Student Research Reports
The Study of the Effects of Vetiver Grass on Soil Properties Along Riverbanks in Chiang Mai
Organization(s):Varee Chiangmai school
Country:Thailand
Student(s):Mr. Tangmun Tangmunkong
Miss Napaphat Tanaphat
Miss Jutharat Kaeomanual
Miss Pimnara Ratpongkun
Miss Kritchanok Chomnuch
Miss Phatkan Bantupaswong
Grade Level:Upper Primary (grades 3-5, ages 8-11)
GLOBE Educator(s):Rattanaporn Waenphet
Contributors:Miss Kuntalee Panin
Mr. Kantapat thapinta
Mr. Suppasit Kiatpattananon
Mr. Nuctworapol Vongsoontorn
Report Type(s):International Virtual Science Symposium Report
Protocols:Soil Fertility
Presentation Video:
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Language(s):English
Date Submitted:03/05/2025
Soil erosion is a problem where soil is washed away, eroded, or degraded due to water
currents, wind, or human activities. This leads to soil deterioration, loss of topsoil, and reduced
fertility. It was found that a common solution to this issue is the use of ground cover plants,
particularly vetiver grass. The grass has special properties that slow down water flow and trap
sediments, allowing more water to seep into the lower soil layers, increasing soil moisture,
preventing erosion, and enhancing soil nutrients. This study aimed to examine the effects of
vetiver grass on soil properties along riverbanks in Chiang Mai. Three study sites were selected:
the banks of the Ping River, the riverbanks in Mueang Chiang Mai district, and the riverbanks in
Saraphi district. The study analyzed the physical and chemical properties of the soil, using soil
from these sites to conduct an experiment growing Pang Kwang variety vetiver grass for two
months. The results showed that vetiver grass can grow well along riverbanks in Chiang Mai,
with the most suitable soil being the sandy loam of Mueang Chiang Mai district, followed by
the sand of Saraphi district, and the sandy clay of the Ping River banks. Regarding sediment
retention, vetiver grass was found to effectively slow water flow and trap sediments best in
sandy clay, followed by sand and sandy loam. The study also found that vetiver grass improved
soil structure by making it more porous, darkening soil color, lowering soil temperature, increasing
moisture content, and enhancing phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) levels.