Student Research Reports
Soil Properties Affecting Grasshopper Egg Hatching Rate
Organization(s):Kalasinpittayasan
Country:Thailand
Student(s):Mr.Krittanai Riancharoen Mr.Natpawin Suntornpakdee
Mr.Aitthimon Bandasak Mr.Thanphisit Krasaewath
Grade Level:Secondary School (grades 9-12, ages 14-18)
GLOBE Educator(s):Chumpon Chareesaen
Contributors:
Report Type(s):International Virtual Science Symposium Report
Protocols:Soil pH, Soil Temperature
Presentation Video:
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Language(s):English
Date Submitted:03/05/2025

This study examines how soil properties influence the hatching rate of Patanga succincta
eggs, focusing on soil type (sandy, loamy, clay, and sandy loam), pH, salinity (EC),
temperature, and moisture. Eggs were incubated in different soils under controlled
conditions, and hatching rates were measured. Results showed that loamy soil and sandy
loam had the highest hatching rate (92%), with pH values of 6.8 and 6.4, respectively. Their
high porosity (50–55%) ensured proper aeration and water drainage, facilitating oxygen
supply. In contrast, sandy soil (pH 6.2) had a lower hatching rate (63%), while clay soil (pH
5.8) had the lowest rate (54%) due to poor aeration and high density, which limited oxygen
availability. Soil salinity (EC) also played a crucial role, with hatching rates highest in soils
with EC below 2.5 µS/cm. Clay soil, which had EC of 3.5 µS/cm, resulted in a significantly
lower hatching rate (54%), indicating that high salinity negatively affects embryo
development. Temperature was another critical factor. The optimal temperature range for
hatching was 25–30°C, with the highest hatching rate (92%) recorded at 30°C. Lower or higher
temperatures significantly reduced hatching rates (74% at 25°C, 69% at 35°C, and only 17%
at 40°C), suggesting that extreme temperatures disrupt embryo development. Moisture
content also influenced hatching efficiency. The ideal range was 45–60%, as moisture below
40% led to dehydration, while levels above 70% caused oxygen deficiency, both of which
reduced hatching success. Loamy and sandy loam soils maintained stable temperatures and
moisture levels, contributing to their high hatching rates. In contrast, sandy soil heated up
and dried out quickly, while clay soil retained excessive moisture, sometimes causing
temperature fluctuations and delayed hatching. In conclusion, loamy soil and sandy loam
provide the best conditions for Patanga succincta egg hatching, as they offer balanced pH
(6.4–6.8), low salinity (<2.5 µS/cm), stable temperature (25–30°C), and optimal moisture
levels (45–60%). These findings can help optimize locust breeding and conservation
strategies by improving egg incubation success rates.