The Water Footprint of Pa La-U Durian

Abstract

The study’s objectives of this research were to assess the water footprint of Pa La-U Durian in Huai Sat Yai, Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. By collecting primary data from interviews with farmers and related secondary data which were calculated by CROPWAT 8.0 program, the water footprint of Pa La-U Durian had an average of  2,284.67 m³/rai (2.79 m³/kg), divided into the amount of rainwater used (Green water), which was equal to 1,008.46 m³/rai (1.23 m³/kg), irrigation water consumption (Blue water), which was equal to 692.36 m³/rai (0.85 m³/kg), and the amount of water used in pollution treatment (Grey water) which was equal to 583.91 m³/rai (0.71 m³/kg). According to the study’s findings, which took into account each growth period, the branch growing period has the highest water footprint, measuring 745.39 m³/rai (0.91 m³/kg), because it contains the most green water and grey water in comparison to other growth periods. Grey water should be reduced, and farmers should be encouraged to use organic fertilizers, bio fertilizers, or microorganisms, as part of a strategy to reduce the water footprint of the production process. Due to the proportion of nitrogen in fertilizer in organic fertilizers being less than chemical fertilizers and leaching-runoff of organic fertilizers equal to 0.06 [1], while chemical fertilizers equal to 0.1 [2], resulting in a decrease in the grey water footprint from 583.91 m³/rai (0.71 m³/kg) to 24.81 m³/rai (0.03 m³/kg). As a result, the water footprint will be reduced to 1,725.59 m³/rai (2.11 m³/kg), which will not only lessen its negative effects on the environment but also encourage the growth of sustainable agriculture. In addition, the results of this research can be used for the monthly water footprint to plan the allocation of irrigation water to support the needs of Pala-U durian in each growth period.