PSRU Journal of Science and Technology

EFFECTS OF GROWING MEDIA FROM LEAVES GARBAGE ON GROWTH OF GREEN OAK (LACTUCA SATIVA VAR. CRISPA L.)

2025-06-01T11:54:37+07:00

The objectives of this research were to test the effects of growing media from leaves garbage on green oak (Lactuca sativa var. crispa L.). The leaves garbage included dried longan leaves, teak leaves, bamboo leaves, and rain tree leaves, mixed with loam soil and dried cow manure. Fermentation moisture was maintained using distillery wastewater. The result showed that after 60 days of composting, the 7 growing media treatments exhibited bulk densities ranging from 0.58 to 1.42 g/mL, moisture contents between 23.43% and 29.20%, and a mildly alkaline pH with average values ranging from 7.43 to 7.78. Electrical Conductivity; EC were ranged between 1039.00-1433.00 ug/cm and Organic materials; OM content ranged from 25.80% to 35.80%, respectively. The growing media were then tested using a Completely Randomized Design; CRD comprising 8 treatments with three replications. The results revealed that Treatment 4, composed of dried longan leaves: dried bamboo leaves: loam soil: dried rain tree leaves: dried dairy cow manure in the ratio 1 : 1 : 2 : 2 : 2, yielded the highest growth performance. This included the number of leaves, plant height, root length, canopy width, stem size, and total fresh weight including roots and shoots. Regarding the growing media is an approach to reduce the burning in open areas and can also be developed into products.

MONITORING THE SPREAD OF SALINITY IN NATURAL WATER SOURCES IN THE ROCK SALT PRODUCTION AREA, NAKHON RATCHASIMA PROVINCE

2025-05-16T16:46:38+07:00

The objective of this research was to monitor the water quality in nearby natural streams that are expected to be impacted by salt production in the salt farm areas of Nakhon Ratchasima province, covering five sub-districts, to track the spread of salinity in natural water sources. This could potentially lead to the leakage of saline water into the streams, affecting the communities and farmers in adjacent areas. Water quality in natural water sources in the salt production areas of Nakhon Ratchasima province has been monitored through fieldwork for three years, from the fiscal year 2022 to 2024. The monitoring included 38 sampling points in the five sub-districts, where salinity levels, temperature, turbidity, pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids; TDS, and salinity of the water were measured and analyzed statistically. It was found that the current salinity distribution shows that surface water salinity levels range from 0.20 to 21.0 ppt (average 2.10 ppt). The highest salinity value recorded was at the Huai Noi monitoring point in May 2023, due to the stream dredging project. However, no significant statistical impact of salt production on the streams and water sources was observed. Despite a decrease in salt production in the Ban Salao area due to a reduction in licensed salt producers, salinity levels at monitoring points in the southern part of the salt farm area, which is a water catchment area, have increased. This is likely due to the presence of saline soil. Therefore, continuous monitoring of activities that could affect the spread of salinity in these areas is recommended.

SOIL PROPERTIES AND CARBON STOCK OF DRY DIPTEROCARP FOREST IN THE AREA OF FOOD BANK ROYAL INITIATIVE PROJECT AT MAE HONG SON PROVINCE

2025-05-28T16:02:25+07:00

This study aimed to study the chemical soil properties, namely potassium (Exch.K), calcium (Exch.Ca), magnesium (Exch.Mg), sodium (Na), pH, organic matter (OM) and organic carbon (OC) and physical properties, namely soil hardness, soil moisture and density of topsoil (0-5 cm) and bottomsoil (20-25 cm) and to study the carbon storage of trees in the dry dipterocarp forest in the Community Food Bank Project under the royal initiative, Mae Hong Son Province by placing 40x40 m random sampling plots in the hill (H), middle of the hill (M) and bottom of the hill (L), 3 plots each, totaling 9 plots. The results of the study found that the hardness of the topsoil in the lower hill area had the highest soil hardness and soil moisture at 19.11 mm at a moisture level of 5.33% and in the lower soil in the upper, middle and bottom of the hill areas had similar values. Meanwhile, the relationship between soil properties and tree species composition It can be divided into 2 groups: Group 1 is determined by soil density (Sd), soil carbon content (OC), sand particles (Sand) and Group 2 is determined by clay particles (Clay), silt particles (Silt), soil moisture (Sm) and organic matter (OM), biomass content and carbon sequestration. It was found that the lower part of the hill is the most because the plant species are related to moisture, often appearing in areas with good drainage. The amount of nutrients is high, followed by the upper part of the hill and the middle of the hill, respectively. Therefore, appropriate land utilization should take into account the ecological potential and soil properties of the area. If agriculture use is necessary, the suitability of the soil for the intended crops should be considered. Alternatively, the land should be used for conservation or agroforestry to promote sustainable and effective forest management.

