Landscape-ecology Change of Durian Orchard in Nontaburi Province Consequenctial of the Great-flood 2011

Abstract

          The objective of  this study was to explore and analyze the changes of landscape ecology involving flora, fauna, water and soil in durian orchard in Nonthaburi province consequential of the Great-flood 2011.  The analysis was mainly on the quality of water and soil in flooded plots comparing with those in unflooded ones to identify the impact of the flood.  This research was referred to the concern that the orchards could be contaminated with flood water coming from urban area.

          The study was carried out with the samplings of 10 plots each of  flooded area and unflooded area for comparing.  For more comparing details, each 10 plots was divided in 2 groups: the upper and the lower districts.  There were interview survey and scientific survey of water and soil.  The differences between flooded and non-flooded data were analyzed by means of statistical T-test. Other analyses were means comparing and analytic description.

          It was found from the study that there were landscape ecology impacts such as the temporary disappearance of ants and termites in the first year. Rats and squirrels were increased especially in the unflooded area, moreover Openbill birds were spreaded and consume Golden apple nail, so floaten weeds were increased, besides, bird's stool damaged coconuts and some other kinds of trees. Some outside weeds appeared in the area for a short time. The average pH and DO values of storage water in all areas were normal, but BOD values were too high. As for agricultural soil, the average P values were too low, the average K values were too high, the average EC values were as usual and the average N values were slightly too low.  As for environment parameter, soil in all study areas were normal while the average values of Arsenic, Cadmium, Chomium, Mercury and Lead were low.  As for difference analyses of soil and water for agriculture and environment properties, there was no difference among flooded and unflood study areas, even there were some variances between groups comparing and overall comparing.  It shouldbe noted that Lead, Mercury and Chomium values in some flooded plots were apparently high, so there may be some  polluted water flow from urban areas nearby  impacted haphazardly on these plots.

          There were not many intensive Durian plots especially in non-flooded areas fertilized with organic substances such as cow stool and ferment fish.  Most of orchardists persisted to go on their orchards for the livelihood. No matter how floods happen, they will cultivate again.  If the tendency was not changed for excessive conservation action, the unique Durian orchard would gradually disappear. The most request from all orchardists in these suburbs is sufficient clean water irrigation for Durian watering