Biology EEI - Plant Physiology

Name: Vithushan Vishnulingam

Subject: BiologySemester 2

Year 11

Draft: 31st August2018

Table of ContentsIntroduction:..........................................................................................................................................3

Aim:.......................................................................................................................................................5

Hypothesis:............................................................................................................................................5

Research Question:...............................................................................................................................5

Materials:..............................................................................................................................................6

Original Method:...................................................................................................................................6

New Method:........................................................................................................................................6

Method Modifications:..........................................................................................................................7

Analysis and Discussion:........................................................................................................................7

Tomatoes grown in Perlite:...............................................................................................................7

Tomatoes grown in Vermiculite:.......................................................................................................7

Tomatoes grown in Seed Raising mix:...............................................................................................7

Limitations.............................................................................................................................................8

Recommendation:.................................................................................................................................8

Conclusion:............................................................................................................................................8

Appendix:..............................................................................................................................................9

Works Cited.........................................................................................................................................19

Bibliography:.......................................................................................................................................20

Introduction:The population of Australia in 2015 was 23,799,556 but over the last three years the population had increased to about 24,772,247 in 2018 (Australian Population, 2018). From 2015 to 2018, the population had increased 972, 691. Farmers need to focus on better ways to improve farming methods across Australia and possibly around the world. Therefore, they need to consider many various farming techniques for example soil type. This is when plants require a specific soil to survive so the plant can produce better crops by having bigger and healthier fruits and vegetables, so they can meet the demands of the growing population at the same time. If there were limited amount of different soil types, it would affect the plant and impact on how much the plant produces which then could affect the human population in so many years’ time.

The independent variables of this experiment is the three different types of soils, which are perlite, vermiculite and seed raising mix. The dependant variable of this experiment are the growth/ height, number of leaves of the tomato plant. The controlled variable of this experiment is possibly the temperature, the amount of water and the same type of cup.

In plant physiology photosynthesis and the membrane, structure is very important in order for plants to grow healthily. Photosynthesis is required because it is essential for plants to grow; it needs sunlight during the process of photosynthesis to convert nutrients, carbon dioxide and water into sugars as seen in Figure 1.

6CO2 + 6H2O C4H12O6 + 6O2

Figure 1: (photosynthesis formula (Chemical formula, 2018)

Plants have a membrane structure known as plasma or cytoplasmic membrane. This structure is the outer surface of the protoplast. This regulates what enters and exits all cells. Other cells within the cell compartmentalise the protoplast, which then separates the inside into units of differing chemical composition. These each have own differentially selectively permeable membranes. The cells is a collection of ‘factories’ which import and export metabolic substances. Which then the metabolic substance then separates from one another by other membranes. (Harcourt, 2016) In the membrane structure (Appendix 13) is consist of Phospholipids, Cholesterol, Integral proteins, Peripheral proteins and carbohydrates. The Phospholipids are located in the main fabric of the membrane. Cholesterol is located and tucked between the hydrophobic tails of the membrane phospholipids. The Integral proteins are located in the phospholipid bilayer, which may or may not extend through both layers. The peripheral proteins are located in the inner and outer surface of the phospholipids bilayer. However, not embedded. Finally, the carbohydrates of the membrane attaches to proteins of lipids (Khan Academy, 2018).

Carbon Dioxide + WaterLight

ChlorophyllGlucose + Oxygen

For optimum plants growth, essential macronutrients in the form of fertiliser are required. These include nitrogen (N), potassium (K) and phosphorus (P). Fertiliser generally contains macronutrients such as nitrogen (N), potassium (K) and phosphorus (P), which are required in large quantities. Nitrogen is a component of chlorophyll, nuclei acids, protein synthesis, water balance and operations of stomata (Campbell, Reece, & Meyers, 2006). Whilst phosphorus is needed in nuclei acids, phospholipids, ATP and several coenzymes. However, toxicity will occur if excessive amounts of nitrogen is been added. This is because high concentration of nitrogen around the roots will draw away water from the plants and leave the salts behind. Therefore, the leaves will take on a burnt look with leaf edges becoming yellow or brown and wilt from dehydration. The high concentration of soluble salts in the soils will also damage the roots. The damage to the roots is the cause by glowing the net flow of water into the roots (Pennstate Extension, 2016).

