Nursing the River Basin

How can we work together to solve issues like floods and droughts?

This is the question people in the society keep asking whenever any water-related crisis arises. In whichever river basin the issues occur, whether it’s in the capitals, big cities or small towns, when the crisis hits, lives across different groups and areas are all impacted.

To get the most relatable answer where the takeaways can help solve issues in all areas alike, TCP Group hosted the activity ‘TCP Spirit River Basin Nurse in Khao Yai during 1-3 November 2019. The goal is to create awareness through first-hand volunteering experience for a long-lasting change. The activity is inspired by the ‘TCP Embracing Thailand’s River Basin’ project which focuses on nursing river basins across Thailand sustainably.

The activity brought over 100 volunteers from all over Thailand to the natural trail of Pha Klaui Mai Waterfall, Khao Yai National Park, to learn about water sources and natural water management. The volunteers had the chance to witness the connection between the forest and water. After soaking up the beauty of nature, they learned about water and land management at the Pannar Sufficiency Economy Philosophy Learning Center in Khao Yai from Pannarai Phaholyothin and Rojanee Leelakul, the two co-founders who worked together to develop over 50 rais of land to be self-sufficient with water management. We were joined by a special guest speaker Dr. Wiwat Salayakamthorn, Chairman of the World Soil Association and Founder of the Agrinature Foundation, who provided insights to landscape design and shared how agrinature can be applied to water and soil management.

 

 

Not only did the activity provide a wealth of knowledge, actor and environmentalist, Alex Rendell, also joined the experience. Alex learned from the activity alongside the volunteers and passed on the inspiration to care for the environment as the TCP Spirit Ambassador for the second consecutive year.

TCP Spirit is a volunteer project by the TCP Group, Thailand and global leading beverage manufacturer including Krating Daeng (Red Bull), Ready, Sponsor, Mansome, Puriku as well as Sun Snack snacks. The project is an extension of ‘Krating Daeng Spirit’ the long-standing initiative dedicated to the society and environment with an aim to drive Thai society to sustainability through volunteer projects. The project introduces interesting social as well as environmental agendas so that TCP Spirit volunteers can learn together.

 

 

From the 3-day, 2-night of learning experience in Khao Yai, came the10 key lessons on the relationship between soil and water from Khao Yai National Park and the Pannar Sufficiency Economy Philosophy Learning Center in Khao Yai to be shared with everyone who wishes to play their part in looking after our water resources.

 

Lesson 1

Understanding the river basin

First, we learn the meaning of ‘river source’ and ‘river basin’ before nursing the river basin together.

 

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TCP Spirit volunteers across the nation needed to have a good knowledge and understanding about water issues. Chatpreecha Chadakul, Head of Mun River Basin Research Station, invited the volunteers to learn more about ‘river source’ and ‘river basin’ so that everyone was on the same page and had the correct information.

The learning started at the river source, which is perched at the highest point and is the origin of all rivers and ravines. The river source is usually located on a plain land up in the high mountains such as the Lam Ta Kong river basin forest where water flows from the Khao Phan Fa of the Khao Yai National Park.

The river basin is where all the rain is collected just above the river mouth, taking the shape of a basin as its border becomes a water divide. A river basin makes up of physical resources including soil, land, rocks, minerals; biological resources from forest, animals, biodiversity including ecosystems; and man-made resources like habitats, communities and land for agriculture. The application of different types of soils, cultures, norms and resources come together as a whole in any river basin. Therefore, to nurse a river basin is to manage the land and the use of land for the people in each one.

Water is a valuable resource for humans, animals and all beings in nature. This is especially true for humans who use water for almost all activities. While many consume water, few preserve. This leads to issues in terms of quality and quantity which eventually escalate to disasters that damage both the economics as well as the environment.

Thailand is now facing severe issues in many areas of the country. This is due to the fact that the forests up on the mountains which used to absorb water have been destroyed. With water sources turned into bald mountains from agriculture, lives in the midstream and downstream are affected. Therefore, we need to learn more about river basins as well as how to collaborate to solve the issues.

