Plantorade? (final proposal)

This topic submitted by Becky Lee, Allison Meyer, Anna Habig, Kerri Hauck, Andrew Putz ( leerk@muohio.edu ) on 10/22/05. [Section: Winnubst]

Natural Systems 1 Syllabus---Western Program---Miami University

Plantorade?
Anna Habig, Allison Meyer, Kerri Hauck, Becky Lee, Andrew Putz

Introduction:
The purpose of our student generated lab is to determine, through research and experimentation, what kind of liquid food source is best suited for a plant and what will make it grow the fastest and healthiest. The problem we are investigating is whether or not the use of lemon-lime Gatorade will affect the plantÕs growth and health in a negative or positive way when compared with the use of Brita filtered water and tap water. Tap water will be our constant while the other two will serve as the varying food sources. We chose to do this experiment that focused on Gatorade as a variable food source because we were curious as to the effects Gatorade would have on a plant. Even though the human body is 60% water and needs water to survive, Gatorade has been proven to have a more positive replenishing and nourishing effect to active humans than water (Beck 1). Since we knew that Gatorade has been proven to replenish electrolytes and nutrient levels within human athletes during activity, we thought that maybe it would have a notable effect on plants as well. However, we think that this notable effect will be a negative one due to the sugar and salt contents of Gatorade. Our hypothesis is that the plants watered with the tap water will be most successful and the Brita filtered water following, while we believe the plants watered with Gatorade will become flaccid. We chose to use Marigolds as our choice of plant since ÒAfter they're up, marigolds demand very little attention,Ó(Smittle 54) and since marigolds germinate and bloom fairly quickly and they Òare one of the best annuals for growing indoors during the winterÓ(Winterrowd 50). Marigolds seem to be the easiest and best plants to use for this experiment since they thrive when watered Òfor longer periods at a time but less frequentlyÓ(Cardillo 14). We decided on this type of lab involving plants because we thought it would be interesting to find out what affects the Gatorade and different types of water sources had on the marigolds. We plan to discover the best way to feed a plant and how important the source of food is that plants are given.

