Development and Application of Plant Models to Increase Efficiency Sweet Corn Production in Nakhon Pathom Province

Abstract

The study aimed to develop and assess a testing method for sweet corn production, utilizing plant models in Nakhon Pathom Province. 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 Kamphaeng Saen District, Nakhon Pathom Province. Various management conditions were explored, and key factors were analyzed using decision tree model techniques to identify efficient sweet corn production technologies. The identified technology set was evaluated for convenience of management and suitability for the area. Subsequently, the utilization of chemical fertilizer amount determined by soil analysis values was tested. In October, planting with the Hybride 3 variety were compared against the farmers' conventional approach, utilizing chemical fertilizer at the same variety. Analysis of the technology test results revealed no significant statistical variance in sweet corn yield. (DOA) The testing method yielded an average weight of 3,396 kilograms per rai, while the farmers' method yielded 3,386 kilograms per rai. Although the testing method resulted in a higher sweet corn yield compared to the farmers' method, with a decrease of 10 kilograms per rai (0.30 percent). The testing method also showed a lower cost of production at 7,923 baht per rai compared to the farmers' method at 10,752 baht per rai, representing an 26.31 percent reduction. Despite the lower yield in (DOA) the testing method yielded a higher income of 33,962 baht per rai, compared to the farmers' method, indicating an increase of 4.14 percent. Furthermore, (DOA) the testing method demonstrated a higher net income of 1,408 baht per rai, reflecting a 16.26 percent increase over the farmer's method. The income-to-investment ratio (BCR) for the testing method was calculated at 4.3, whereas the farmer's method yielded a BCR of 3.0. 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.