Student Research Reports
An Effect of Different Types of Ground Cover Plants on Soil Temperature and Moisture
Organization(s):Varee Chiangmai school
Country:Thailand
Student(s):Mr. Patchara Chanprung
Miss Wirada Lertsirakiat
Miss Heyi Li
Miss Aunyarin Wongprasai
Miss Kritikran Upanan
Mr. Darun Jaiching
Grade Level:Upper Primary (grades 3-5, ages 8-11)
GLOBE Educator(s):Rattanaporn Waenphet
Contributors:Miss Kuntalee Panin
Mr.Kantapat Thapinta
Mr.Suppasit Kiatpattananon
Report Type(s):International Virtual Science Symposium Report
Protocols:Land Cover Classification
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Language(s):English
Date Submitted:03/05/2025
Continuous climate change over the years has impacted various aspects of the
Earth, including soil quality, leading to its degradation. To address this issue, one widely
adopted solution is the use of ground cover plants, which help preserve topsoil, retain
moisture, and regulate soil temperature, preventing excessive heat. A survey of the school
revealed that several types of ground cover plants were cultivated around large trees,
prompting the researchers to study how different types of ground cover plants affect
changes in soil temperature and moisture. The study aims to provide insights into selecting
the most suitable ground cover plants for effective soil management.
A comparative study of four types of ground cover plants—Manila grass, Kyoto
dwarf, Ceylon myrtle, and Spanish shawl—was conducted to assess their effects on
changes in soil temperature and moisture during the day using custom-built equipment.
The findings revealed that Spanish shawl was the most effective at maintaining stable soil
temperature, followed by Ceylon myrtle, Kyoto dwarf, and Manila grass, respectively.
Conversely, Manila grass was the best at retaining soil moisture, followed by Ceylon myrtle,
Spanish shawl and Kyoto dwarf. Overall, Ceylon myrtle demonstrated the highest ability
to maintain both soil temperature and moisture, followed by Spanish shawl, Manila grass,
and Kyoto dwarf. These differences are likely influenced by factors such as stomatal
structure and stomatal density. In conclusion, different ground cover plants have varying
capacities to regulate soil temperature and moisture, depending on their leaf structures
and plant characteristics. Selecting appropriate ground cover plants can significantly
enhance soil preservation and management