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A Comparison of How Coffee Grounds and Biochar Affect Soil Fertility for Growing Chinese Convolvulus
Organization(s):Varee chiangmai school
Country:Thailand
Student(s):Miss Chalita Supanchart
Miss Chawitsara Singhkra
Miss Emilie Kanticha
Mr. Wongsathon Chaisan
Miss Chutikarn Worraratkul
Grade Level:Middle School (grades 6-8, ages 11-14)
GLOBE Teacher:Rattanaporn Waenphet
Contributors:Miss Rattanaporn Waenphet
Miss Kuntalee Panin
Mr. Kantapat Thapinta
Mr. Suppasit Kiatpattananon
Report Type(s):International Virtual Science Symposium Report
Protocols:Earth As a System
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Optional Badges:I am a Problem Solver, I am a Data Scientist, I work with a STEM Professional
Language(s):English
Date Submitted:03/06/2024
As the use of organic materials in agriculture to improve soil fertility can be beneficial, most farmers rely on biochar for soil improvement before planting. Due to high consumption of coffee in their school, the researchers were interested in studying and comparing the effects of different proportions of coffee grounds and biochar on soil fertility and the growth of Chinese Convolvulus. The study was conducted in seven experimental plots within the school premises which had different amount of biochar and coffee grounds.The soil structure in all plots was similar, characterized by dark brown, loamy soil with high crumbliness. Temperature and soil moisture were inversely related; higher temperatures corresponded to lower moisture levels and vice versa. Plots with coffee grounds and biochar retained moisture better than those without.
Chemically, the soil pH was lowest in the soil-only plot (pH 4), indicating higher acidity compared to plots with coffee grounds and biochar (pH 5). Nutrient analysis revealed low nitrogen (N) content in soil-only plots, moderate levels of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Plots with coffee grounds had low N but high P and moderate K levels. Biochar plots had low N, moderate P, and high K levels. These nutrient levels affected the growth of Chinese Convolvulus. During weeks 1-4, Chinese Convolvulus plants grown in plots with 10% biochar exhibited the highest growth. The soil-only plot demonstrated the lowest growth after 4 weeks of cultivation.
Upon measuring the fresh weight of Chinese Convolvulus plants, it was found that plots with 10% biochar and 5% coffee grounds had the highest weight (0.40 kilograms) with the soil-only plot had the lowest weight (0.32 kilograms). Overall, mixing coffee grounds and biochar in suitable proportions improved soil fertility, increased nutrient levels, and promoted plant growth.
Keywords : coffee grounds, biochar, Chinese Convolvulus, soil fertility , nutrients in soil, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K)