Chlorella vulgaris-Amended Cocopeat Compost: Soil pH and Soil Compaction Analyses

Document Types

Paper Presentation

School Name

Adamson University

Track or Strand

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Gurtiza, John Albert, D

Start Date

25-6-2025 10:30 AM

End Date

25-6-2025 12:00 PM

Zoom Link/ Room Assignment

https://zoom.us/j/96395524945?pwd=uMIouA2hMraYDLTYrKqbhW8mCobpfv.1 Meeting ID: 963 9552 4945 Passcode: 843648

Abstract/Executive Summary

Soil degradation in the Philippines, characterized by compaction, erosion, and salinization, significantly threatens agricultural productivity. This study investigated the potential of Chlorella vulgaris-amended cocopeat compost to improve soil health compared to conventional cocopeat compost. A posttest-only control group design was employed, testing two composts (with and without Chlorella vulgaris) in twelve containers with a 60:40 compost-to-soil ratio. Soil pH and compaction were measured using a calibrated pH meter and pocket penetrometer. Results showed that Chlorella vulgaris-amended cocopeat compost exhibited a slightly higher pH (6.53) than cocopeat compost (6.43), suggesting better pH stability. However, this difference was not statistically significant. Significantly lower compaction values were observed in the Chlorella vulgaris-amended cocopeat (0.20) compared to the control (0.328), indicating improved soil structure. While Chlorella vulgaris did not significantly affect soil pH in this study, the results suggest its potential as an effective amendment for soil compaction. Future research should investigate its effectiveness in real farm settings using larger-scale penetrometers and consider additional environmental factors to assess its overall potential as a sustainable soil amendment.

Keywords

Chlorella vulgaris; cocopeat; soil pH level; soil compaction; soil degradation

Research Theme (for Paper Presentation and Poster Presentation submissions only)

Sustainability, Environment, and Energy (SEE)

Statement of Originality

yes

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Jun 25th, 10:30 AM Jun 25th, 12:00 PM

Chlorella vulgaris-Amended Cocopeat Compost: Soil pH and Soil Compaction Analyses

Soil degradation in the Philippines, characterized by compaction, erosion, and salinization, significantly threatens agricultural productivity. This study investigated the potential of Chlorella vulgaris-amended cocopeat compost to improve soil health compared to conventional cocopeat compost. A posttest-only control group design was employed, testing two composts (with and without Chlorella vulgaris) in twelve containers with a 60:40 compost-to-soil ratio. Soil pH and compaction were measured using a calibrated pH meter and pocket penetrometer. Results showed that Chlorella vulgaris-amended cocopeat compost exhibited a slightly higher pH (6.53) than cocopeat compost (6.43), suggesting better pH stability. However, this difference was not statistically significant. Significantly lower compaction values were observed in the Chlorella vulgaris-amended cocopeat (0.20) compared to the control (0.328), indicating improved soil structure. While Chlorella vulgaris did not significantly affect soil pH in this study, the results suggest its potential as an effective amendment for soil compaction. Future research should investigate its effectiveness in real farm settings using larger-scale penetrometers and consider additional environmental factors to assess its overall potential as a sustainable soil amendment.

https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/conf_shsrescon/2025/paper_see/29