Team: 39
School: St. Thomas Aquinas
Area of Science: Microbiology
Interim: Team Number: 39
School Name: St. Thomas Aquinas School
Area of Science: Microbiology
Project Title: Organic vs Inorganic Fertilizers Efficiency; using vegetable sprouts
Problem Definition:
To identify the efficiency of both organic and inorganic fertilizers when growing vegetables. Both organic and inorganic fertilizers have both their advantages and disadvantages. Organic fertilizers benefit the environment by stimulating soil microbial activity and neutralizing toxic chemicals that harm the soil and ecosystem, but makes the crops grow slower. Inorganic fertilizers makes crops grow faster by releasing fast absorption of nutrients and therefore more profitable for farmers. Though, it pollutes the soil, groundwater, harms microorganisms, and alters the ecosystem.
Problem Solution:
I feel and believe that organic fertilizers are better for plants and the environment. If farmers can condition their soils with natural fertilizers such as compost, it would be beneficial to the plant, soil organisms, and the environment. If we can accelerate microbial decomposition for common compost, it will give farmers more stable and predictable crop yield. By conducting experiments, I am promoting ideas for students about the importance of protecting our ecosystem and at the same time ensuring livelihood for farmers.
Progress to Date:
As of today, the result of my Tomato C experiment proves that seeds planted directly to the correct soil can germinate faster than seeds from a nursery. (Tomato B) Decomposing tomato fruits where the seeds came from, provided nutrients to the young plants and helped the soil retain moisture. Molds that formed on top of the soil meant that there was microbial activity that stimulated the soil.
In the experiment with Tomato B, the inorganic fertilizer released nutrients faster to the plant. The leaves were more pigmented and the soil became firmer to the touch as it did not retain moisture. There was no sign of microbial activity as the inorganic fertilizer contained harmful compounds that was toxic to the soil microbes.
Expected Results:
My experiment with Tomato C was where the fresh tomato seeds were planted directly to the soil with the fruit. It germinated faster than the dried seeds from the nursery. (Tomato B) The nutrients from the garden soil and the decomposing fruit served as a slow release fertilizer. The soil retained water and served as a medium for molds to grow, stimulating soil microbial activity creating an optimum environment for Tomato C to grow faster than Tomato B. I firmly believe that if given more time, my Tomato C will yield more fruits than Tomato B.
Proposal For Netlogo Stimulation:
Create a Netlogo model that stimulates how fertilizer affects plant growth.
Model needs to have:
-Plants (Breeds of plants)
-Soil (Patches)
-Water (Not a variable. Will assume all plants have the same amount of water)
-Sunlight (Not a variable. Will assume all plants get the same sunlight)
-Fertilizer (Organic/Inorganic breeds)
The model should show plant growth rate with the different fertilizers due to the rate of release.
Team Members:
Sponsoring Teacher: Eric Vigil