Relevance:
In order for our plants to grow, they must obtain the essential nutrients needed for growth. ÒSixteen chemical elements are known to be important to a plant's growth and survival. The sixteen chemical elements are divided into two main groups: non-mineral and mineralÓ(NCDA&CS, np). The non-mineral group consists of hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon. These nutrients are all obtained through the air by the plant, so there is little that can be done to regulate these. The mineral group is divided into 2 sub-categories: macronutrients and micronutrients. The macro category is then divided again in two: primary and secondary. The primary nutrients are nitrogenÑwhich is essential in synthesis and in the transfer of energy, phosphorusÑwhich is an important part of photosynthesis and it supports blooming and root growth, and potassiumÑwhich helps in the building of proteins and helps fruit quality. The secondary category consists of calciumÑessential part of the plant cell wall structure, magnesiumÑhelps to activate certain plant enzymes that are used in growth, and sulfurÑimproves root growth and seed production. The micronutrients needed for healthy plants are copperÑimportant in reproductive growth, iron, chlorine, manganese, boronÑvital for seed development, molybdenum, and zinc (Jobbagy np).
One important aspect to look at when conducting this experiment is osmosis. ÒOsmosis is the passage of water from a region of high water concentration through a semi-permeable membrane to a region of low water concentrationÓ( Purchon, np). During osmosis, plant cells take on water, causing them to swell. This in turn makes them turgid, or rigid. Yet, because the wall of a plant cell is thick, the cells do not burst. This turgidity is very important in plants because it helps them to remain upright. This is why when a plant is dehydrated or deprived of water, it begins to wilt because there is no swelling in the cells to hold the plant in a ÒstandingÓ position. This information will be important to keep in mind when observing and taking records of how our plants react to the different stimuli.
Many other experiments have been done in this fashion to gain a higher understanding of the effects of nutrient availability and food intake on vegetative growth. These experiments that test plantÕs reactions to different stimuli have been recorded and put to use over the generations for many different areas. Some use this information for agricultural and therefore economic purposes, and some use this information for things like medicine. One important reason to test the effects of nutrient availability is to find out its effect on reproductive processes. One journal, Oecologia, by Alejandro Munoz did a study on the effects of nutrient availability on flower production to understand how it affected the plant and its proceeding generations:
Soil nutrient availability directly enhances vegetative growth, flowering, and fruiting in alpine ecosystemsÉEnhanced nutrient availability in the alpine ecosystem can also affect reproductive processes. Increased soil nutrient availability can result in the allocation of additional resources to greater fruit and see production or to the maturation of existing fruits, thereby reducing levels of seed abortion (Munoz np).
By testing different stimuli, such as Gatorade or purified water, one can begin to understand what elements are needed to increase or decrease nutrient availability in order to tailor to a specific plant and enhance growth and reproduction. Some plants are stifled by the presence of too much nitrogen or fail with the lack of oxygen (Van Bodegom np). With information of this kind and other journals and experiments like it, we will be better able to mold our experiment after these and have more knowledge to therefore interpret our results. After researching these journals and reading about other scientists conducting these experiments, our group and others to come will have a better grasp on the situations/conditions needed in order to have the most successful outcomes. Another factor that was included in one of the journals concerned light availability. Seedling plants were affected by increased amount of photosynthetic daily light integral (DLI) flowered earlier, but the quality of the plant was reduced (Pramuk np). This information is critical to our experiment and to groups such as agricultural farmers as it pertains to knowledge in how to create the most successful crops. In general, there have been many experiments that test the effects of different stimuli to plant growth. Very closely related to our experiment, was one such experiment found in Plant Physiology and Biochemistry where the scientists tested the effect of salinity on marigolds. Their results concluded that;
Salinity can affect growth and yield of most crops; high salinity is known to cause both hyperionic and hyperosmotic effects in plants, leading to membrane disorganization, increase in activated oxygen species production and metabolic toxicityÉAntioxidant resistance mechanisms may provide a strategy to enhance salt tolerance. Achieving a selection of genetically transformed salt tolerant plants is possible, once the mechanisms of salt effects and of the antioxidative responses of plants are identified. Despite the large body of literature on salt stress, to our knowledge little is known about the effects of salinity on this plant. Therefore there is a pressing need to know more in detail how an important economic plant as marigold responds and adapts to such conditions
(Chaparzadeh, np).
This information makes it evident that experiments such as this and own our modified version of it are necessary and important to the scientific and even economic world. Knowing this information of how certain elements or environments affect the growth of plants such as marigolds allows scientists to control and influence these environments to their advantage. By reading these journals of other renowned scientists allows us to better understand the effects that different stimuli and conditions will have on our marigolds.
Materials and Methods:
In this lab, we will explore the effects of different hydration options for marigolds. The three hydration options we will be using are Peabody Hall tap water (control), Brita purified water, and Lemon-Lime Gatorade. Each of these water-alternatives will be tested on 30 marigolds, 10 per hydration method, each in their own ÔflowerpotÕ, ie plastic cup. To begin the experiment, each cup must be filled with 500 mL of soil. The marigolds should be planted ¹ inch into the soil in the center of the cup. Once planted, each cup should be labeled with a number (1 through 30) and the type of hydration it will be subjected to (Gatorade, Brita or Tap). After being planted and labeled, the cups will be placed in a greenhouse for safe and consistent keeping. The marigolds should be watered daily for the first 10-12 days with 100 mL of fluid (Cox, 2). For the days following the first 12, the marigolds will continue to be watered with 100 mL of liquid three times a week on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
