Student Research Reports
A Study of Soil Properties in Beach and Paddy Field Areas on the Growth and Sweetness of Koh Sukorn Watermelons, Pa Lian District, Trang Province, Thailand.
Organization(s):Pornsirikul
Country:Thailand
Student(s):Miss Sukhwan Nuphuti
Miss Ninchaya Srisakote
Miss Rasi Nuphuti
Grade Level:Upper Primary (grades 3-5, ages 8-11)
GLOBE Member(s):Navaporn Tipsed
Contributors:Miss Risa Nuphuti
Mrs. Sirikwan Nuphuti
Mrs. Supattra Srisakote
Report Type(s):Virtual Science Symposium Report
Protocols:Soil Characterization, Soil Fertility, Soil Moisture - Gravimetric, Soil pH
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Language(s):English
Date Submitted:2026-01-30
This study aimed to investigate soil quality and its effects on the size and sweetness of watermelons. The research was conducted on Koh Sukorn Island, Trang Province, Thailand. Watermelon cultivation areas were divided into two distinct zones: the beach area (0-200 meters from the shoreline) and the paddy field area (300-500 meters from the shoreline). Soil samples were randomly collected from both areas and analyzed for quality parameters. The findings revealed significant differences in soil properties between the two zones. Specifically, soil moisture content, organic matter percentage, and phosphorus levels in the beach area were lower than those in the paddy field area. The pH value of paddy field soil was lower than that of beach soil. However, nitrogen and potassium levels showed no significant differences between the two areas. Soil texture analysis showed that the beach area consisted of Sandy Loam, while the paddy field area consisted of Silty Loam. Soil color in the beach area was Brown, whereas the paddy field area exhibited a darker Yellowish-Brown color.Watermelon size analysis revealed that fruits from the paddy field area were significantly larger and heavier than those from the beach area. Conversely, sweetness measurements showed that watermelons from the beach area had higher sugar content than those from the paddy field area. In conclusion, differences in soil properties directly affect both the size and sweetness of watermelons, demonstrating the critical relationship between soil characteristics and crop quality.