Student Research Reports

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This investigative scientific study, conducted at the Al-Naqa School Observatory, is an in-depth applied research project that embodies the standards of the international GLOBE Program in its finest details. Through this work, the GLOBE team sought to achieve a strategic objective: analyzing and understanding the complex correlation between the morphological (structural) characteristics of crop leaves and their mechanical efficiency in trapping atmospheric salt spray, while evaluating the impact of this accumulation on vegetative growth quality and crop sustainability in coastal environments. The research stemmed from pivotal scientific questions investigating the reasons for the noticeable disparity in damage between eggplant leaves and pepper leaves, despite being grown under identical climatic conditions. It also explored how high relative humidity contributes to accelerating the formation of a "salt crust," leading to acute osmotic stress and the clogging of the plant’s respiratory stomata. The importance of this research lies in providing scientific solutions based on real data to support farmers in Oman's coastal areas, aligning with the goals of Oman Vision 2040 to enhance food security and protect biodiversity. The methodology relied on precise scientific sequencing and the integration of roles among team members. The GLOBE team strictly applied protocols for Atmosphere, Soil, and Water, which enabled them to earn Badges of Excellence in "Data Science," "Innovation," and "Collaboration." The first group (Data Collectors) was responsible for daily monitoring of maximum and minimum air temperatures and relative humidity using advanced digital stations. Meanwhile, the second group (Problem Solvers) worked on innovating the "Standardized Distilled Swabbing" technique to collect deposited salts from a precisely defined leaf surface area of 50 cm². The third group (Collaborators) undertook laboratory analysis tasks using an Electrical Conductivity (EC) Meter to convert the swabbed samples into measurable and comparable digital data, linking them to specific geographical locations via GPS to ensure spatial and temporal accuracy. The results and data monitored over five months (September 2025 – January 2026) revealed crucial scientific facts. Statistical analyses proved that eggplant leaves possess the capacity to trap salts exceeding pepper leaves by an average rate of 36.5%. This value peaked in September with a salinity rate of 620 µS/cm. The research attributed this to the presence of fine trichomes (hairs) on eggplant, which act as microscopic physical traps that prevent sea spray from sliding off and increase surface adhesion forces. Conversely, the smooth waxy cuticle of pepper leaves provided a salt-repellent advantage that minimized accumulation. Furthermore, the results showed that the convergence of high humidity (82%) and elevated soil temperature (41.5°C) is the primary driver for evaporating the water content of the spray and fixing solid salt crystals, which caused "marginal leaf burn" and the degradation of photosynthesis. The research concluded with the formulation of practical and executable strategic recommendations for the agricultural community. These included the necessity of adopting a "Purification Irrigation" system or preventive leaf washing in the early morning, specifically for crops with pubescent (hairy) leaves, and designing "smart windbreaks" using local trees to reduce the direct reach of saline aerosols to farms near the coast. This integrated scientific effort, which began with observing a local problem and ended with providing innovative solutions based on global protocols, demonstrates the GLOBE team’s success in transforming educational tools into scientific weapons that contribute to protecting Oman's environment and sustaining its resources. This confirms that field-based scientific research is the optimal path for facing increasing climatic challenges.