 

Lesson 2

The relationship between the forest and water

Trekking to explore the Lam Ta Kong River Basin along the Pha Klaui Mai Nature Trail

After learning about the river basin, TCP Spirit volunteers explored the Lam Ta Kong River Basin along the Pha Klaui Mai Nature Trail where the river flows from the water source Khao Fa Pha Forest in Khao Yai National Park. It’s the origin of the main river which flows and nurtures lives in Nakhon Ratchasima. The forest also serves as a reservoir of natural water, preventing floods and droughts.

 

 

After a short while of trekking into the forest, TCP Spirit volunteers were welcomed by the cool breeze and the relaxing sound of the flowing river. Chalard Phutthaban, Speaker from the Khao Yai National Park told us that the forest is a dry evergreen forest under the evergreen forest category. This type of forest remains green throughout the year.

Lam Ta Kong is another important river which functions like a lifeline for lives in Nakhon Ratchasima. Its origin is Khao Fa Pha in Khao Yai National Park (the river flows through Amphoe Pak Chong and Amphoe Sung Noen of Nakhon Ratchasima and flows into Mun River in Amphoe Muang of Nakhon Ratchasima).

Despite the fact that Lam Ta Kong has a dense forest to collect rainwater and it flows all year round, the midstream and downstream areas have great needs for water for consumption, agriculture and business. This led to a large volume of underground water being extracted to the point that there’s an issue with water management and lack of water during the dry season.

The trip to Khao Yai National Park was an opportunity for TCP Spirit volunteers to experience the river and witness the greatness and beauty of nature. It created an understanding of the river basin, showed them how to conserve water the right way and instilled the good conscience to care for our natural resources so that they last for generations to come.

Along the way, pteridaceae can be seen from both sides. Walking a little further, rattan palms came into sight, which is an indicator of a rich forest. Upon the speaker’s instruction to, TCP Spirits volunteers saw webs of thick liana linking one tree to another. It’s how large trees and lianas are connected and depend on each other. When the wind blows harshly and the roots cannot stand on its own, it’s the neighbor like the lianas that help holding on. Lianas also serve as bridges for animals which feed on the trees such as gibbons and squirrels.

 

On the way, the speaker invited TPC Spirit volunteers to look where “still water runs deep,” which is where the water is reserved for the dry season. If you ever spot a still surface in the river, know that the water is deep.  But where the water flows swiftly, rest assured that it’s shallow. Aside from the rain, the water also comes from the trees. Soil plays a role in holding water as well. The stickier the soil, the better it is at retaining water due to its porosity.

 

If the trees tell us how rich a forest is, then the water striders are the indicators of how healthy a river is. If life forms survive in the water, it’s also safe for humans to drink from the same source. The color of the water in Lam Ta Kong creek is slightly turbid. This is due to its journey as the water flows down from Khao Fah Pha, which is through the mountain rocks that are sandstones (to get crystal clear water, the river must flow through limestones, like the Erawan Waterfall in Kanchanaburi).

Through the nature trail, TCP Spirit volunteers could hear the flowing water along the way. This is because the water in Lam Ta Kong area flows all year round. Having a rich forest helps retain water effectively. When it rains, the forest will absorb the water, preventing it from flooding the lower areas. When the dry season sets in, the tree roots which have been collecting water will slowly release the water. This trek allowed TCP Spirit volunteers to understand the relationship between the water and the forest, which rely on each other for balance to prevent floods and droughts.

“Humans can build and replace anything, but we can never recreate the river and the perfection that is nature,” Chalard summed up everything for TCP Spirit volunteers.  

 

 

Lesson 3

Land design with pan holes

Understanding reservoir landscaping with ‘Kok Nong Na Model’

Before we start solving the issues with water contamination from chemicals leaking through the soil and topsoil erosion, let’s get to know the ‘pan holes’ or ‘Kok Nong Na Model,’ which is part of the New Theory of Agriculture by King Rama 9.

