Guidelines for Technology Transfer on Rice Straw Utilization for Soil and Fertilizer Management Community Center, Wareesawat Subdistrict.

Abstract

       Rice straw is a major annual agricultural by-product, particularly in rice-producing areas where Thai farmers commonly manage it after harvest by baling it for livestock feed or leaving it in the fields. However, some farmers still resort to burning stubble and rice straw to clear the land, resulting in negative environmental impacts—an issue that is similarly observed in Wareesawat Subdistrict, Roi Et Province. This study aims to investigate the current rice straw management situation among members of the Wareesawat Community Soil and Fertilizer Management Center, and to establish guidelines for technology transfer on appropriate rice straw utilization that can be implemented within a one-year timeframe. Therefore, these guidelines for technology transfer on rice straw utilization for the Wareesawat Community Soil and Fertilizer Management Center mark the beginning of a collaborative effort to find solutions to this issue. Conducted between November 2024 and January 2025 using the Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA) technique, the study found that the members of the center cultivate a total rice farming area of 401 rai, generating more than 105 tons of rice straw annually. Current management practices include using it as livestock feed, leaving it in the fields, plowing it under, and using it for soil mulching. This reflects that while the local rice straw holds high potential for utilization, systematic management is still lacking. To identify key development priorities, the Appreciation-Influence-Control (AIC) technique was utilized. In studying the technology transfer guidelines feasible within a one-year timeframe, two main approaches were identified: (2.1) transferring knowledge on rice straw management and utilization, and (2.2) promoting and creating added value from rice straw. The latter consists of two sub-approaches: (a) promoting and transferring technology for rice straw mushroom cultivation, and (b) promoting compost production from rice straw. The findings of this study can serve as a framework for designing technology transfer activities and provide valuable data for relevant agencies to promote rice straw utilization and develop the center into a community learning hub.