Student Research Reports
A Comparative Study of Soil Properties in Oil Palm and Rubber Plantations in Na Yong District, Trang Province
Organization(s):Sawat Rattanapimuk
Country:Thailand
Student(s):Ms.Butsarakorn Chuakul
Ms.Laksanawadee Awapak
Grade Level:Middle School (grades 6-8, ages 11-14)
GLOBE Member(s):Karnrawee Churat
Contributors:Mrs Karnrawee Churat
Miss Tipaporn Chaidet
Report Type(s):Virtual Science Symposium Report
Protocols:Surface Temperature, Relative Humidity, Alkalinity, pH, Soil pH, Soil Temperature, Soil Moisture - Gravimetric
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Language(s):English
Date Submitted:2026-01-30
Abstract
This research aimed to investigate and compare the physicochemical properties of soil in oil palm and rubber plantations located in Na Yong District, Trang Province. Data collection was conducted at three distinct points within each site, covering morning, midday, and evening intervals. The findings revealed that soil temperatures at both sites were relatively similar, with average temperatures of approximately 28.3 – 28.4°C at a depth of 5 cm and 26.0 – 26.3°C at a depth of 10 cm. Regarding soil acidity-alkalinity (pH), the oil palm plantation exhibited slightly alkaline conditions (mean pH of 8.0), whereas the rubber plantation ranged from neutral to slightly alkaline (mean pH of 7.5); the pH in the oil palm plantation was approximately 0.5 units higher than that of the rubber plantation.
In terms of moisture and light intensity, the rubber plantation showed a significantly higher average relative humidity (1.8) compared to the oil palm plantation (1.5) and received greater average light intensity (783 Lux vs. 644 Lux). Laboratory analysis of primary macronutrients (N, P, K) indicated that nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) levels in both areas were at trace amounts. However, potassium (K) levels in the rubber plantation were categorized as medium, which was notably higher than the trace levels found in the oil palm plantation. Consequently, while the physical properties regarding temperature were comparable, distinct differences were observed in pH values and potassium content. The rubber plantation exhibited higher potassium fertility and moisture levels, providing essential data for strategic soil management and optimized fertilization for these two economic crops in the region.