Other than macronutrients, plants also need micronutrients such as manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), boron (B), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), molybdenum (Mo) and chlorine (Cl) (Definition of micronutrients,2018). In addition, environmental factors such as amount of light, water and temperature are also essential in order for them to grow. Water is important for plants as it allows important nutrient to travel from the soil through the plant, but when too much water is applied, it will cause the plant to have root rot (Gardening KNOW HOW, 2018). As water is important for plants, only the roots take up a small amount, which helps the plants growth and metabolism. Transpiration is required for plants as it is the process of water movement through a plant and its evaporation from aerial parts. These are things like leaves, stems and flowers. Soil is essential for plants as it gives nutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) (WordPress, n.d.). Additional fertilizers in the form of fertilizers adds in nutrient deficient soil. If the farmers do not apply the fertiliser correctly, it can harm the environment.

The scientific name for a tomato plant is Solanum Lycopersicum. When growing tomatoes they need to be in a good position and must have a right temperature. For a tomato, plant to grow and produce many fruits it needs to be between 650 Fahrenheit – 850 Fahrenheit daytime and in night time it must be above 850 Fahrenheit (howstuffworks, 2018). For tomato plants to grow well, it must contain the right amount of macronutrients and micronutrients. The macronutrients that are essential for tomatoes includes Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K).

Nitrogen (N) is essential for tomatoes, as it is required for the synthesis of amino acids, proteins, chlorophyll, nucleic acids and coenzymes. Nitrogen is important for tomato plants as most plants absorb nitrogen, which contains inorganic forms for example nitrate (NH2

+) and ammonium (NH4+) or

amino (NH2+) ions. However, most of the soil contains in an organic form (Nitrogen: Tomatoes,

2018).

Potassium (K) is vital for disease prevention and is important for photosynthesis (Hallie Engel, 2018). Tomato plant also needs potassium as it requires the aids in the transport of sugars, helps with stomata function, enhances skin set, colour and taste and helps aids the plant’s ability to resist disease (PROTASSIUM, 2018).

Phosphorus (P) is important for tomato plants as it keeps the plant healthy. When growing tomato seedlings phosphorus is important as it encourages roots to be healthy. When the tomato plant is younger, phosphorus provides strong stems and leaves. When the tomato plants produce flowers, phosphorus helps promote the fruit development. Finally, when the tomato fruit is ripening phosphorus helps boost the nutrition in tomatoes (Tomato Dirt, 2018).

Tomatoes not just need macronutrients they also need micronutrients these are Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), Boron (B), Chloride (Cl), Molybdenum (Mo), Copper (Cu) and Manganese (Mn). For example Zinc helps the tomatoes to regulate the growth/ height. Boron enables the tomato plants to develop flowers and seeds. The University of Missouri recommended that the best fertilizer for a tomato plant must contain low in nitrogen, high in phosphorus and a medium to high concentration of potassium (Hallie Engel, 2018).

Vermiculite is a hydrated laminar mineral (aluminium-iron magnesium silicates) which is similar to a mineral called mica. This mineral increases the water and nutrient retention and it aerates the soil, which makes the plant healthier and more robust (Gardening KNOW HOW, 2018). When the vermiculite expands, it contains a low density and has thermal conductivity. When Vermiculite is in its expanded form, it has a large chemically active surface area (Vermiculite, 2016). When growing plants in Vermiculite the plants absorb nutrient like Ammonium, Potassium, Calcium and Magnesium. This mineral will mix with soil and help it to retain water. Vermiculite also raises the pH slightly of the plants (Epic Gardening, 2018).

