Protecting nature: A farmer’s journey from burning to plowing

"When farmers protect nature, nature will protect us."

Kongsuk Buaban, a maize farmer in the Khlong Hat District in Sa Kaeo Province

A legacy of traditional farming methods

Kongsuk first started maize farming at 16 years old, following the footsteps of his parents. Now at 50 years old, he has expanded from renting only 1.76 hectares of land to managing around 50 hectares today.

Field burning, also known as agricultural burning, is a practice that farmers use to remove crop residues in the field after harvesting is completed, to prepare for the next growing season. Kongsuk has been using this traditional farming practice since he started growing maize as a teenager – but he started to notice problems. The soil was damaged after burning, becoming acidified and compact, hindering its growing ability in the future. This process also contributed to greenhouse gases, producing pollutants.

A new approach, from burning to plowing

Agronomists from Yara Thailand spoke to Kongsuk about soil health, sharing knowledge on how to take care and regenerate the soil across his fields.

Improving soil health – the foundation for resilient crop production and sustainable farming – is important for our health, and the health of the planet.

This shifted Kongsuk’s way of thinking – and way of farming – prompting him to try plowing the topsoil instead of burning the straw. Kongsuk usually completes two crop cycles each year in the maize field, taking four months each time from planting to harvest. After harvesting, he now uses a tractor to cover and rotate the soil surface without acidifying it. With nutrients and plant residues still leftover, the soil can
break down and naturally digest itself in two months, completely loosening the soil in preparation for the next planting.

Yara Thailand's guidance and expertise

Yara Thailand agronomists were on this journey with Kongsuk every step of the way. Supporting Kongk with soil analysis, agronomists were able to determine that less fertilizer was required during the planting cycle, reducing excess nutrient runoff into the environment, and optimizing nutrient management.

After using this method for two to three years, Kongsuk has noticed an undeniable boost in crop yield and quality, “The results are that I was able to reduce the cost of growing maize without realizing it. The maize is bigger, weightier, with full grains that are arranged beautifully. One hectare can harvest about 11.25 to 12.5 tonnes, which is incredible.”

Although plowing the topsoil already helps to prepare the soil, Kongsuk continues to nourish the plants and soil with crop nutrition, just as he has done before.
Understanding the needs of specific crops, Yara agronomists have been able to share knowledge of the crop nutrition solution most suitable.

Sowing the seeds of change

Kongsuk Buaban's journey from traditional field burning to sustainable farming practices highlights the profound impact that sustainable agricultural methods can have on both the land and the farmer's livelihood. His experience serves as an inspiring example of how farmers, when equipped with the right knowledge and support, can be stewards of the earth, ensuring that nature will continue to protect us in return.