Introduction: The Growth of Seeds

Based on the article from Oregon State University Extension Service, there are two
different types of fertilizers, organic and inorganic. There are pros and cons to using either one
with plant growing, so neither one is better. Within the organic type, many nutrients for the plants
are available with low concentrations; it allows water to move through the soil efficiently, but is
not costly. Within the inorganic fertilizers, according to OSU, there are not many nutrients. They
are soluble and are prone to damaging plants. (2008)
Soil is very important within the plant process and has properties that distinguish the
different ways it is used and the way the plants are grown. Properties of soil are the chemical and
physical properties, as well as biological properties. For chemical, it is in charge of the nutrients
provided for the plants. For physical, it is how you observe it. For example, the shape or how big
or how small it is. For biological, the organisms, amongst macro and microorganisms, determine
this. Based on the studies by Haby, Baker & Feagley, chemical and physical properties affect the
biological properties as well. If they are doing well, such as in an environment, the biological
properties will be positive.
The way a seed begins is by starting as a single small seed. An outer layer protects the
seed called the seed coat. Within the seed, there is an even smaller plant, which is the embryo.
The cells inside the seed start multiplying creating enzymes. However, the enzymes will further
excel the growing rate of the roots with proper nourishment. The seed then starts to grow
downwards anchoring the seed, and the shoot will grow upwards to gain more food and nutrients
within the soil. When sunlight hits the roots, tiny leaves will start developing forming a baby
plant with the leaves. Germination is the name of this process.

Experimental Design
Problem question: Which type of fertilizer will germinate the seeds faster?
Hypothesis: If I were to put organic fertilizer to germinate our seeds, it will spur faster because
organic fertilizer has the nutrients that is needed in a seed in order to help it grow faster than the
inorganic fertilizers which contain chemicals in the soil.
Independent Variable(s): 2 types of fertilizer: organic/inorganic
Dependent Variable(s): the amount of fertilizer we apply, the amount of water we provide, the
amount of sunlight
Control Group: top soil
Experimental Group: Our group will have two experiments. One will be organic and the other
will be inorganic.
Materials & Methods
Here is how we will do our lab. First, we will take six bottles. There will be three groups of two
bottles. Secondly, we will measure the amount of fertilizer that will be used which is amongst the
inorganic and organics. Next, we will measure the amount of water. We then will use scissors to
create slits in the bottles. One bottle will contain the organic fertilizers and the other will not
contain any fertilizer and will just have soil. The three groups will be closed systems