Perlite is a mineral that is mined and crushed, then expanded under high temperature (UFUNIIVERSITY of FLORIDA JFAS Extension, 2018). When pouring water into Perlite, it tends to be more porous and tends to allow water to drain much more readily than Vermiculite. When growing plants in Perlite farmers need to be careful fluoride burn, which appears in brown tips on home-grown plants. Perlite is a useful soil mix as it helps improve aeration and modifies the soil substructure, keeping it loose, and well drained (Gardening KNOW HOW, 2018). Tomatoes require Perlite as it enhances the soil and multi-purpose compost. Perlite helps the soil by adding drainage to the soil. According to the National Gardening Association Editors, stated that when planting tomatoes the soil need to be lighter by using peat moss, Vermiculite or Perlite, which makes it better drained (Hochmuth, 1972 - 2018).

Seed raising mix from Osmacote is a common soil that gardeners or farmers use when planting seeds. This soil is vital for the plants as it contains nutrients like calcium in gypsum, which allows strong growth for the plant, water crystals that hold many times their own weight and finally Coir, which is a renewable resource (Scotts, 2018).The macronutrients contained in the seed raising mix contains elements like nitrogen.

Aim: The aim of this experiment is too see if tomatoes can grow in different soil types in this case perlite, vermiculite and seed raising mix by observing its growth/height and the number of leaves. In addition, should farmers apply this new soil into their farming for better crop yield?

Hypothesis:It was hypothesised that the tomato plants grown in the seed raising mix would grow better, as it contains more slow release fertiliser therefore promoting its growth. Another reason was that the seed raising mix as it contain the right proportion of fine, medium and course material. This is because fine material will allow retention of water, medium allows space for the roots to grow and coarse excess water to run out and for aeration to allow the roots to breathe.

Research Question:In so many years’ time when the population growth increases In the future, should farmers introduce a better soil to increase crop yield by looking at the effects of its growth/ height and the number of leaves of the plant and how would it affect the farming industry in the future?

Materials:1. 9 × Cups2. 9 × Tomato Plants3. 1 Bag of Perlite (sandwich bag)4. 1 Bag of Vermiculite (sandwich bag)5. 1 Bag of Osmacote seed raising mix (Appendix 1) 6. Hose7. Cardboard box8. Ruler

Original Method:1. Nine tomato plants and seed raising mix was purchased from Bunnings.2. Cut the chucks cloth, placed it on top of every cup, and pushed it in the bottom of the cup so

the soil added does not fall out.3. Three cups was labelled Perlite, another three was labelled Vermiculite and last three was

labelled Seed Raising Mix.4. Out the nine tomato plants, three tomato plants was removed from its original soil, washed

the soil off so that it is soil free, and then plants was transplanted to three separate cups labelled Perlite.

5. Repeated the process in step 4 but with Vermiculite and seed raising mix.6. Then positioned the cups in full sun, placed the cups into 3 rows of 3, vertically, and placed

them in a small cardboard box.7. Used a hose to water the tomato plants daily.8. Data was collected starting Friday 10th August. The growth/ height and the number of leaves

of each plant was recorded daily. 9. Entered all the data in a table format. 10. Took photographs of the tomato plants in groups (perlite, Vermiculite and seed raising mix)

on day 15 and 25.

New Method:1. Purchase tomato plants and seed raising mix (Appendix 1) from Bunnings.

2. Get cups with no lined wholes on the side of the cup so that any soil that comes into the cup doesn’t fall out of the side holes of the cups.

3. Out of the nine cups, label three cups as Perlite 1, perlite 2 and perlite 3.4. Repeated step 3 but labelled vermiculite and seed raising mix.5. Out of the nine tomato plants. Plant three tomato plants in the perlite mixture and filed the

cup to the third ring of the cup.6. Repeated step 5 but with vermiculite and seed raising mix.7. Get a ruler and measure the growth/ height in cm and number of leaves from the first day

that you start the experiment in this case Friday the 10th August. 8. Water the tomato plants daily. 9. Record all data in a table format.10. Take photographs of tomato plants from day 15 and day 25.

Method Modifications:The original method before the experiment had to be changed because it more reliable and accurate. Another reason why the method had to be changed is because that the new method is more readable so that when someone reads it can be easy to follow the steps without any assistance. Also by changing the steps, it makes it efficient and quicker to do by not having the lined holes on the sides of the cup.

