Comparing the Growth of Mung Bean Plants (Vigna radiata) in Terms of Height in

Different Soil Substances

Submitted By: Janice Fu, Michelle Truong, Theodore Lai, Zain Saleem

Submitted To: Mrs. A. Yun-Lee

Dates of Investigation: December 7, 2010 - December 17, 2010

Due Date: January 7, 2010

Course: Grade 11U Biology

Course Code and Section Number: SBI 3U1 -01

Name of School: Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School

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 Abstract

In recent years, organic farming and gardening techniques have become more popular because they allow

plants to grow rapidly while keeping the environment free of pesticides and fertilizers. This experiment compared

the growth of mung beans (Vigna radiata) in various organic soil and soil-like substances. The purpose was to

uncover which organic soil substance or mixture would allow the greatest growth in bean plants. The growth media

that were tested included 100% black earth soil, 100% peat moss, a mixture of peat moss and black earth, a

mixture of compost and black earth, 100% sheep manure, a mixture of sheep manure and black earth, and Magic

mix (a mixture of black earth, peat moss, compost, and sheep manure). Three beans were planted into type of

growth medium. The plants were watered daily and kept at a regular room temperature of 23°C. The heights of the

viable plants were measured, recorded, and averaged for a period of ten days. A few plants failed to grow, possibly

due to weak genes and the acidic soil. A comparison of the viable plants revealed that the media for growing mung

beans from best to worst were: black earth and peat moss mixture, 100% peat moss, Magic Mix, black earth and

compost mixture, 100% black earth, followed by 100% sheep manure. The mixture of sheep manure and black

earth was not ranked, because none of the plants grew. The results of this experiment can be used by organic

farmers to choose the most effective and ecofriendly medium to grow mung beans.

Introduction

Organic farming techniques are becoming more popular because they allow crop production while

protecting the health of the soil and the environment [1]. In this investigation, we will compare the growth of mung

beans (Vigna radiata) in different mixtures of organic soil and soil-like substances. The objective is to uncover the

best organic growth medium that will produce the tallest growing plants. We will be examining mung bean’s growth

in regular black earth soil, a type of top soil rich in humus [2]. We will also investigate the growth of mung beans in

organic substances such as compost, sheep manure, and peat moss. Compost is a mixture of decomposed organic

material that has a pH of 6.8-8.3 [3]. Sheep manure is the waste from sheep that is somewhat dry and acidic, but

rich in nutrients [4]. Peat moss is the decomposing matter of sphagnum moss that has an adjustable pH [5].

Compost, sheep manure and peat moss are great for mung bean growth because they supply the plant with

essential growth nutrients: phosphorous, potassium and nitrogen [6]. Mung beans prefer light soil with adequate

amounts of water; they are intolerant of poorly drained soil [6]. Compost helps retain water by acting like a sponge,

and at the same time it makes soil less heavy [3]. Peat moss has a high capacity of retaining water, while

incorporating air to make soil lighter [5]. The growth of mung beans requires rich nutrients, such as calcium,

magnesium and sulphur [6]. Compost, manure and peat moss all satisfy this requirement. As compost breaks down,

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it slowly releases nutrients [3]. Sheep manure, one of the oldest and most effective fertilizers, has a high

concentration of many nutrients [4]. Finally, peat moss has a high nutrient status, and is known by professional

growers as the best ingredient for growth [5]. Soil is usually mixed with these organic substances to adjust the pH to

the preferred mung bean levels of 6.2-7.2 [6]. When incorporating these substances with soil: peat moss should be

1/3 of the soil [7], sheep manure should be ¼ of the soil [7], and compost should be an inch of the soil, which is

around 25% of the soil [3]. Some of these substances such as compost and peat moss can be used alone without

the addition of soil [3 & 5]. For optimal growth, mung beans require frost-free growing conditions, and 6-8 hours of

sunlight [6]. After this experiment, we will be able to provide organic growers the information about the organic

substances that provide the highest growth to their plants. Besides, with more usage of these organic substances,

our environment will become cleaner and more eco-friendly.

Purpose

To compare the growth of mung beans in terms of height when cultivated in black earth soil versus mixtures

of different organic substances, and to rank the organic mixtures from best to worst for growing mung beans. The

mixtures being used are 100% peat moss, 100% sheep manure, peat moss mixed with black earth, compost mixed

with black earth, sheep manure mixed with black earth, and a mixture of compost, sheep manure, peat moss &

black earth soil, all compared to 100% black earth soil .

