Summary

This experiment determined which substances present in soil are most successful in aiding the growth of plants. In the experiment, three different types of soil mixtures, and two different types of plants were used.
The first soil mixture, named “Pot and Peat”, contained the most amount of peat. Another soil mixture used, named “Succulent and Cacti”, contained the largest amount of sand. Lastly, the soil mixture named “Seed Raising” contained the highest amount of loam. Two different plants were used, to increase accuracy by repetition. These plants were Radish and Parsley.
Three Radish plants were planted in three different pots containing each of the Soil mixtures. The same procedure was conducted for the Parsley plants. Altogether there were six pot plants.
The results were as follows: On average of the radish and parsley plants;
• The plants in “Pot and Peat” increased 0.8cm in height.
• The plants in “Succulent and Cacti” increased by 0.45cm in height
• The plants in “Seed Raising” increased by 1.75cm in height
The appearance of the plants had also changed. The results indicated that the ingredient in soil that most successfully aids the growth in plants is loam, followed by peat, and finally sand. The results also showed that Parsley grows better than Radish in all three types of soils tested.

parsley plants

The previous photo was of Radish plants
Here's one of the Parsley plants

pictues, yo

more results :)

FINALLY last day of my experiment
DAY 14
Pot and Peat:
Radish - 8.5cm
Parsley - 13.6 cm

Succulent and Cacti
Radish - 9.9 cm
Parsley - 10.5 cm

Seed Raising
Radish - 11.7 cm
Parsley - 15.5 cm

I have decided to record results every week


DAY SEVEN
Pot and Peat
Heights
Radish - 8.2 cm (Appearance - leaves have turned hard and brittle, stem not as strong)
Parsley - 13 cm (Appearance - fairly sturdy, leaves brittle on the edges)

Succulent and Cacti
Radish - 9.8 cm (Appearance - leaves are brittle, stem is drooping)
Parsley - 10.2 cm (Appearance - leaves are brittle, stems drooping)

Seed Raising
Heights
Radish - 10.7 cm (Appearance - leaves and stems sturdy)
Parlsey - 14.8 cm (Appearance - leaves and stems sturdy)

RESULTS

I started my SRP last week, and since then, I have aquired some results

DAY ONE
Pot and Peat (This soil mixture, containing large amounts of peat, is very grainy and is not smooth
Heights
Radish - 8 cm (Appearance - leaves and stems sturdy)
Parsley - 12.4 cm (Appearance - leaves and stems sturdy)

Succulent and Cacti (This soil mixture is specifically designed for Cacti and Succulent plants. It contains large amounts of sand and is also very grainy)
Heights
Radish - 9.4 cm (Appearance - leaves and stems sturdy)
Parsley - 10.1 cm (Appearance - leaves and stems sturdy)

Seed Raising (This soil mixture, containing large amound of sandy loam, is very fine compared to the other soils)
Heights
Radish - 10.2 CM (Appearance - leaves and stems sturdy)
Parlsey - 13.5 cm (Appearance - leaves and stems sturdy)

IMPROVEMENTS

So I have made a couple of improvements in my experiement
First of all, I will be testing two plants, to increase accuracy. Last week I went to Bunning's Warehouse and got all the materials needed for my experiment
The lady at bunnings said that the fastest growing plants were
-Radish
-Parsley
Now for the different types of soils, she Bunnings lady found it hilarious that I thought that soils were available for purchase in Peat, Clay, Sand etc. form, so she showed me what else i could use
She showed me three different types of soils:
1. "POT 'N' PEAT"
- This soil mixture had the most amount of peat in it
2. "SEED RAISING MIX"
- This soil mixture had the most amount of "sandy loam" in it
3. "SUCCULENT 'N' CACTI"
- Specifically designed for particular plants, it contains most amound of sand"

Method

Experiment: The effect of different types of soils on plant growth
I have decided to do my experiment with Bean seeds. I've been doing quite a bit or research, and thanks to this helpful website (http://www.brighthub.com/education/homework-tips/articles/45956.aspx) i found out that seeds are very useful for science experiments as they grow relatively quickly.

Another helpful website was this:
http://www.gardeningdata.co.uk/soil/soil_types/soil_types.php
This site explained to me the different types of soils available
-Clay
-Sand
-Chalk Loam
-Peat


Equipment:
- 4 bean sprout plant seeds
- Collection of 4 different soils (clay, Sand, Chalk Loam and Peat)
- 4 pots
Method:
Step 1
Pour each different soil type into a pot
Step 2:
Place each Bean Sprout seed into a certain pot
Step 3:
Place all the plants into an area with an equal distribution of light and wind speed, eg. in a backyard. Ensure that the plants are close together, so that their environments are as similar as possible
Step 4:
Pour 50mL of water into each plant
Step 5:
Record all observations. These observations include appearance, height, texture, etc.
Step 6:
Continue steps 4 and 5 for four weeks

Climatic Graph

Decision made!

I now know for sure what I'll be doing for my SRP.
I'll be investigating the effect of different types of soils in the growth rate of plants.
The different types of soils are : clay, sand, chalk loam and peat
I've been doing a little bit of research, and I've decided that the plants I'll be using are some sort of bean plants, as beans grow quickly :)
Now all i need to do is get this approved, so I can get started!

Decision Making

I have decided to either do the experiment on the effect of temperature on the acidity of juice, or the effect of different types of soils on the growth of plants.
So far, I have found this much information:
1. For the experiment on acidity of juice:
- the independent variable is the temperature of the storage area
- the dependent variable is the acidity of the juice
2. For the experiment the growth rate of plants through different soils
- the independent variable is the type of soil used
- the dependent variable is the growth rate of the plants
- there are many different types of soil; clay, sand, chalk loam and peat

I will probably do number 2, as i have done more research on it, understand it better, and i don't know where i can buy universal indicator

SRP Ideas!

Hello :)
I've been thinking of a couple of ideas for my SRP and here's what I have so far:
-the effects of different types of soils on the growth rate of plants
-what type of plastic wrap prevents evaporation most effectively
-does the storage temperature affect the pH of juice

i was thinking of doing the last one, but I don't think i can buy universal indicator :s

then i was thinking of doing the first one, but i can't think of different types of soils other than normal soil. so i better get reasearching :)

Hello World