Student Research Reports

View Research Report

This research aims to compare the water quality of organic and chemical fertilizers and their effects on the growth of Azolla microphylla at Wichienmatu School, Mueang District, Trang Province. Azolla microphylla floats on the water surface, and this study focuses on comparing the effects of organic and chemical fertilizers on water quality and the growth of Azolla microphylla. The study examines key water quality parameters, including temperature, turbidity, and pH, throughout the experimental period from February 11, 2025, to February 26, 2025. The experiment was conducted using two sample ponds: one treated with organic fertilizer and the other with chemical fertilizer. Each pond was dug to a depth of approximately 50 centimeters and lined with PE plastic sheets measuring 3 meters in width and 4.5 meters in length. After lining the ponds, 1,500 liters of water were added. One kilogram of either organic or chemical fertilizer was then applied to each pond, followed by a two-day waiting period to allow the fertilizers to dissolve before introducing Azolla microphylla. After another two days, water quality parameters and the growth rate of Azolla microphylla in both conditions were measured and compared. The results showed that the water in the organic fertilizer-treated pond had a turbidity of 81.03, a stable pH of 7, and a temperature of 30°C. In contrast, the water in the chemical fertilizer-treated pond had a turbidity of 37.13, a pH of 8.5, and the same temperature of 30°C. The findings indicate that water with organic fertilizer had higher turbidity and a more stable pH compared to the chemical fertilizer-treated water, while there was no significant difference in temperature between the two groups. However, the growth rate of Azolla microphylla was higher in the organic fertilizer-treated water than in the chemical fertilizer-treated water. In conclusion, organic fertilizer positively affects water quality and enhances the growth of Azolla microphylla more effectively than chemical fertilizer. These findings suggest that organic fertilizer can be applied in agricultural systems and ecological wastewater treatment.