Experiments for the classroom
and lab:
Demonstrate soil-less seed germination rate comparisons and
propagation techniques:
* Special Price for
Students and Teachers only:
ODC may be ordered directly from
Aeroponics International (see
order form)
Updated: 1/11/99
Figure 1 Test trays with treated seeds (click
here for a larger view)
Test Plan
To eliminate the variability of growing conditions found when using
pots and soil mix, it is suggested that the experiment be carried out in
trays with paper towel, seeds and solutions. This keeps the experiment
simple. The seeds are grown under moist conditions in darkness or under
lights at room temperature.
Background
To conduct a proper study scientists use a design of experiment matrix
to layout the test plan. Scientist use statistics to prove the results
of the control group and the treatments. Each control and treatment group
to be tested includes a specific number of replications (rep) and a specific
number seeds per rep. The data gathered from these reps helps scientists
compute the mean and statistical deviations to prove the effectiveness
of the treatments against the control group.
Test Variables
The variables being tested are the various treatments of solutions
applied to the seeds. The control group seeds will have only water as their
variable. The treatments will receive a test variable (i.e. ODC, nutrients,
and combinations of both) mixed in water.
Test Matrix
Use the test matrix for comparison studies of the developing seeds
and how the treatments influence their growth. To change the
size of the study, simply add or eliminate a matrix component (i.e., row
and/or column). Note: the more reps used the more reliable the test results..
Example of a test matrix:
Seed Treatments | A | B | C | D |
Description | Control (water only) | ODC solution | nutrients solution | ODC & nutrients solution |
Rep 1 | 5 seeds | 5 seeds | 5 seeds | 5 seeds |
Rep 2 | 5 seeds | 5 seeds | 5 seeds | 5 seeds |
Total Seeds | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
Test Conditions
The test conditions are controlled during the entire experiment. All
trays and seeds should have the same growing conditions:
· Lights (make sure lights are far enough away - do not dry up the seeds or burn the growing plants)
· Darkness (if used)
· Moisture level
· Room temperature
· 4 ea. cookie trays, approx. ½" deep – large enough to hold a piece of paper towelTest Procedures
· White Paper Towel (example: Bounty)
· 40 Seeds (example: dry soybeans or whole peas or beans or rice (from the your local grocery store)
· 4 ea. solution containers (approximately 16 oz. size)
· Notebook
· Colored Markers
· ODC Growth Enhancer & Promoter (not supplied - order now)
· Miracle Grower Liquid Nutrient (not supplied)
· Measuring cup
· Aluminum Foil
1. Mark each tray A thru D
2. Mark each solution container A thru D
3. Fill each container with the appropriate treatment solution, follow the mixing instructions on the manufacture’s bottle.
4. Make sure you fill one of the containers with water only for the control group
5. Draw 2 equally sized boxes on each piece paper towel, mark them 1 and 2
6. Place the paper towels into trays - one per tray
Follow these steps to set up the test conditions:
8. All seeds in the test should be of the same species and size
9. Place 5 seeds into each of drawn boxes – 10 seeds per paper towel
10. Place a piece of aluminum foil over each tray to cover the seeds
11. Place all trays on a level surface as possible
12. All seed trays should have the same temperature and light conditions
Follow these steps to activate the test:
13. Using the measuring cup, pour just enough water or solution into the trays to soak both sheets of paper towel - note water or solution how much you use
14. All trays should receive the same amount of solution each time – making sure the paper towels are thoroughly soaked
15. Pour the fresh water into tray A
16. Pour the ODC solution into tray B
17. Pour the nutrient solution into tray C
18. Pour the ODC/nutrient solution into tray D
Follow these steps to maintain the test:
19. Each day check the moisture of the paper towels - do not allow them to dry out
20. If needed, add solution to the tray
21. If solution is added to one tray, be sure to add the appropriate solution and amount to the other trays
22. Make sure the growing conditions are being maintained (i.e., equal levels of light and temperature)
23. Make observations and measurements of the data types - be sure to write them in the notebook
Data Collection
Steps
Make copies of the sample data collection sheet (see below). Use only
one data sheet per each data type being measured. Follow these steps:
1. Fill in the plant date (the day the seeds are first watered)
2. Fill in the data sheet with one of the data types selected from
the Data Type List (example: root length)
3. Fill in the Measurement Date (example: today's date)
4. Select the tray marked treatment A
5. Select Rep 1 and make measurement for each seed (1 thru 5) in the
rep and enter measurement on the data sheet
6. Select Rep 2 and make measurement for each seed (1 thru 5) in the
rep and enter measurement on the data sheet
7. Repeat step 6 and 7 for the other treatments (B thru D)
8. On the next measurement date just repeat steps 3 thru 7
Other observation and notes:
8. Make observations daily or weekly
9. Take photos whenever possible
10. Write down all observations, comments and notes
11. Send data sheets back to us and we will review them for you
Test Data Sheet #1
Data Type: | |||||||||||||||
Measurement Date: | |||||||||||||||
Treatments: | A | B | C | D | A | B | C | D | A | B | C | D | |||
Rep1 | Totals | ||||||||||||||
Seed #1 | |||||||||||||||
Seed #2 | |||||||||||||||
Seed #3 | |||||||||||||||
Seed #4 | |||||||||||||||
Seed #5 | |||||||||||||||
Totals |
Test Data Sheet #2
Data Type: | |||||||||||||||
Measurement Date: | |||||||||||||||
Treatments: | A | B | C | D | A | B | C | D | A | B | C | D | |||
Rep2 | Totals | ||||||||||||||
Seed #1 | |||||||||||||||
Seed #2 | |||||||||||||||
Seed #3 | |||||||||||||||
Seed #4 | |||||||||||||||
Seed #5 | |||||||||||||||
Totals |
TYPE OF SEEDS:
School:
City, State, zip
Experimenter(s):
Class :
Plant date:
Biocontrol info:
BEYOND All Natural Plant Amendment™ Brochure
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