Student Research Reports
Study and Analysis of the Correlation between Soil Properties and the Quality of Red Sago Palm Starch (Metroxylon sagu) in Na Yong District, Trang Province, Thailand
Organization(s):Sawat Rattanapimuk
Country:Thailand
Student(s):Ms. Natnicha Srisawang
Ms. Mathurada Wunkit
Ms. Onuma Muangpoon
Grade Level:Secondary School (grades 9-12, ages 14-18)
GLOBE Member(s):Weerawit Anuntanasin, Karnrawee Churat
Contributors:Ms. Natnicha Srisawang
Ms. Mathurada Wunkit
Ms. Onuma Muangpoon
Mr. Weerawit Ananthanasin
Mrs. Kanrawee Churat
Report Type(s):Virtual Science Symposium Report
Protocols:Soil Characterization, Soil Moisture - Gravimetric, Soil pH, Soil Temperature
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Language(s):English
Date Submitted:2026-01-29
This study aims to investigate the relationship between soil properties and the quality of Sago palm starch (Metroxylon sagu) in Na Yong District, Trang Province. Data collection was conducted from October to January to evaluate the physical and chemical characteristics of the soil and their influence on the growth and starch accumulation within the trunk.
The results regarding physical soil properties in the sago palm forest revealed an average soil temperature of 30–31°C with relative soil moisture levels ranging from 7–10. Light intensity varied across the study sites between 100–450 LM. Chemically, the soil was found to be alkaline, with pH levels ranging from 8.0–9.0. Analysis of primary macronutrients indicated that nitrogen was present in trace amounts, potassium levels were low, and phosphorus levels ranged from low to medium.
Regarding the quality and quantity of sago starch extracted from trunks with diameters of 36–45 cm and heights of 65–80 cm, the starch yield percentage ranged between 28–35%. Notably, the third section of the trunk yielded the highest starch content at 35%. Physically, the extracted starch exhibited a brown color, a fine powder texture, and a moisture content of 0%. These findings demonstrate that despite limited macronutrient availability and high soil alkalinity, the sago forest ecosystem in the studied area maintains the potential to produce sago starch with physical characteristics suitable for local utilization.