Undergrad Thesis – Crown BioKelp™

Crown BioKelp™ | Undergrad Thesis | Formulation | TDS | MSDS

Undergraduate Thesis Proposal

Title: Effect of Crown BioKelp™ on Soil Health and Growth Performance of High-Value Crops

1. Introduction / Background

Seaweed-based bio-stimulants have gained attention in sustainable agriculture due to their ability to enhance plant growth, improve stress tolerance, and stimulate soil microbial activity. Ascophyllum nodosum and other marine extracts contain natural plant hormones, amino acids, trace minerals, and polysaccharides, which contribute to improved nutrient uptake, root development, and overall plant vigor.

Crown BioKelp™, developed by Crown Organic Fertilizers Inc., is a seaweed-derived biofertilizer designed to promote soil health and enhance plant growth in high-value crops such as Agarwood, perfumery plants, fruit trees, and specialty vegetables. While anecdotal evidence suggests positive effects, scientific evaluation under controlled experimental conditions is necessary to validate its efficacy.

2. Research Problem / Statement

There is limited empirical data on the effect of Crown BioKelp™ on soil microbial activity, nutrient availability, and plant growth performance. This study seeks to answer:

  1. How does Crown BioKelp™ affect soil microbial populations and nutrient content?
  2. What is the impact of BioKelp™ on plant growth parameters such as height, root development, leaf area, and biomass?
  3. How does BioKelp™ influence crop yield and quality compared to conventional fertilization methods?

3. Objectives

General Objective:

To evaluate the effects of Crown BioKelp™ on soil health and growth performance of selected high-value crops.

Specific Objectives:

  1. To assess changes in soil nutrient content (N, P, K, organic carbon) after BioKelp™ application.
  2. To measure soil microbial activity and population dynamics.
  3. To evaluate plant growth parameters, including height, leaf area, root development, and biomass.
  4. To compare crop yield and quality between BioKelp™-treated plants and control groups using conventional fertilizers.

4. Hypothesis

Null Hypothesis (H₀): Crown BioKelp™ does not significantly affect soil health, microbial activity, or plant growth compared to conventional fertilization.
Alternative Hypothesis (H₁): Crown BioKelp™ significantly enhances soil health, microbial activity, and plant growth compared to conventional fertilization.

5. Scope and Delimitation

  • Crop Selection: Focus on high-value crops such as Agarwood seedlings, perfumery plants, fruit trees, or specialty vegetables.
  • Study Duration: 3–6 months for vegetative growth; yield assessment where applicable.
  • Parameters: Soil nutrient content, microbial activity, plant growth metrics, and crop yield.
  • Limitations: Environmental factors (temperature, rainfall, humidity) may affect outcomes; study may be limited to nursery or small field plots.

6. Significance of the Study

  • For Farmers: Provides insight on the benefits of using natural seaweed-based biofertilizers to enhance soil fertility and crop productivity.
  • For Academia: Contributes to understanding bio-stimulant effects on soil-microbe-plant interactions.
  • For Crown Organic Fertilizers Inc.: Offers scientific evidence supporting BioKelp™’s efficacy and promotes its adoption in sustainable agriculture.

7. Methodology

7.1 Experimental Design

  • Design Type: Completely Randomized Design (CRD) or Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD)
  • Treatments:
    1. Control (no fertilizer)
    2. Conventional fertilizer
    3. Crown BioKelp™ at recommended dosage
  • Replications: Minimum of 3 per treatment

7.2 Data Collection

  • Soil Analysis: N, P, K, organic carbon, pH, and microbial population/activity
  • Plant Growth Parameters: Height, stem diameter, leaf area, root length, biomass
  • Yield Parameters: Biomass or product yield (where applicable)

7.3 Data Analysis

  • Statistical analysis using ANOVA to determine significant differences between treatments
  • Post-hoc tests (Tukey’s HSD) for multiple comparisons
  • Significance level: p < 0.05

8. Expected Outcomes

  • Crown BioKelp™ is expected to improve soil microbial activity and nutrient availability, supporting healthier plant growth.
  • Treated plants should demonstrate enhanced root development, vegetative growth, and stress resilience.
  • Crop yield and quality are anticipated to increase compared to control and conventional fertilizer treatments.

9. References (Sample)

  1. Khan, W., Rayirath, U. P., Subramanian, S., et al. (2009). Seaweed extracts as biostimulants of plant growth and development. Journal of Plant Growth Regulation, 28, 386–399.
  2. Maheshwari, D. K., & Saraf, M. (2017). Biofertilizers and sustainable agriculture. Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science, 180(2), 219–232.
  3. Crown Organic Fertilizers Inc. (2025). Crown BioKelp™ Technical Data Sheet.