The Effects of Miracle Grow Soil versus Ground Soil on Brassica Rapa

1. The Effects of Miracle Grow SoilversusGround Soil on Brassica Rapa Cassie Tripp Undergraduate Biology Major Health Science Concentration Cookeville,TN 38505

2. Project Summary • I wanted to know if turnip plants flourish in growth using miracle grow soil versus ground soil. • Is the overall growth of the plants between the two soil types any difference throughout the weeks of the experiment? • I expect the leaves to be a few inches longer using miracle grow soil.

3. Introduction • I observed how the Brassica Rapa (turnip plant) is effective by planting the plant in miracle grow soil versus ground soil. • The question is will the soil type play a major role in effecting the growth during its lifespan?I understand by properly watering the plant and light exposure will be an indicator to help me receive the correct results (Donohue 2002).I read that light exposure is a valuable source for my plants (Anderson 2005).

4. Objective/Hypothesis • Objective is to show that the Brassica rapa will grow more effectively in the miracle grow soil compare to ground soil. • Hypothesis is base on prior experience with plants I have planted using miracle grow soil that it will increasingly make my plants to produce bigger and better plants compare to ground soil. • Null hypothesis is the miracle grow soil will not do anything to the growth of the turnip plant.

5. Method • Eight turnip plants was used to conduct the experiment. The method consisted of planting the eight plants in separate pots with four in the miracle grow soil and four in ground soil (Moles 2001). The length of the plants was two to three inches at the initial start and check throughout the experiment. • Each plant was water as planted and therefore water as needed (Moles 2006). Also, the plant was place in light exposure. Data Form

6. Figure 1: turnip plant with miracle grow soil Figure 2: Turnip plant with ground soil

7. Materials • 8 pots • 8 Turnip plants - 1 plant in each pot. • Miracle Grow Soil • Ground Soil

8. Results • The miracle grow soil was found to produce bigger and greener plants compare to ground soil. The length using miracle grow soil was eight inches long while the ground soil produce plants with six to seven inches. table

9. Results Figure 3: Results of Miracle Grow Soil versus Ground Soil

10. Discussion • Angela Moles stated that the amount of stress or the effect applied to a plant will play a role in the life cycle of the plant (Moles 2006). • In my case, the soil type did have an impact toward the plant. The miracle grow soil added an extra boost to spark the plant to grow increasingly over the eight week period (Azad 2003). • Watering the plant plus the light exposure was both a key success in conducted the final results (Howard 2001). My hypothesis was indeed correct producing larger and greener plants.

11. Conclusion • In conclusion, the miracle grow soil significantly effected the plant compare to the ground soil. When the plants are compared, it is evident that the plant with miracle grow soil produce greener and two to three inches bigger leaves. • Both plants had the same surroundings including being water and light exposure. The miracle grow soil prove to increase the size while reflecting the type of soil does make the difference. • My hypothesis was proven correct.