Spinach Growth

Bo Sarratt Chaz Nelson EMPACTS Project, Spring 2014 Organic Physiological Chemistry Instructor: Dr. Lois Chun CRN 22057 Sec 02M

Introduction:

Tested five different water types

to see If any had better qualities of growth

Tap water

Distilled water

Microwaved water

Boiled water

Coconut water

Justification of project:

Reason of importance

To see which kind of water helped spinach grow best, if any.

If one resulted in better quality of growth, that would be best to use in the future.

Find a alternative to watering plants using something besides water.

Background research:

No studies found on the tap, microwaved, boiled, distilled water applications.

All research that was found indicated applying the coconut water with normal watering.

Not just coconut water.

Showed signs of better growth in roots and height.

Project overview:

Planted five separate cardboard pots with ten spinach seeds in each. (New seeds)

Each pot was given a different type of water.

Watered three times a week at a rate of ¼ of a cup.

Dr. Chun’s idea with correlation of our previous turfgrass project idea.

Watering:

Coconut water

Tap water

Boiled water Microwaved water

Distilled water

Who did what?

Bo

-planted seeds and watered

-measured plant height

Chaz

-PowerPoint

-counted spinach leaves

Both:

final written project report

Community Aspect:

Plant biology classes here at NWACC.

Used during their photosynthesis lab.

Gardeners

Plant lovers

Technology:

Microsoft PowerPoint

Canon 70D camera

MacBook

Results:

Results: Tap water Boiled water Microwaved water

Coconut water

Distilled water

Height (cm) Average

6 cm 4.5 cm 4.3 cm 5.3 cm 4.7 cm

Color (1-5 scale)

4 3 3 3 5

# of leaves 6 8 4 4 4

• Coconut water plants were all laying over. • Boiled water had the most leaves produced. • Tap water had best results of overall health.

Results:

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

Height (cm)averages

Color (1-5 scale) # of leaves

Tap water

Boiled water

Microwaved water

Coconut water

Distilled water

Our conclusions:

Alternating the water did not help growth.

Not worth the time and effort.

No real differences in the water altered plants.

Just water with normal tap water.

All results as you saw in our charts were very similar.

References:

Lovejoy, Rachel. "Coconut Water & Plant Growth." eHow. Demand Media, 25 June 2010. Web. 28 Apr. 2014. <http://www.ehow.com/about_6668547_coconut-water-plant-growth.html>.

"." . N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2014. <http://www.gardenguides.com/129483-coconut-water-plant-growth.html>.

"." . N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2014. <http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org/Coconut%20Water%20Dew%20from%20the%20Heavens.htm>.