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Effects of Road Salt on the Growth of Soybeans

This study investigates the impact of road salt runoff on the growth rate of soybeans, specifically the Edamame variety, by exposing them to varying concentrations of saltwater solutions. The experiment tracked the soybeans' growth over 21 days, measuring height and mass changes to assess the effects of salt contamination on plant development. Results indicated a significant negative influence on soybean growth, highlighting the potential harm road salt runoff can cause to vegetation. The study utilized ANOVA analysis and Dunnett's Test to draw conclusions from the data collected.

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Effects of Road Salt on the Growth of Soybeans

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  1. Effects of Road Salt on the Growth of Soybeans Marco Morgano Pittsburgh Central Catholic PJAS 2017 Grade 9

  2. Purpose and Problem • Problem: How does runoff affect the soil and water supply it washes into? (Specifically vegetation in the soil) • Purpose: To determine if road salt runoff has any effect on the growth rate of soybeans.

  3. Runoff • Part of the water cycle which describes the water that flows over a land surface. • Surface runoff occurs on land, creating a “Watershed.” • This water is absorbed into the soil, known as infiltration. • Includes fertilizers, bacteria, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides.

  4. Road Salt (variable) • Sodium chloride (NaCl), potassium chloride (KCl), magnesium chloride (MgCl2), calcium carbonate (CaCO3), calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) • Lowers freezingpoint of ice, prevents formation of ice • Gets caught in runoff, enters water supply and soil. • Last winter, western PA used 14,000 tons of road salt

  5. Soybeans • Grow between 6.0-7.0 soil pH level. • Legume that's part of the Fabaceaefamily. • Used type of soybean called "Edemame" in experiment. • Do not require much water or sunlight for growth.

  6. Past Studies • High salinity levels in soil affect plant growth. • Germination is affected when plants are exposed unnatural compounds, such as road salt. • Runoff has a negative effect on vegetation.

  7. Hypotheses • Null: The road salt runoff will not have an effect on the growth of Edamame Soybeans • Alternative: The road salt runoff will have an effect on the growth of Edamame Soybeans.

  8. Materials • Growing containers • Espomaorganic potting soil • SafeStep road salt (2.1 tbsp) • Four water bottles (500 mL or 16.9 oz) • Measuring cup • Two feet long Jump Start growing light • Edamame Soybean seeds (12) • Plastic Wrap • Masking Tape and Sharpie • Ruler • Two tin trays

  9. Procedure • Two tin trays were laid out, consisting of 2 growing containers each. Each container was labeled with it's concentration values. • Each growing container was filled with organic potting mix to the brim. • Three Edamame Soybean seeds were planted one inch below the soil in each growing container. • After the plantation of the seeds, the growing containers were covered with plastic wrap. • Concentrations were created for each saltwater solution.

  10. Procedure (Solution Concentrations)

  11. Procedure (continued) • Each plant was exposed to 7 hours of sunlight per day. • Each plant was given a half an inch of water every three days. • Growth was recorded every three days until day 21. • After growth was over, dry and wet above, below, and total masses were weighted.

  12. P-Value: 1.49E-07 Null = rejected

  13. P-Value: 3E-06 P-Value: .0085 P-Value: 1E-06

  14. Anova: Single Factor • Analysis of data that compares variation within groups to variation between groups. • Alpha 0.05 • If the p-value is below the alpha, then the effects are significant.

  15. Dunnett's Test • Compares experimental Groups with the control • Determines which experimental group produced significant variation. • If T-value is > T-crit, then the results were significant.

  16. Dunnett's Test Results (Height)

  17. Dunnett's Test Results (Average Dry Mass)

  18. Conclusion • All ANOVA's for the Edamame Soybeans presented a p-value lesser than 0.05, so the null hypothesiswas rejected. • Each Concentration of salt water had a significant effect on the height of the soybeans. All but the 1% concentration had a significant effect on the dry mass. • Soybeans with 1% and 2% experienced minimal height growth, while 3% experienced no height growth. • Germination seemed to be delayed for the experimental groups exposed to the road salt.

  19. Limitations • Short growth time • Limited concentrated exposures • Only one species used • Amount of seeds was limited

  20. Works Cited • Stromberg, Joseph. "What Happens to All the Salt We Dump On the Roads?" Smithsonian.com. Smithsonian Institution, 6 Jan. 2014. Web. 30 Nov. 2016 • "Growth Stages." Growth Stages : Growth and Development : Soybean Production : University of Minnesota Extension. University of Minnesota, 2011. Web. 30 Nov. 2016 • Gould, Ann. "Impact of Road Salt on Adjacent Vegetation." Plant & Pest Advisory. Rutgers University, 10 May 2016. Web. 30 Nov. 2016. • "Research Finds Salt Tolerance Gene in Soybean." Phys.org. University of Adelaide, 8 Jan. 2015. Web. 30 Nov. 2016.

  21. Height Growth ANOVA P-Value: 0.000000149

  22. Above Ground mass ANOVA

  23. Below Ground mass ANOVA

  24. Total Mass ANOVA

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