My name is Natchaya Donpraika or you can call me TonKhao, a Grade 10 student from Thailand. I am passionate about biology, environmental conservation, and community service. Seeing the importance of healthy forests in protecting water resources inspired me to develop Bio-Seed Balls to Enhance Water Absorption for Seed Germination and Survival in Watershed Reforestation. Through this project, I investigated ways to improve seed survival and support reforestation efforts in challenging environments. I enjoy applying science to real-world problems and hope my research can contribute to sustainable ecosystem restoration and inspire other young people to take part in environmental protection.
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Manager for Stockholm Junior Water Prize
Alia Baidoun
2026•Natchaya Donpraika
Bio-Seed Balls to Enhance Water Absorption for Seed Germination and Survival in Watershed Reforestation
Water resources are a fundamental factor essential for livelihoods and driving the global economy, with “watershed forests” in mountainous region serving as an ecological water allocation process. They absorb and store rainwater in the soil pore space before gradually releasing it into tributary streams to sustain agricultural areas and communities. This research aims to develop Bio-Seed Balls, a biological material to enhance water absorption for seed germination and survival in watershed forest restoration. The research was conducted by determining the ratio of Bio-Seed Balls, using a Tapioca starch paste mixed with coconut coir dried vetiver grass leaves and vermicompost, encapsulating the desired plant seeds, and comparing them with Traditional Seed Balls made from clay mixed with coconut coir and vermicompost….