Each day, before watering the plants, the data sheet will be filled out. In order to maintain a statistically sound report, the data sheet consists mainly of numeric observations. The height of the plant, a leaf count, bud count, flower count, and measurement of leaf sizes will be conducted. Also, we will note the color intensity of the plant as well as the thickness. Finally, we will consider the moistness of the pot each day, deciding whether the amount of fluid we are providing is a good amount, too little or too much. Every Friday, we will photograph each plant individually and keep copies so that we will be able to explain the progress visually. We will maintain records by use of the data sheets and pictures taken from each observation period to be able to chart growth and development for final analysis. One last observation we will make is of the plantsÕ biomass at the end of the experiment. We will dry the plants out and weigh them as a whole, and then just their root structures, leaves, and stems separately to gain another concrete measurement of growth. We will include these weights and comparisons in the final analysis.
Originally, we considered using water from the Peabody water fountains as well as creek water from Peffer Park, however, decided against it because we believe that it would be a waste of time and supplies, yielding similar results as the tap water control. We chose to use tap water as a control because it is a very common source of hydration for people growing plants at their home. Since it is the most common source, it is known to be helpful to the plantÕs growth but it is unknown whether it is the best option. The Brita water was chosen because it is advertised as ÒpureÓ implying that pure is better. Since ÔpureÕ is considered to be healthier than tap water, we wish to test whether that is also the case in plants. In people, Gatorade replenishes more nutrients than water alone such as electrolytes (i.e salt), sugar, and potassium (The Science of Hydration np). Since these things seem to help people maintain good health, we wish to test, again, if this is the case in plants. In choosing a plant, we considered using tomato plants and green bean plants but decided that they would not be the best option for keeping data. Tomato plants may grow to be too large and we did not have much information concerning green beans so we chose to use a common flowering plant that would be easy for all people to identify with.
In order to maintain unbiased and consistent results, we will set a standard on what is ÒthickÓ and what is ÒintenseÓ for each color. We will also be sure to have at least one person from the previous visit present so that the comparison will be in relation to the last. The rest of our measurements are numeric and so the data is quantifiable and statistically sound. Measurements will be done in metric using centimeters and ounces.
To conduct this experiment we are using 30 cups, 10 cm in diameter, 12 cm high. The soil is Miracle Gro and we will use 500 mL to fill each cup. The soil is pre-fertilized, so it will help to induce plant growth and encourage speedy germination (Miracle Grow Potting Mix np). The plants are American Seed brand seeds: Marigold, French Dwarf Double Mixed Colors. We will plant one seed per pot. The hydration sources are Lemon-Lime Gatorade from a 64-ounce container, Peabody Hall tap water from the second-floor South bathroom and Brita purified water. We will use a standard ruler with centimeters to measure the height of the plant. Otherwise, our data will come from our own abilities, counting and judging color and thickness.
Other options for conducting this experiment involve changing some of the factors and variables. We chose to use marigolds but someone may wish to conduct this experiment with another type of plant with different growth patterns and more observable traits. The easiest factor to change would be what it used to water/ ÔfeedÕ the plants. Although we chose to use Gatorade, tap water and Brita water, there are other stimuli that would affect plant growth differently. Some viable options could possibly be using pop because of its high sugar concentration, salt water because of its salt content, or red bull to test the effects of caffeine. These would be good options because each of these stimuli affects difference aspects of the plant and be an alternate to water.
Results:
To determine whether or not the plants that are being observed are healthy and successful requires a regimented list of quantifiable data. In order to determine whether the plant is growing consistent with its feeding schedule or if it is spoiling, one must, ÒAvoid plants with dead, discolored or misshapen leaves. Yellow foliage may mean the plant has been over- or under watered. Foliage with a purple cast may signal cold damageÓ (Stoll, Online Journal). Leaves, however, are not the only signs of strength; the roots that grow beneath institute a sturdy base for all of the plantÕs expansion. Another journal that focused on determining healthy plant growth stated, ÒÉHealthy plants also have a healthy root system, which should be white and fibrousÓ (Bien, Online Journal). From the steady roots comes increase in bud count, thickness, plant height, leaf size, and color.
In order to distinguish what Marigold flower plant generates into the most vigorous plant, our lab group is planning on measuring the plant height, leaf count, leaf size, bud count, flower count, plant color, and finally, thickness of the root base. An Internet site provided important data on how to measure each category. In order to capture every characteristic of each plant, techniques will include tracing an outline of each leaf on paper to record the augmentation. Counting of how many leaves grow will take place each recording date as well as the height from the base of the pot used for each Marigold. Finally, it is important that the group documents any noticeable color change. (Hess, Internet) The process of documentation will provide the most vital information to the project, so it is chief to remember to take all data carefully and make sure that it is precise.
It is important to realize that a table has already been established to keep track of all measurements that are recorded every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday of each week. From the tables that are written during our experimenting, Graphs will be formatted to explain just how much growth takes place throughout this eight-week process. All data and information dealing with the growth of the Marigolds will have to be reported in table or graph status to create a visual effect while explaining the process. Also, two different t-tests will be implemented to compare the biomass measurements of the three different plants with separate hydration methods. One t-test will be between tap water and Gatorade, the other between tap water and purified water. These two t-tests will compare the biomass measurements taken of all the plants and will show how the different hydration methods are related to each other and how similar they are.
Works Cited
Beck, David E. ÒFluids, Electrolytes, and Dehydration.Ó Ostomy Quarterly. 40 (Winter 2003): 66.

