A study centre in Narathiwat province serves as a model for farmers nationwide to improve the quality of soil according to King Bhumibol Adulyadej's ideal

Although King Bhumibol Adulyadej passed away two years ago, he left behind priceless legacies from his more than 4,000 royal projects nationwide. One of his major initiatives is soil aggravation, which won a patent from the Department of Intellectual Property in 2007. Anyone wishing to learn about this royal brainchild can visit Pikun Thong Development Study Centre in Muang Narathiwat, where acidic peat soil was improved with the king's help.

Nestled between Ban Pikun Thong and Ban Khok Saya in tambon Kaluwo Nua, the Pikun Thong Development Study Centre is an agricultural learning and training centre for comprehensive land development and farming by local villagers. It was established in 1982 in line with King Bhumibol's royal initiative to improve the quality of acidic peat soil. Narathiwat had about 300,000 rai of land with acidic soil, which was too poor in quality for farming, before the king came to the rescue.

At the centre, covering an area of 1,740 rai -- including 202 rai high grounds, a 308 rai plain, a 200 rai rubber plantation and a 1,030 rai reservoir -- visitors can learn about the king's soil aggravation principle through an exhibition, models and experimental rice fields. Other interesting things to see include an experimental peat swamp, soil analyses, the new theory of farming, sufficiency economy farming, biodiesel production, vetiver grass, herbal gardening, vegetable farming, fish farming and mushroom growing.

The Pikun Thong Development Study Centre's exhibition on soil aggravation. Pichaya Svasti

The exhibition on soil aggravation (klaeng din, or teasing soil) shows samples of acidic soil and improved soil from all across Thailand, information about the principle and old photos of King Bhumibol's royal visits to Narathiwat, and other places which had soil quality problems. Apart from the exhibition, visitors can see experimental rice fields where peat soil had been treated to suit various strains of rice.

Back on Aug 18, 1981, King Bhumibol remarked that many areas of Narathiwat province totalling about 300,000 rai were low-lying plains which had poor-quality soil and were flooded all year round. Even after the water was drained, the areas remained unsuitable for farming because the soil has a lot of pyrite, which can cause sulphuric acid. The acidic soil should be treated by concerned agencies, which should work together to study and develop peat swamps. The success of the project should serve as a role model for improving other peat swamps.

The Pikun Thong Development Study Centre was founded on Jan 6, 1982. Later, on Sept 16, 1984, the king visited the centre and said: "An experiment should be done by intensifying the acidity of the soil first. The water must be drained out of the area to dry the soil. Then studies must be conducted to find ways to treat the acidic soil. Results should be applied to improve acidic soil in Narathiwat. This experiment should be completed within two years and the tested plant should be rice."

The testing at the centre has been divided into three phases since 1986. The final phase, from January 1990 until the present, shows that the soil, left underwater for four weeks before being dried and treated with calcium carbonate, is the most suitable for rice farming. For planting crops or fruits, fertiliser must be added to the improved soil. The better soil must be used for farming continually in order to prevent it from returning to severe acidity.

The Pikun Thong Development Study Centre's exhibition on soil aggravation. Pichaya Svasti

On October 5, 1992, the king visited the centre again and remarked that the experiment was successful. "Soil aggravation, which I mentioned three or four years ago, is the use of water in driving soil to work. Once the soil has started to work, it is no longer 'angry' [from being teased]. No one had believed me until the method was implemented here. It was successful. Therefore, my work here is the most important [among all of his work]. I believe foreigners who see the results will be pleased because they were unable to find any solution in any books."

Apart from the exhibition and rice fields, other interesting things to see include the production of biodiesel from used cooking oil, the sufficiency-economy-style vegetable farms and fish and frog farms in acidic soil.

The next stop should be the experimental peat swamp, where trees indigenous to peat swamps were planted in a created environ. In this area, visitors can learn about the ecological system and evolution of peat swamps as well as how to breed paperbark trees (samed khao) for distribution to the general public and how to make use of paperbark wood and leaves. Also, visitors can stroll a 300m-long nature trail and climb an observation tower to enjoy panoramic views of the forest.

If visitors have limited time to spend at the centre, a free tram tour is recommended, since they can take a look at all interesting zones and stop to visit particular areas. After visiting these areas, no one should miss opportunities to purchase handicrafts, rice, bio-extract products and toiletries produced by the centre and local people living in its neighbourhood.

The experimental rice fields and fruit orchards in treated acidic soil.

A fish pond in improved acidic soil and the peat swamp and nature trail.

Shopping for farm produce, bio-extract products and handicrafts at the Pikun Thong Development Study Centre.

A tram tour.

The Pikun Thong Development Study Centre is open during office hours daily. Admission is free. Visit http://pikunthong.com or call the centre at 073-631-033.