Last 40 years, the surrounding villages of Khaohinsorn Royal Development Study Center
at Phanomsarakam district, Chachoengsao province used to be a fertile forest. Due to
deforestation on the undulating landscape with sandy-textured soil, and cassava
(monocropped) plantation without land husbandry.
Then the land became infertile and high
erosion-prone area. The deterioration of soil resources around the area is mainly caused by
impact of rain washing away top soil and excessive surface runoff, results in massive loss
of the soil. Soil erosion occurs which heavily damage agricultural land and affects water
storage capacity by becoming shallow due to siltation (Land Development Department,
1988)
The Khaohinsorn Royal Development Study Center realizes an important role of soil and
water conservation as a basic policy to be performed. The strategy of conservation is
defined as a practical, easily manageable and low cost. Vetiver-vegetative method will be
used for this policy and also need people cooperation. An attempt to bring about soil and
water conservation to the area without people participation may not succeed. It is expected
that people participatory approach can encourage people especially farmers become more
and more involved in the process.