Development of a comprehensive series of technologies for lowland cropping systems in Northeast Thailand

A comprehensive series of technologies was developed for the enhancement of rice production, laborsaving crop management, land improvement and water-saving production of vegetables and fruits for the improvement of cropping systems in rainfed lowland areas of Northeast Thailand as follows: (1) No-tillage dry direct seeding cultivation of rice was developed by the combined use of a no-tillage row seeder of the riding type and appropriate crop management, (2) Productivity of KDML105 was enhanced by the use of slow-release nitrogen fertilizers and soil conditioners, (3) A mechanized crop management system was developed for rice and introduced crops along with the development of rational weed control in rainfed paddy fields, (4) Land improvement technologies such as prevention of water leakage and deep tillage enhanced the water retention capacity and productivity of rice, (5) Effective use of agri-byproducts such as rice straw and husks was developed for soil and crop improvement, (6) Hood tunnel, vinyl-mulching and underground drip irrigation were effective for the cultivation of vegetables and fruits with increased water use efficiency.