Plant experiment only methodology - Essay Example

The effect of fertilizers on plant growth Introduction: The increased human population has necessitated the optimization of yields obtained from food plants (Huifeng, Zhenghui and Qiangsheng). One way to do this is by using fertilizers. These supply plants with important nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus (Kayuki, Byalebekaa and Semalulua). These nutrients play various roles in plant growth. Nitrogen aids in grain formation in cereals (Huifeng, Zhenghui and Qiangsheng). Phosphorus helps in nodule formation in legumes such as beans (Pachecoa, Britoa and Straliotto).

This experiment analyzes the effect of fertilizers on plant growth by measuring parameters such as shoot height, stem diameter and root length in two groups of the same plant grown over two months: one grown with fertilizers, and the other without. Materials: This experiment required healthy maize seeds, two plots measuring 2.5m x 2.5m with fertile soil and adequate sunlight, water and ammonium nitrate fertilizer.Method: In one plot, sixteen equidistant holes were dug to a depth of around 20cm.

The spacing between the holes was 0.5m. Into each hole, a maize seed was placed. The hole was then covered with soil and compacted gently. In the second plot, sixteen equidistant holes were dug to a depth of 20 cm. The spacing between the holes was also 20cm. One seed was placed into each hole, along with a little fertilizer. Caution was observed to ensure the fertilizer did not come into contact with the seeds. The holes were then covered with soil and then compacted gently. The plots were adequately watered each day.

After two months, the shoot heights, root length and stem diameter of the plants were measured and recorded. Using the measurements, the root/shoot ratios were determined for the two groups of plants.Expected results: The results obtained should support the idea that fertilizers accelerate plant growth by providing the essential nutrients. The measurements made will indicate that the maize plants grown with fertilizers have taller shoots, larger stem diameters and longer roots compared to those grown without fertilizers.

The root/shoot ratios for the two groups of plants will not be largely different because the shorter roots are compensated for by the shorter shoots, and taller shoots compensate for by the deeper roots.References:1. Huifeng, N., et al. 2009. Effect of nitrogen fertilizer application on grain phytic acid and protein concentrations in japonica rice and its variations with genotypes. Journal of Cereal Science 50:49-55.2. Kayuki, C. K., et al. 2012. Optimizing smallholder returns to fertilizer use: Bean, soybean and groundnut.

Field Crops Research 127:109-119.3. Pachecoa, R. S., et al. 2012. Seeds enriched with phosphorus and molybdenum as a strategy for improving grain yield of common bean crop. Field Crops Research 136:97-106.