Investigating plant mineral deficiencies

Page 1

Independent: Minerals

present

Dependent: Physical

characteristics of plant

Control:

Volume mineral solution

Species plant

Size container

Amount light received

Method:

Half fill 7 tubes each w/ ‘all

nutrients present’ solution, & solutions lacking in

nitrogen/phosphate/potassium/ magnesium/calcium/lacking all.

Cover top tube w/ foil/paraffin & push down on covering so that there's well in centre.

Gently push radish seeds through hole so it is in solution below.

Wrap all tubes in aluminium foil & place in tube holder on

sunny window sill.

Observe regularly.

Evaluation issues:

Ensure accurate measurement solutions

Possible

microorganism growth in nutrient solution

Insufficient time to see effect

Outcome:

All nutrients present: Grow healthy

Lack nitrogen: Old leaves turn yellow & die, growth stunted

Lack phosphate: Dark green leaves with purple veins & growth stunted

Lack potassium: Yellow scorching leaves & stunted growth

Lack magnesium: Yellow areas develop on old leaves & growth slows down.

Lack calcium: Grow points die back & young leaves yellow & crinkly

Lack all: Does not grow at all.

Method