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Study of mulch base from freshwater algae mixed with natural materials to retain moisture and increase minerals in the soil.
Organization(s):Princess Chulabhorn Science High School Trang
Country:Thailand
Student(s):Ms.Natchawadee Seephom
Ms.Jittapat Keawtan
Grade Level:Middle School (grades 6-8, ages 11-14)
GLOBE Educator(s):SIRIKWAN NUPHUTI, Apasri Chumchuen
Contributors:-
Report Type(s):International Virtual Science Symposium Report
Protocols:Air Temperature, Relative Humidity, Soil Characterization, Soil Fertility, Soil Moisture - SMAP Block Pattern, Soil pH, Soil Temperature
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Language(s):English
Date Submitted:03/05/2025
Study of mulch base from freshwater algae mixed with natural materials to retain moisture and increase minerals in the soil. The primary materials used are freshwater algae and rice straw in three ratio formulations: 10:0, 9:1, and 8:2, respectively, and supplemented with agricultural by-products such as crushed eggshells for calcium and fungal prevention, earthworm castings to increase NPK, and starch paste as a binder to form the soil cover material. The experiments were divided into 10 sets: Sets 1-5 used loamy soil (planting soil) and sets 6-10 used clayey sandy soil (low in minerals) to test various soil properties, including pH, temperature, NPK content, moisture, and organic matter content, as well as to study the water used for irrigating plants and the decomposition of the soil cover materials. The results showed that the soil cover material with an 8:2 ratio provided the best moisture retention due to the freshwater algae's high water-holding capacity and the rice straw's role in reducing water evaporation. Using soil cover materials from freshwater algae mixed with natural materials not only helped retain moisture in the soil but also increased soil fertility through decomposition, which released important minerals for plant growth. Thus, this material is suitable for organic farming and soil and water conservation.