PRACTICAL #14: IMPLEMENTATION
NAME: Joshnel Powell
TITLE: NUTRITION
HYPOTHESIS: Organic fertilizer is a better growth stimulant for plants than inorganic
fertilizer.
AIM: To prove that organic fertilizer is better than inorganic fertilizer for plant growth.
MATERIALS/APPARATUS:
● Organic fertilizer (e.g., compost or manure)
● Inorganic fertilizer (e.g., NPK)
● Potting soil
● Plant pots
● Ruler (for measuring plant height)
● Watering can
● Measuring cup (for consistent watering)
● Seeds of the same plant species (Kidney beans)
● Notebook & Stationery
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Fertilizers are substances added to soil to enhance plant growth by supplying essential nutrients
such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. They are broadly classified into organic and
inorganic fertilizers. Organic fertilizers, derived from natural sources such as compost, manure,
and plant matter, release nutrients slowly and improve soil structure. In contrast, inorganic
fertilizers are synthetically manufactured and provide nutrients in a readily available form for
immediate plant uptake. While inorganic fertilizers can promote rapid plant growth, they may
also contribute to soil degradation over time. The effectiveness of these two types of fertilizers in
promoting plant growth remains a topic of interest in agricultural science.The problem addressed
in this experiment is whether organic or inorganic fertilizers contribute more effectively to plant
growth. Farmers and gardeners often face the challenge of selecting the best type of fertilizer to
maximize yield and maintain soil health. This experiment aims to compare the effects of organic
and inorganic fertilizers on plant height and leaf development to determine which provides the
best growth conditions.
METHOD:
1. Two plant containers were prepared by filling each with an equal amount of potting soil.
2. The pots were divided into three groups:
○ Group A: Organic fertilizer group (1 pot)
○ Group B: Inorganic fertilizer group (1 pot)
○ Group C: No fertilizer group (1 pot)
3. One seed of the same species was planted in all three pots at the same depth.
4. The fertilizers were applied:
○ For Group A, organic fertilizer was mixed into the soil as per the recommended
dosage.
○ For Group B, inorganic fertilizer was mixed into the soil as per the recommended
dosage.
5. Each pot was labeled to indicate the group (A, B, or C).
6. All pots were placed in the same location to ensure identical environmental conditions
(e.g., sunlight, temperature).
7. All pots were watered with the same volume of water (e.g., 100 mL) every two days
using the measuring cup.
8. The height of each plant was measured weekly using the ruler, starting from when the
seedlings emerged.
9. The number of leaves on each plant was counted and recorded weekly.
10.The measurements were repeated for six weeks, and all data was recorded in a notebook.
RESULTS:
TABLE SHOWING THE GROWTH PER WEEK OF PLANTS WITH ARTIFICIAL,
ORGANIC AND NO FERTILIZER
Week Group A (Organic) - Group B (Inorganic) - Group C (Control) -
Height (cm) / Leaves Height (cm) / Leaves Height (cm) / Leaves
1 5 cm / 3 leaves 4 cm / 2 leaves 3 cm / 2 leaves
2 10 cm / 6 leaves 8 cm / 5 leaves 6 cm / 4 leaves
3 15 cm / 9 leaves 12 cm / 7 leaves 9 cm / 6 leaves
4 20 cm / 12 leaves 16 cm / 9 leaves 12 cm / 7 leaves
5 25 cm / 15 leaves 19 cm / 11 leaves 14 cm / 8 leaves
6 30 cm / 18 leaves 22 cm / 13 leaves 16 cm / 9 leaves
DISCUSSION:
The results showed that plants in Group A (organic fertilizer) consistently grew taller and
developed more leaves than those in Group B (inorganic fertilizer) and Group C (control). By the
sixth week, plants in Group A had reached an average height of 30 cm with 18 leaves, whereas
those in Group B measured 22 cm with 13 leaves, and the control group measured only 16 cm
with 9 leaves. The superior growth of plants in Group A supports the hypothesis that organic
fertilizer is a better stimulant for plant growth. This can be attributed to the gradual release of
nutrients and improved soil quality provided by organic fertilizers. In contrast, while inorganic
fertilizers provide nutrients quickly, they lack the long-term soil enrichment benefits that organic
fertilizers offer. The control group exhibited the slowest growth, highlighting the importance of
fertilizer application for optimal plant development. External factors such as variations in
germination rates and potential fluctuations in environmental conditions may have influenced the
results. However, the consistent trend across the three groups suggests that organic fertilizers
contribute significantly to healthier plant growth compared to inorganic fertilizers.
CONTROL:
The control of this experiment was the group with no fertilizer. This group provided insight into
how plants grow without the use of any fertilizers and served as the standard to which data from
the other two fertilized groups were compared.
PRECAUTIONS:
● Use identical pots and seeds to ensure uniformity.
● Measure and water all plants consistently to prevent overwatering or underwatering.
● Follow recommended dosages for fertilizers to avoid over-fertilization.
ASSUMPTIONS:
● The seeds used are viable and capable of germinating under the provided conditions.
● Environmental factors like temperature and light intensity remain consistent.
● The potting soil used is free of any pre-existing fertilizers or contaminants.
LIMITATIONS:
● Variability in seed germination rates may affect the results.
● External environmental factors, such as unexpected changes in weather, may influence
plant growth.
SOURCE OF ERROR(S):
● Human error in the unequal distribution of water amongst the plants.
CONCLUSION:
The experiment demonstrated that organic fertilizer promotes better plant growth in terms of
height and leaf development compared to inorganic fertilizer and no fertilizer. This supports the
hypothesis that organic fertilizers are more effective in sustaining plant health and growth over
time.
REFLECTION:
This experiment reinforced the importance of fertilizer selection in agriculture and home
gardening. On a personal level, I gained valuable insights into plant nutrition and how different
fertilizers influence growth. This knowledge is applicable in real-life scenarios where sustainable
farming practices are encouraged. For society, the experiment highlights the benefits of organic
fertilizers, which can reduce dependency on synthetic alternatives that may harm the
environment. Environmentally, the findings support the use of organic fertilizers to improve soil
health and reduce chemical runoff. Such research aids farmers in more sustainable and more
profitable agricultural practices and the greater crop yield will benefit others through an
increased level of food security. Understanding plant nutrition at this level has improved my
analytical and scientific reasoning skills, which are applicable in broader agricultural and
environmental contexts.
