Student Research Reports
A Comparison of Soil Quality in Areas with the Growth of Foxtail Palm, Banana, and Mango Trees at Ban Thung Na School, Trang Province
Organization(s):Banthungna School Trang,Thailand
Country:Thailand
Student(s):• Master Wuttipat Nilbonparot
• Miss Katchamon Treerattanaphan
• Miss Papawarin Plaplueng
Grade Level:Lower Primary (grades K-2, ages 5-8)
GLOBE Member(s):Saisuda Napaphan
Contributors:Mrs. Chutima Noophrom
Mrs. Wanna Thongmeekhwan
Mr. Teerasarn Karnjanasrimak
Report Type(s):Virtual Science Symposium Report
Protocols:Air Temperature, Earth As a System, Soil Moisture - Gravimetric, Soil Moisture - SMAP Block Pattern, Soil pH, Soil Temperature
Presentation Poster:
View Document
Language(s):English
Date Submitted:2026-01-30
This environmental science research study entitled “A Comparison of Soil Quality in Areas with the Growth of Foxtail Palm, Banana, and Mango Trees at Ban Thung Na School, Trang Province” aimed to:
1. compare soil structure in areas where foxtail palm, banana, and mango trees grow;
2. compare soil temperature in those areas;
3. compare soil moisture; and
4. compare soil pH levels.
Measurements were conducted on soil structure, soil temperature, soil moisture, and soil pH. The results showed that soil moisture under mango trees was the highest (23.33%), possibly due to the wide canopy that provides shade and reduces water evaporation, as well as the lowland location near a pond. Soil under foxtail palm trees had the lowest moisture content (10.22%) because the palm has a sparse canopy and is planted in an open area near the football field, allowing direct sunlight to reach the soil and causing moisture loss.
Soil temperature showed a clear inverse relationship with soil moisture. Soil under foxtail palm trees had the highest temperature (30.22°C), corresponding to its low moisture content. Soil under banana trees had the lowest temperature (27.56°C). Although banana soil had lower moisture than mango soil, its temperature was lower, possibly due to water storage in the banana stem and leaf arrangement that effectively shades the soil surface. Additionally, banana trees were planted behind a school building, which helped block sunlight.
Soil pH values at all three sites ranged from strongly acidic to moderately acidic (5.44–5.67). Soil under foxtail palm and banana trees had the same pH value (5.67), while soil under mango trees was slightly more acidic (5.44). These pH levels are typical for soils in southern Thailand and are suitable for the growth of all three plant species (general optimal range: 5.5–6.5).