A Decision Support System for Rice Cultivation on Acid Sulfate Soils in Malaysia

Abstract

Ameliorative steps to put acid sulfate soils into productive use can be organized by a decision support system. The model uses microeconomic analysis to get an optimal rate of lime and fertilizer in maximizing profit. A glasshouse experiment was conducted on an acid sulfate soil in Malaysia to get the potential yield. A field trial was conducted for validation purposes. The recommended rate offertilizer application of 150-200 kg ha-J N. 20-30 kg ha-J P and 150-200 kg ha-J K were applied during the critical stage of the rice growth. Field Adjusting Factor (FAF) ofOAQ has been found and this was used /0 analyze the production function. Using TableCurve 3D software. an equation for production function was established. Validation using experimental data showed that the equation has a good capability. shown by the value of p>0.2 (t-test) and MEE of 2%. The model. named as RiCASS(Rice Cultivation on Acid Sulfate Soil}. was developed and successfully simulated the maximal profit under 4 different scenarios. The recommended rate of lime (GML) was 6.5 t ha-J for maximal profit and 2.5- 3.0 t ha-J for the farmers . practice.