Comparison of Costs and Benefit among Sugarcane Production on Controlled Release Fertilizer in Suphan Buri Province

Abstract

This research article has two main objectives: (1) to study the general condition of the sample farmers in Suphan Buri Province, and (2) to compare the costs and returns of sugarcane cultivation between farmers who use and do not use controlled-release fertilizers in the same province. A specific sample was selected from 25 farmers, both users and non-users of controlled-release fertilizers. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study found that the plots using controlled-release fertilizers had lower total costs, chemical fertilizer costs, and labor costs for fertilizer application compared to those not using controlled-release fertilizers, with a statistically significant difference at a 99% confidence level. Additionally, the yield of sugarcane per hectare was higher by 2.14 tons in the plots using controlled-release fertilizers, with a statistically significant difference at a 99% confidence level. Overall, sugarcane production in plots using controlled-release fertilizers generated a net income of 7,516.27 baht per hectare, while those not using them earned a net income of only 3,745.41 baht per hectare. It is concluded that the use of controlled-release fertilizers increases the profitability of sugarcane production for farmers.