Analysis and Discussion:Overall, the aim of this experiment was to find the best soil type that tomatoes can grow in perlite, vermiculite and seed raising mix. By recording the results of growth / height and the number of leaves of each individual tomato plant. The best growth / height and the number of leaves occurred in the Vermiculite.

Tomatoes grown in Perlite:Out of each tomato plants the best plant that grew out of

Tomatoes grown in Vermiculite:From the three individual tomato plants grown in vermiculite the best plant that grew well in was

Tomatoes grown in Seed Raising mix:The three tomato plants grown in

LimitationsThe limitations throughout the experiment was that sometimes when measuring the height of the plant it tends to knock over causing the soil for example the perlite and vermiculite to come out of the pot. Which could affect the tomato plants _____________.

Recommendation:Since having data collected for 13 days, it is not a good idea to give recommendations to the society in particular farmers yet due to not completing the whole experiment. However, so far from the 13 days of data that got recorded stated that in Appendix 2 and 3 vermiculite did the best out of perlite and the seed raising mix.

Conclusion:In conclusion, a conclusion shouldn’t be made due to not completing the experiment.

Independent Variable- Perlite- Vermiculite- Seed raising mix

Dependant Variable- The growth/height of tomato plants- The number of leaves

Controlled Variable- The Amount of water - The amount of light- The 9 tomato plants- The same amount of perlite, vermiculite and seed raising mix

Appendix:

Appendix 1: Seed Raising Mix

Appendix 2: Results on Growth/ height:

Plants DaysDay

1F

Day 2S

Day 3S

Day 4M

Day 5T

Day 6W

Day 7T

Day 8F

Day 9S

Day 10S

Day 11M

Day 12T

Day 13W

Day 14T

Day 15F

Day 16S

1 7.5 7.5 7.6 7.6 7.6 7.7 7.7 7.8 7.8 7.9 7.9 7.9 8 8 8.1 8.12 7 7 7 7.1 7.1 7.1 7.1 7.2 7.2 7.2 7.3 7.3 7.3 7.4 7.4 7.63 6.5 6.5 6.5 6.5 6.6 6.6 6.6 6.6 6.7 6.7 6.8 6.8 6.9 6.9 7 71 7.6 7.6 7.8 7.8 7.8 7.9 7.9 8.2 8.2 8.2 8.3 8.3 8.4 8.4 8.5 8.52 6.8 6.8 6.9 6.9 7 7.1 7.1 7.1 7.2 7.2 7.2 7.3 7.3 7.5 7.6 7.63 8 8 8 8.1 8.1 8.3 8.3 8.3 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.6 8.7 8.7 8.8 8.91 8.3 8.4 8.4 8.4 8.5 8.6 8.6 8.7 8.7 8.8 8.8 8.9 8.9 9 9 9.22 7.6 7.6 7.6 7.9 7.9 8 8.1 8.1 8.3 8.3 8.3 8.5 8.7 8.8 8.8 93 7.2 7.2 7.2 7.5 7.5 7.7 7.8 8 8.2 8.2 8.3 8.5 8.5 8.8 8.8 9

Legend:

P = Perlite

V = Vermiculite

S = Seed Raising Mix

Appendix 2: Continued

Legend:

P = Perlite

V = Vermiculite

S = Seed Raising Mix

Plants DaysDay 17S

Day 18M

Day 19T

Day 20W

Day 21T

Day22F

Day23S

Day 24S

Day 25M

Day 26T

Day 27W

Day 28T

1 8 8 8.12 7.6 7.6 7.73 7 7.1 7.21 8.5 8.5 8.72 7.6 7.6 7.83 8.9 8.9 91 9.2 9.2 9.22 9 9.2 9.23 9 9.3 9.3

