Assessing Maize (Zea mays L.) Production Technology Utilizing Plant Models to Enhance Efficiency in Soil Series Group 7 within an Average Annual Rainfall Zone of 1,000-1,200 mm: A Case Study in Chainat Province

Abstract

The study aimed to develop and assess a testing method for animal feed maize production, utilizing plant models in Soil Group 7, Chainat Province, within an average annual rainfall zone of 1,000–1,200 mm. The objective was to enhance maize output to a minimum of 75 percent of the maximum expected yield in the region. The research was conducted from October 2022 to February 2023, focusing on the Manorom District, Chainat Province. Subsequently, the utilization of nitrogen fertilizer at 125% of the chemical fertilizer amount determined by soil analysis values was tested. In October, planting densities of 14,222 plants per rai with the DK 9898C variety were compared against the farmers' conventional approach, utilizing chemical fertilizer at the same density with the PC 789 variety. Analysis of the technology test results revealed no significant statistical variance in maize yield at 15% seed moisture content. (DOA) The testing method yielded an average weight of 1,804 kilograms per rai, while the farmers' method yielded 2,016 kilograms per rai. Although the testing method resulted in a lower maize yield compared to the farmers' method, with a decrease of 212 kilograms per rai (11.75 percent), there was no statistically significant difference in the number of ears per rai. The testing method also showed a lower cost of production at 5,583 baht per rai compared to the farmers' method at 6,837 baht per rai, representing an 18.57 percent reduction. Despite the lower yield in (DOA) the testing method yielded a higher income of 14,482 baht per rai, compared to the farmers' method, indicating an increase of 3.13 percent. Furthermore, (DOA) the testing method demonstrated a higher net income of 8,899 baht per rai, reflecting a 16.74 percent increase over the farmer's method. The income-to-investment ratio (BCR) for the testing method was calculated at 1.59, whereas the farmer's method yielded a BCR of 1.12. These results suggest that the testing method offers a higher return on investment compared to the farmer's method, making it a more financially viable option.