Bien, Linda. ÒPick of the Plants; Know How to Select the Cream of the Crop.Ó The Post Standard. Final Edition (May 2005): E1.

Cardillo, Rob. ÒHot Colors for Dry Times.Ó Organic Gardening. 50 (2003): 14.
Chaparzadeh, Nadar. "Antioxidative Responses of Calendula Officinalis Under Salinity Conditions." Plant Physiology and Biochemistry 42 (September 2004): 695-701.

Cox, Jeff. ÒThe Magic of Marigolds.Ó Organic Gardening. 38 (1978): 68.
Hess, Kenneth Laferty. ÒMeasuring Plant Growth.Ó Science Buddies. 2002.
http://sciencebuddies.org/mentoring/project_ideas/PlantBio_measuring_growth.shtml. 4 October 2005.

Jobbagy, Esteban G.; Jackson, Robert B. "The Uplift Of Soil Nutrients By Plants: Biogeochemical Consequences Across Scales." Ecology (September
2004): 85.9.2380-2389.

ÒMiracleGro Potting Mix.Ó MiracleGro. 2002.
http://www.miraclegro.com/index.cfm/event/ProductGuide.product/documentType/product/category/%2FCategories%2FProducts%2FSoils%2FPotting+Soil+and+Amendments/documentId/9bc1eea5ad5baedbf4e90353fa98608f. 4 October 2005.

Munoz, Alejandro A. ""Bottomup Effects of Nutrient Availability on Flower Production."
Oecologia 143 (March 2005): 126-135.

North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services. ÒPlant Nutrients.Ó 2005. North
Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services. 4 October 2005 http://www.agr.state.nc.us/cyber/kidswrld/plant/nutrient.htm#top.

Pramuk, Lee Ann. "Photosynthetic Daily Light Integral During the Seedling Stage Influences Subsequent Growth and Flowering of Celosa, Impatiens, Salvia, Targets, and Viola." HORTSCIENCE 40 (August 2005): 1336-1339.

Purchon, Nigel D. ÒOsmosis.Ó 23 February 2001. Gondar Design Biology. 4 October 2005
http://www.purchon.com/biology/osmosis.htm#definition.

ÒScience of Hydration.Ó 2004. http://www.gatorade.com. 4 October 2005.

Smittle, Delilah. ÒMagnificent Marigolds.Ó Organic Gardening. 44 (1978): 54.
Stoll, Diana. ÒDig Into Homework Before Buying Plants.Ó Home and Garden. (2005): 5.
Van Bodegom, Pete M. "Radial Oxygen Loss, a Plastic Property of Dune Slack Plant Species." Plant and Soil 271 (February 2005): 351-364.

Winterrowd, Wayne. ÒMarigolds.Ó Horticulture. 95 (1998): 50.

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