Draft 1 Does the Use of Biodegradable Materials Enhance Plant Growth?

This topic submitted by Michelle Kirby, Laura Krugh, Jennifer Peterson, Lauren Stiebler ( stiebllb@muohio.edu ) on 9/16/03 .
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Natural Systems 1 Syllabus---Western Program---Miami University


Specific Predictions: We believe that biodegradable materials will enhance plant growth.

Preliminary Research Design:
Our ideas include: using four different types of biodegradable materials to aid the growth of a simple tomato plant. We will use five different plant trays, one being the constant, the others with different levels of mixtures of biodegradable materials and soil.
We also hope to keep light constant, as well as the watering periods. Our goal is to see if the biodegradable materials can retain water and aid the plant in the growth process, leading to a more efficient watering method.

We predict that biodegradable materials will enhance plant growth and will result in a more efficient watering process for the future.

Journal Citations:
Mather, Mort. 1988. Everything you ever wanted to know about dirt.
Mother Earth News: 1-11
Includes related information about hydroponics, soil, plant varieties, and the sixteen chemical elements necessary for healthy plant growth.

NO AUTHOR. 1999. Plastic MulchÕs Dirty Secrets. Science News: 376.

Farmers line their crops with sheets of plastic in order to help retain moisture.

Darlington, William. 1996. Compost: Soil Amendment for establishment of Turf and
Landscape. Soil and Plant Laboratory: 1-8.
While compost is the biological decomposition of organic material, it can increase water holding capacity of sandy soils and improve structure and water movement through heavier, textured soils.

Yu Qiu, Guo; Okushima, Limi; Sase, Sadanori; and Lee, Inbok. 2002.
Acoustic Emissions in Tomato Plants under Water Stress Conditions. Department of Agriculture Environmental Engineering: 1-7.
Mentions several experiments on plants in water stressful conditions. Also talks about farmersÕ experiences and the efficiency of irrigation control.

Martin, Sam. 2000. The Right Stuff. Mother Earth News: 1-9
This article talks about the biodegradable materials and their effects on the environment and society as a whole.

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