Cooperating countries: Indonesia, Vietnam, Austria

Coordinating institution: BOKU University

Project coordinator: Katharina Maria Keiblinger

Partner institution: Universitas Gadjah Mada, Vietnam National University of Agriculture

Project duration: 

Budget: 39.640,00 €

Rice production in Southeast Asia faces increasing challenges due to soil contamination from industrial activities, landfill waste, excessive agrochemical use, and poor land management. These factors degrade soil health and pose significant risks to food safety. This study aims to assess the impact of contamination on soil health parameters in rice fields through a field survey conducted in Indonesia and Vietnam. Soil samples will be collected from contaminated rice fields to evaluate key indicators, including soil pH, organic matter content, nutrient availability, heavy metal accumulation, and microbial diversity across different contamination levels. Additionally, the study will investigate the effectiveness of locally available resources, such as biochar, compost, and zeolite, in mitigating soil degradation and restoring soil health. The findings will provide critical insights into site-specific remediation strategies, contributing to the sustainable rehabilitation of contaminated paddy soils and enhancing agricultural resilience in the region.