Kok Nong Na Model resembles a pan of coconut rice pancake. If the pan is even, it cannot contain water. By digging holes in the area, the water is retained longer. The heavy rain will not flood the area like it does now. This model would work even for bald mountains. If swamps are dug to hold the water or crops are grown in terraces, the roots absorb water in the soil. Having rice terraces near the feet of the hills is even better. When rainwater flows down from the hills, it stays in the soil longer. Vetiver needs to be grown by the soil ridge to help hold the soil together. Not only can pan holes help prevent floods, it can also retain water so we can use it all year round.

 

 

Lesson 4

Water treatment with ‘spa’

Solve water contamination where chemicals leak through the soil with ‘contaminated water spa’

If we dig a hole to collect water in our own homes, but the water unfortunately flows past our neighbors homes where agriculture chemicals are used, how can we treat it? King Rama 9 conducted a study on how to treat contaminated water at Makkasan Swamp in Rama 9 area as well as another research at Lam Phak Bia in Phetchaburi Province. The late King Rama 9 instructed us to use a natural method since it is useful and saves cost.

 

 

The idea to treat ‘contaminated water treatment by nature’ was simplified into ‘contaminated water spa.’ The first step begins with resting. This is where we dig a swamp to rest the contaminated water. Wait until the contaminated water is well-rested and settled. When the water is clear, we let it through to the sunbathing swamp. Let’s take a step back to the part the swamp is dug. As soon as the swamp is dug, line the wall with fresh cow manure mixed with hay. The manure will help make the soil more solid, fill its air spaces, making it better at holding water.

 

 

For sunbathing, dig a canal in the shape of a chicken intestine. It should twist and has its steep and shallow areas to make sure the water gets the longest treatment. Being bathed in the sun helps kill the germs. Near the chicken intestine canal, grow water plants like reed, narrowleaf cattail or canna so that the roots can absorb the toxins.

 

 

Getting fresh air from the last swamp is where the clean water is kept after it's been treated in the first two swamps. It’s also good to have weirs or soil ridges in certain spots or build waterfalls to fill air. To ensure the water is clean and safe, throw in an EM ball (Effective Microorganisms) the size of a petanque ball to treat the quality of the water. The microorganisms in the swamp will keep decomposing the remains of the plants and animals in the water. Once the decomposition is complete, the water is ready to move to reservoirs, rice fields, vegetable plants and for consumption. This marks the end of the contaminated water spa session.

 

Lesson 5

Keeping the good soil

Prevent soil erosion of the topsoil along the river by “keeping the soil, retaining the water and growing vetiver.”

Part of the Pannar Sufficiency Economy Philosophy Learning Center in Khao Yai is next to Lam Ta Kong Dam. Whenever the flood comes, the topsoil would be swept into the water. This results in shallow water because the dam holds more soils instead of water. The speaker instructed that any area next to the water or river basin should have a system to protect the soil and to keep the fine silt as humus and natural fertilizer for its own area.

 

 

And that’s how “keeping the soil, retaining the water and growing vetiver” is done to prevent topsoil erosion.

Keeping the soil by turning a slope into a rice terrace. Retaining the water by digging a canal in the shape of a chicken intestine to hold the fine silt in the swamp. Growing vetiver to protect the topsoil. The vetiver should be planted in a single row across the slope so that its lines serve as the fence to slow down the water that rushes down.

This method will work in any area from the riverbanks, by the creeks or even bald mountains.

 

 

Lesson 6

When you can’t think of anything else, ‘grow bananas.’

For spoiled topsoil that cannot retain water, bananas can help.

If you walk into the Pannar Sufficiency Economy Philosophy Learning Center in Khao Yai , not only you will be greeted by an army of banana trees, but the host also put up signs on them with an invitation “When you can’t think of anything else, ‘grow bananas.’” Our speaker revealed why it’s important to grow bananas first before anything else. Before the Pannar Sufficiency Economy Philosophy Learning Center in Khao Yai came into being, the land was brown and dry and could not retain water. Banana trees were grown first. Their trunks are good at holding water and moisture. Growing bananas is the perfect solution to help improve soil quality on bald mountains. 

And most importantly, bananas are also a kind and giving plant. It passes on its moisture to its neighboring plants, allowing them to flourish. Almost every part of a banana tree can be used for different purposes. Their leaves are good for wrapping dessert. Their stems are good for Thai cuisine.

