Abstract:
Breakeven analysis of fertilizer mixing by farmer for Pak Choi production was studied as follow: the different fertilizer treatments were: 1) no fertilization 2) 1,000 kg/rai of organic fertilizer 3) 30 kg/rai of 20-10-10 chemical fertilizer 4) 30 kg/rai of 20-10-10 organic-chemical pelleted fertilizer, and 5) 30 kg/rai of 20-10-10organic pelleted fertilizer supplemented with chemical fertilizer. The experiment was conducted at Agricultural Training and Research Centre of Rajabhat NakhonrachasimaUniversity during November 2006January 2007. Twenty 1x2 m2 plots were designed into RCBD with 4 replications. Data were done analysis of variance and mean comparison using statistical analysis software. Fertilizer application showed highly significant in promoting growth and yield of Pak Choi except 1,000 kg/rai of organic fertilizer. Application of 30 kg/rai of 20-10-10 chemical fertilizer showed highest growth and yield of Pak Choi. Fertilizer mixing by farmers decreased cost of Pak Choi production. The cost of fertilizer mixing by farmers themselves was 10.35 Baht/kg while in the market was 20 Baht/kg. The result suggested that using of fertilizer mixing by farmers showed more breakeven than fertilizer in the market. However, long term chemical fertilization decreased soil physical properties and the yield will be dropped. Mixing of organic compound with chemical fertilizer is an alternative way to increase soil organic matter and maintain soil fertility.