Change detection and identification of land potential for planting Krajood (Lepironia articulata) in Thale Noi, Southern Thailand

Abstract

Lepironia articulata, commonly called grey sedge or krajood, can be transformed into various products to generate extra income for local families in the southern part of Thailand. In recent years, the amount of Lepironia articulata used as raw material has decreased and does not currently meet the demand for the resource. Appropriate areas where natural resources and the environment can be restored and the abundance of natural produce can be increased must be sought. Therefore, this research considered the opportunity to identify appropriate areas for planting Lepironia articulata. Geographic information system (GIS) and remote sensing were integrated to map land use changes in 1990, 1998 and 2006 in the Thale Noi area. The study found that from 1990-1998, emergent aquatic areas increased by 16.18 square kilometers, the area of swamp forests increased by 15.33 square kilometers, the area of rice paddies decreased by 0.80 square kilometers, and the area of mixed orchards increased by approximately 0.32 square kilometers. From 1998-2006, the area of swamp forests increased by 1.9 square kilometers, but emergent aquatic areas decreased by 1.23 square kilometers. The area of rubber plantations increased by 0.63 square kilometers, and the area of rice paddies decreased by 0.69 square kilometers. This study aimed to define land potential for Krajood (Lepironia articulata) cultivation in the Thale Noi area by considering five factors: land use, distance from water sources, slope, soil characteristics, and soil drainage. The study found that the areas of high potential for planting Lepironia articulata were wetlands and near water sources, covering a total area of 5.54 square kilometers. The areas with moderate potential were swamp forests and rice paddies, covering a total area of 4.27 square kilometres. GIS and remote sensing were found to be very useful for identifying land use changes and potential areas for planting Lepironia articulata.