CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Governments around the world support biofuels production because of concerns about climate change and a possible reduction in the availability of imported crude oil. Thailand, with its geographic characteristics and location, is well positioned to effectively deploy biofuels in meeting energy needs. This land suitability analysis for Nipa palm gives an idea about best suitable lands for Nipa palm production so that its production would benefit the stakeholders.
This study did not include rainfall and temperature in defining suitability criteria since the study area is small (45 sq.km) and the rainfall and temperature in this area is within the range of the required rainfall (100200mm/month) and temperature (20-35 degree Celsuis) in order for Nipa palm to grow (ICRAF, 2008). And it was also assumed that rainfall and temperature does not much vary locally. For a larger study area where rainfall and temperature varies much, it is recommended to include rainfall and temperature in the suitability analysis.
The study on the relationship between salinity level and sap-sugar production is also necessary to identify the optimum level of salinity that a nipa palm can produce sap, sugar, and ethanol at maximum production. A study also on factors why Nipa palm is not still used as a source of biofuel, in spite of its potential to produce ethanol