Appendix 3: Number of leaves

Plants

DaysDay

1F

Day 2S

Day 3S

Day 4M

Day 5T

Day 6W

Day 7T

Day 8F

Day 9S

Day 10S

Day 11M

Day 12T

Day 13W

Day 14T

Day 15F

Day 16S

Day 1F

Day 2S

1 22 22 22 22 23 24 25 25 25 25 25 25 26 26 27 27 29 292 24 24 24 24 26 26 26 26 28 28 28 29 30 30 31 32 32 343 20 20 20 20 22 24 24 25 25 25 25 26 27 27 28 29 31 321 35 36 36 36 38 39 39 39 39 39 39 39 40 40 41 42 42 432 20 20 23 26 27 31 31 31 33 33 33 34 34 34 35 36 36 373 24 24 26 27 28 30 30 30 32 33 33 35 35 35 36 37 38 381 22 24 24 26 26 26 28 28 30 30 30 31 31 31 33 35 35 362 31 33 33 34 34 35 35 36 36 37 37 39 40 41 43 43 45 453 23 23 23 25 25 27 27 30 30 31 31 32 32 32 33 33 34 34

Legend:

P = Perlite

V = Vermiculite

S = Seed Raising Mix

Appendix 3: Continued

Legend:

P = Perlite

V = Vermiculite

S = Seed Raising Mix

Plants DaysDay 17S

Day 18M

Day 19T

Day 20W

Day 21T

Day22F

Day23S

Day 24S

Day 25M

Day 26T

Day 27W

Day 28T

1 29 302 34 343 32 334 43 445 37 386 38 397 36 368 45 479 34 35

Appendix 2.1: (Growth/height) Perlite

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 190

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

The growth/ height of Tomatoes gron in Perlite

Plant 1 Plant 2 Plant 3

Days

Hei

ght o

f Tom

ato

Plan

t (cm

)

Appendix 2.2: (Growth/ height) Vermiculite

Appendix 2.3: (Growth/ height) of Seed Raising Mix

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 190

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

The growth/ height of Tomatoes grown in Vermiculite

Plant 1 Plant 2 Plant 3

Days

Hei

gth

of T

omat

o Pl

ants

(cm

)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 130

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

The growth/ height of Tomatoes grown in Seed Raising mix

Plant 1 Plant 2 Plant 3

Days

Hei

ght o

f Tom

ato

Plan

ts (c

m)

Appendix 3.1: (Number of leaves) grown in Perlite

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 130

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

Number of leaves on Tomatoes plants grown in Perlite

Plant 1 Plant 2 Plant 3

Days

Num

ber o

f eav

es

Appendix 3.2: (Number of leaves) grown in Vermiculite:

Appendix 3.3: (Number of leaves) grown in Seed Raising Mix:

Appendix 2.1.1: Average height of Perlite:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 130

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

Number of leaves on Tomato plants grown in Vermiculite

Plant 1 Plant 2 Plant 3

Days

Num

ber o

f lea

ves

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 130

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

Number of leaves on Tomato plants grown in Seed raising mix

Series1 Series2 Series3

Days

Num

ber o

f lea

ves

16.3

6.4

6.5

6.6

6.7

6.8

6.9

7

7.1

7.2

Average Height of Perlite

Plant 1 Plant 2 AVERAGE 7.7

Plant

Aver

age

Heig

ht (c

m)

Appendix 2.1.2: Average height of Vermiculite:

1 2 36.40

6.60

6.80

7.00

7.20

7.40

7.60

7.80

8.00

8.20

8.40

AVERAGE Height of Vermiculite

Plant

Aevr

age

Heig

ht (c

m)

Appendix 2.1.3: Average height of Seed Raising Mix:

1 2 37.40

7.60

7.80

8.00

8.20

8.40

8.60

8.80

Average Height of SeedRaising Mix

Plant

Aver

age

eght

(cm

)

Appendix 13: Membrane Structure

Source: (Khan Academy, 2018)

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Scotts. (2018). Osmocote Professional Potting Mixes - Scotts Australia. Retrieved from Osmocote® Professional Seed Raising & Cutting Mix: https://www.scottsaustralia.com.au/scotts-brands/osmocote/osmocote-professional-potting-mixes/osmocote-professional-seed-raising-cutting-mix/

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