SEMI-INSTANT DRIED BAMBOO SHOOT POWDER PRODUCT USING SOLAR DRYING TECHNOLOGY

2025-06-20T11:41:15+07:00

This research aimed to develop a semi-instant dried bamboo shoot powder by applying solar greenhouse drying technology to transform traditional northeastern Thai cuisine into a convenient, shelf-stable, and marketable product. The study began by selecting traditional bamboo shoot curry recipes from three community groups in Udon Thani, Nong Bua Lam Phu, and Bueng Kan provinces. Consumer acceptance was evaluated by 30 participants using a 5-point hedonic scale. The recipe from Bueng Kan (Recipe 3) received the highest overall liking score, with a mean of 4.18±0.87. This recipe was then developed into a curry powder product using a solar greenhouse dryer (3×6 meters) at an average drying temperature of 65°C. The optimal drying time was 5 hours, reducing moisture content to below 10% by weight and resulting in a water activity (a_W) value of 0.21, which ensures product stability at room temperature. Rehydration using a ratio of 1 : 2 (30 grams of curry powder to 60 milliliters of water) yielded a product with sensory attributes similar to freshly cooked curry, especially in aroma, taste, and overall acceptability. The findings indicate that this semi-instant curry powder is an innovative food product that can enhance the value of local ingredients, support community-based economies, and has potential for commercial development.

ASSESSMENT OF THE POTENTIAL OF URBAN GREEN SPACES FOR CARBON DIOXIDE SEQUESTRATION USING THE EDDY COVARIANCE TECHNIQUE

2025-05-21T11:53:31+07:00

In the context of ongoing population growth, the expansion of urban areas and the shift in land use from forests to cities have become increasingly evident. These land use changes are regarded as one of the primary contributors to the release of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into the atmosphere. As such, the restoration and development of green spaces in urban areas serve as an important mechanism for capturing carbon dioxide through the photosynthetic process of plants. This study aims to investigate the potential for carbon dioxide exchange and the differences in its movement between urban green areas and built-up urban areas. The Eddy Covariance technique was applied to measure the carbon dioxide flux within the atmosphere. To illustrate the contrast in land use and land cover, the “Deep Forest” area of The Forestias Project was selected to represent the urban green area, while the Kasetsart University Meteorological and Air Pollution Monitoring Tower (KU Tower) was chosen to represent the urban area. The findings suggest that in the Deep Forest green area, the carbon dioxide sequestration (Sink) flux, based on 24-hour average values for the wet and dry seasons, was -3.81 and -2.01 tons/rai/year, respectively, indicating effective carbon absorption through plant photosynthesis. Conversely, the KU Tower area showed carbon dioxide emissions (Source) of +4.21 and +4.13 tons/rai/year during the wet and dry seasons, respectively, reflecting emissions from urban-related activities. Overall, the results support the promotion and integration of urban green spaces in tropical climates as a strategic approach to mitigating the impacts of climate change and enhancing urban sustainability.

EFFECTS OF PROCESSING AND BREWING METHODS ON THE ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY AND NUTRITIONAL COMPOSITION OF DRAGON BLOOD TEA

2025-06-24T08:58:49+07:00

This research aimed to investigate the factors affecting the antioxidant content and antioxidant activity, as well as to study the physical quality, chemical composition, and microbiological quality of dragon blood tea from the Doi Chang community to develop an instant beverage prototype product. Additionally, the study analyzed the nutritional value of the product to provide nutritional information for consumers. The results showed that dragon blood tea processed using roasting and rolling techniques during roasting had moisture content and water activity levels within the standard range for tea products. Brewing the tea using a tea bag at 90°C for 3 minutes resulted in a total anthocyanin content and total phenolic content were 1.72±0.17 mg anthocyanin-3-glucoside/kg D.W. and 7.39±0.05 mg GAE/g D.W. respectively. Antioxidant activities using the DPPH and ABTS methods was 5,882.50±258.71 and 6,365.14±148.61 μmol TE/100g D.W., respectively. The levels of iron and zinc were found to be less than 0.50 mg/kg, while magnesium and calcium were 30.64±0.04 and 52.00±1.41 mg/kg, respectively. No contaminants, sulfur dioxide, or harmful bacteria were detected. Nutritional analysis of the developed instant dragon blood tea beverage prototype product indicated that it is a caffeine-free, calorie-free drink rich in antioxidants, making it a suitable choice for health-conscious consumers.

EFFECT OF PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS AND ORGANIC COMPOUNDS ON SHOOT INDUCTION AND ALLEVIATION SHOOT TIP NECROSIS OF STRAWBERRY (FRAGARIA X ANANASSA) IN VITRO

2025-06-12T10:11:30+07:00

Strawberries can be propagated through plant tissue culture, which is an effective technique for producing disease-free plantlets in large quantities. However, shoot tip necrosis is often encountered during the multiplication stage. This study aimed to investigate the effects of plant growth regulators, macronutrient and micronutrient concentrations and types of organic compounds on shoot induction and the reduction of shoot tip necrosis (STN) in Fragaria × ananassa cv. 'Pharachatan 80'. Shoot tips were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium (1962) supplemented with 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 mg/L of benzyl adenine (BA) for four weeks. It was found that MS medium containing 3 mg/L BA effectively induced shoot proliferation, with a STN rate of 40%. Doubling the concentrations of stock solutions 1 and 2 in combination with 3 mg/L BA further enhanced shoot induction, but maintained the same STN rate (40%). Interestingly, supplementing MS medium containing 3 mg/L BA with 10% coconut water significantly promoted shoot development and reduced STN to 20%. These findings suggest that coconut water can effectively alleviate shoot tip necrosis in in vitro strawberry culture. The results provide a practical approach for improving the efficiency of strawberry micropropagation by reducing the occurrence of shoot tip necrosis, thereby contributing to the development of effective protocols for commercial propagation.

