Tropics and Subtropics of Hohenheim University, various rubber based land use scenarios will be tested to identify improved management options. Training on crop and watershed modelling will be provided by the German research team to assess the impact of land use change and rubber expansion on environmental services. Currently, the project partners operate independent projects supported by both Thai and German funding agencies in Thailand. Hence, funds from the Thai-German Researcher Mobility Scheme will allow creating added value by improving knowledge transfer on equipment and modelling techniques, researcher exchange and capacity building. Furthermore, the project partners plan to develop a new project based on outputs of the proposed collaboration to further develop sustainable agricultural systems in the area.