 

 

Lesson 7

Who kills the weeds?

No herbicides needed since weed is used to kill weed.

For agriculture today, farmers opt for herbicides that are filled with chemicals since it’s fast, convenient and helps reduce the work process. But an easier way is to “trim them to the ground” and leave it there. Let the grass act as a blanket for the soil to create moisture to the earth underneath.

When there’s enough moisture, there’s heat underneath the grass. This condition allows microorganisms to flourish even better and the ability to decompose also gets better. Humus is created and becomes a 0-baht fertilizer that helps keep the soil healthy.

Extra tips from us: weeds will die on their own without any exposure to the sun. Just put a piece of wood or cover the area you don’t need with a shade; the weeds will die, sparing you the time needed to cut them.

 

 

Lesson 8

Earthen dyke of gold

Grow fruits and garden vegetables on the earthen dyke and let them rain produce of gold.

The Pannar Sufficiency Economy Philosophy Learning Center in Khao Yai lies an organic rice field. What makes it special is its earthen dyke of gold because this is the area which has edible crops and useful plants. However, this practice contradicts with the local people’s belief where no large trees are grown on the earthen dykes as the shades would go over the rice field, resulting in adequate growth. The speaker has an easy solution. Simply line the earthen dyke in rows, paralleling with the sunrise and sunset, and there will be no shades on the rice fields. Additionally, you have the produce from the earthen dyke of gold all year round.

And when there is too much produce, you can share them with your neighbors.

 

 

Lesson 9

Planting five-level forest

Planting mixed crops in the same field, with different heights

Our speaker told us that what used to be rice fields are converted to mounds to prepare for three-tree forest with four-fold benefits by planting a five-level forest. This is where multiple crops are grown within the same fields, but different heights. This is because the different crops and with different heights will mimic the relationship of an actual forest, just like the ecosystem in nature. When the rainwater reaches the roots of the five crops, 70% of the water is retained. Here’s a list of the five-level forest:

Tall trees are hardwood trees such as ironwood, teak, padauk and xylia xylocarpa

Mid-height trees such as coconuts and mangoes

Short trees are mostly garden vegetables such butterfly pea

Root vegetables such as taros and potatoes.

The taller the trees, the longer the roots. This allows the microorganisms to travel via the roots. The land will be even more enriched and balanced. The three-tree forest with four-fold benefits starts with planting edible crops, followed by useful crops then crops that can be used for building habitats. The four-fold of benefits are: moderate living, moderate eating, moderate use and moderate peace.

 

 

Lesson 10

EM water with endless benefits

Making bland EM water from banana shoots and EM balls to treat contaminated water.

Before the Pannar Sufficiency Economy Philosophy Learning Center in Khao Yai was opened, the land was once used for chemical agriculture. When the center opened, it was changed to organic agriculture. Nevertheless, there were still residues of chemicals. So the bland EM water was made from bamboo shoots. Ferment the mixture for three months and it's ready for use. Just pour it on the land to wash away the chemicals in the soil and improve the soil by adding in good microorganisms.

Apart from fermenting plants for the EM water, we also make EM balls to treat water from dried compost, clay soil, rice bran, burnt and raw rice husk and bland EM water. Mix everything well and mold it into the size of a petanque ball. Place them in the shades for about 7-15 days, then they are good to go as mini EM balls to treat contaminated water. One EM ball is good for one square meter of water.

The center doesn't just make bland EM water from banana shoots, they have a total of seven flavors that can be used on the body as well as plants.

 

 

From the 10 lessons from TCP Spirit River Basin Nurse, many families, lands and homes in the area can benefit from what we've learned and apply them to their areas. Whether it's a plain land or agricultural land, or even people in the urban area, the knowledge can be used to manage the water for their own use. This is especially true for contaminated water treatment, soil erosion prevention and playing a part in reducing the soil silt that flows into public water resources. All of these efforts help nurse the river basins which we depend on. If we could take what we've learned on how to nurse the river basins with TCP Spirit and apply it to just 10% of the river basin areas then share the lessons with the people we know, we are already nursing the river basins across the country.