INFLUENCE OF ACETIC ACID ON COLD SINTERING OF ZIRCONIA CERAMICS

2025-06-11T14:55:24+07:00

This study investigates the influence of acetic acid on the cold sintering process; CSP of zirconia ceramics; ZrO₂. Zirconia powders were treated with acetic acid solutions at various concentrations (0.10, 1, and 17.45 M), and the effects on relative density, porosity, microstructure, and mechanical properties of the sintered samples were examined after sintering at temperatures ranging from 600 to 1,200°C for different durations. The results showed that the addition of acetic acid significantly improved the relative density and reduced the porosity of zirconia ceramics. Furthermore, improvements in microstructure and microhardness were observed with increasing acid concentration and sintering time. This study highlights the potential of acetic acid as a transient solvent to enhance the cold sintering of zirconia ceramics at low temperatures, offering a promising route for energy-efficient and environmentally friendly ceramic fabrication.

ENHANCING LONGEVITY AND BACTERIAL VIABILITY OF VEGETABLE SOYBEAN SEEDS THROUGH BIO-COATING WITH ENTEROBACTER KOBEI

2025-07-25T15:57:21+07:00

Vegetable soybean is valued for its high nutritional content and growing consumer demand. However, its cultivation often faces challenges related to poor seed germination, low seedling vigor, and limited storability. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of Enterobacter kobei as a bio-coating agent to enhance seed quality before and after storage. Seeds were coated with E. kobei at five different concentrations (10³, 10⁴, 10⁵, 10⁶, and 10⁷ CFU/mL) and evaluated under two germination test conditions: sand and top of paper covered with sand. Results showed that coating seeds with E. kobei at 10⁵–10⁷ CFU/mL significantly improved germination percentage, speed of germination, and reduced mean germination time; MGT compared to uncoated seeds and those coated with polymer alone. The three effective treatments (10⁵, 10⁶ and 10⁷ CFU/mL) were subsequently subjected to storage under controlled and ambient conditions. After six months of controlled storage, seeds coated with E. kobei at 10⁶ CFU/mL maintained high germination rates and consistent seedling shoot length, indicating stable performance. In contrast, seeds stored under ambient conditions showed a marked decline in quality after four months, particularly in germination and seedling growth. Additionally, bacterial viability was found to be influenced by inoculum density, with 10⁶ CFU/mL providing the optimal balance between viable microbial population and long-term survival. These findings suggest that E. kobei at 10⁶ CFU/mL is an effective bio-coating agent for improving seed performance and storability in vegetable soybean.

PRODUCTION OF BIO-EXTRACT NATURAL RUBBER NURSERY BAGS MIXED WITH BIO-FERMENTED SOLUTION: STUDY OF PHYSICAL, CHEMICAL, MECHANICAL PROPERTIES AND PLANT GROWTH TESTING

2025-06-30T14:38:43+07:00

This research aimed to produce bio-extracts from various fruits, develop biodegradable rubber planting bags mixed with bio-extract, and study their physical, chemical, and mechanical properties, as well as plant growth performance, in comparison with rubber planting bags without bio-extract and commercial planting bags. The research results showed that the analysis of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) nutrients in various bio-extract formulations did not show statistically significant differences (P≥0.05). However, Formula 1 contained the highest nutrient content and was therefore selected for mixing with rubber to produce bio-extract-enriched planting bags. The NPK content analysis of these bags revealed values of 92.52±0.02, 162.73±0.01, and 412.34±0.02 mg/L, respectively. The study of physical properties found that the rubber planting bags with bio-extract had similar values to those without bio-extract, but higher values than commercial planting bags. For mechanical properties, both types of rubber planting bags showed no significant differences. After being buried in soil for 5 weeks, the average degradation rate increased. The plant cultivation experiment demonstrated that the Chinese morning glory grown in three different types of seedling bags showed no statistically significant differences (P≥0.05). However, plants grown in rubber seedling bags mixed with bio- extract solution showed the best growth performance, followed by rubber seedling bags without bio- extract solution, and commercial seedling bags, respectively. It can be concluded that rubber seedling bags mixed with bio-extract solution possess suitable properties for practical application, are environmentally safe, and can also serve as a source of nutrients to promote plant growth.

บทบรรณาธิการ

2026-08-25T10:56:34+07:00

บทบรรณาธิการ

สารบัญ

2026-08-25T10:57:33+07:00

สารบัญ