Background: This study evaluates the potential of local agricultural residues namely longkong peel, cajeput bark and oil palm bunches-as sustainable alternatives for fertilizer production in Narathiwat Province, Thailand. The use of compost made from these residues can offer a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution to improve soil fertility and reduce dependency on chemical fertilizers. 
 
Methods: The raw residues and their corresponding composts were chemically analyzed for their nutrient content. Fertilizer equivalence was calculated to estimate their potential contribution to soil nutrient supply. A plant growth experiment was conducted involving treatments comprising of longkong peel, cajeput bark and oil palm bunch composts, as well as a control group and standard fertilization to assess the influence of these composts on plant height and fresh weight. 
 
Result: The chemical analysis showed that longkong peel compost had the highest nutrient content, with (2.59% N; 1.41% P2O5&nbsp; and 2.96% K2O). Cajeput bark compost having a higher carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio, resulted in slower decomposition and nutrient release. Oil palm bunch compost displayed moderate nutrient levels. Fertilizer equivalence analysis indicated that longkong peel compost provided the highest nutrient equivalence, with an estimated annual contribution of 610 tons of nitrogen, 332 tons of phosphorus and 698 tons of potassium. Plant growth experiments with maize showed that longkong peel and oil palm bunch composts (145.75 cm in height and 80.75 g in fresh weight) being highest with oil palm bunch. significantly improved plant height and fresh weight. Cajeput bark compost also enhanced plant growth, but to a lesser degree. 
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Evaluating the Potential of Local Agricultural Residues for Sustainable Fertilizer Production: Enhancing Soil Health and Crop Productivity in Narathiwat, Thailand, Contributing to Sustainable Development Goals

Background: Contemporary agricultural vocational education faces challenges from accelerated technological progress, changing market requirements and disconnection between academic content and industry demands. This investigation aimed to evaluate agricultural competency development requirements among students at Narathiwat College of Agriculture and Technology using Priority Needs Index methodology and examine these requirements across various academic levels. 
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Methods: A quantitative research design was employed involving all 274 students from Narathiwat College of Agriculture and Technology. Data collection utilized a dual-response questionnaire measuring existing versus desired competency levels across 11 specialized areas within four primary domains. The Modified Priority Needs Index (PNI) was applied using the formula PNI = (I - D)/D, where I represents desired competency and D represents current competency. One-way ANOVA examined differences across educational levels. 
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Result: Significant disparities existed between students&rsquo; moderate existing competencies and their high aspirational levels. Creativity and Innovation emerged as the highest priority development area (PNI=0.776), followed by Quality and Production Standards (PNI=0.517), Management and Planning (PNI=0.502) and Information Technology (PNI=0.443). Packaging development and branding capabilities ranked highest (PNI=0.923), followed by Smart Farm deployment competencies (PNI=0.893). First-year Vocational Certificate students demonstrated significantly higher development requirements in Quality and Production Standards and Information Technology compared to advanced students. Third-year Vocational Certificate students showed greater needs in Creativity and Innovation than second-year Higher Vocational Certificate students. Future curriculum enhancement should prioritize packaging development and Smart Farm deployment while adapting instructional approaches for different academic levels and establishing agricultural enterprise partnerships.

Evaluating the Potential of Local Agricultural Residues for Sustainable Fertilizer Production: Enhancing Soil Health and Crop Productivity in Narathiwat, Thailand, Contributing to Sustainable Development Goals

Core Competency Assessment among Vocational Stream Agricultural Students in Thailand