Hypothesis

The ranking of the organic mixtures from the one that will promote the tallest plant growth to the one that

will produce the shortest growth during the period of 10 days is as follows: the mixture of peat moss with black

earth, the mixture of 100% peat moss, the Magic Mix (the mixture of sheep manure, peat moss and compost with

black earth), the mixture of compost in black earth, the mixture of sheep manure in black earth, the mixture of 100%

black earth, and last, the mixture of 100% sheep manure.

We believe that the mixture of peat moss with black earth is the most ideal mixture to grow the tallest mung

bean plant. From experience, professional growers acknowledge peat moss as the ideal growing medium and the

best ingredient for plant growth [5]. Peat moss offers mung beans a high nutrient status for growth and lightens up

the soil, which mung beans prefer [5 & 6]. Peat moss retains 20 times the moisture and releases this water slowly

as the plant needs it [5]. This is beneficial for the mung bean plant, because the plant is not tolerant of poorly

drained environments [6]; peat moss can help control the plant’s water absorption [5]. Since peat moss may be a

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little bit acidic, the addition of black earth will help balance the pH to a more neutral environment that the mung

beans prefer [6]. Due to the many benefits that peat moss and black earth provide, we believe it is the best

substance promoting the highest growth.

The second best option is the mixture of 100% peat moss. We think that mung beans grown in peat moss

alone can grow quite well because peat moss can retain water, provide high nutrients, and make soil light to allow

for proper root growth. Although the pH may be slightly more acidic [5] without the addition of black earth, it still has

the components promoting proper growth.

We predict that the Magic Mix (a mixture of peat moss, compost and sheep manure in black earth soil) will

be the third best substance. Compost and peat moss both provide the mung bean with the light soil it prefers [3 &

5], and all three substances provide the plant with high nutrition [3, 4 & 5]. However, with the addition of so many

different substances, we believe the mung bean plant will be overnourished. Too many nutrients may burn the

seedling [4]. Besides, sheep manure contains nitrogen, which the mung bean does not need too much of [4 & 6].

We believe the fourth best mixture promoting high plant growth is the mixture of compost with black earth.

Compost is similar to peat moss, since it supplies essential growth nutrients, lightens heavy soil, and retains water

[3].However, compost is slightly alkaline even with the mixture of black earth [3], and mung beans seem to prefer a

pH between slightly acidic and neutral [6].

We believe the fifth best mixture is the sheep manure mixed with black earth. Since sheep manure is acidic

[4], it will make the mixture slightly acidic. Sheep manure does provide a high source of nutrients, but sometimes

being overnourished can kill the bean plant [4]. Manure also does not lighten the soil for mung bean growth

compared to peat moss and compost, and it provides the bean plant with nitrogen that the plant does not need [4];

thus, this mixture is not as great as previously mentioned mixtures.

Next, we predict that the sixth best mixture to use is 100% black earth soil. This mixture does not have

additional nutrients or benefits provided by peat moss, compost and sheep manure, but it still is a fertile soil [6]. It

should enable the mung bean to grow, but we predict the mung bean plant will not be as tall as the others.

Lastly, we believe the least ideal substance to grow mung bean plants in, is 100% sheep manure. Having

just sheep manure makes the environment too acidic for the bean plant [7]. Also, sheep manure may overnourish

the bean plant with too much nitrogen, causing the mung bean not to grow [6].

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 Materials

1705 ml Black Earth Container

795 ml Peat Moss Disposable Gloves or Gardening Gloves

750 ml Sheep Manure Newspapers

250 ml Homemade compost Papers

250 ml Measuring cup Pen

60 ml Measuring cup Pencil

35 Mung beans (Vigna radiata) Ruler

7 Garden pots with holes at bottom for water draining Scissors

(4 inch diameter, 3 ½ inch deep) Tape

Aprons Tray

Camera Water

Procedure
th th
(Carried out on December 7 2010 to December 17 2010)

Safety Precautions:

1) We made sure that the bags of substances didn’t get to temperatures around 20-40˚C. [8] This is the ideal

growth temperature for Legionella bacteria [8]. Legionella is a bacterium that is naturally found in the

environment [8]. It can get into human respiratory system via dust particles and liquid droplets contaminated

with the bacteria [8]. This can cause a lung condition known as legionellosis which is similar to pneumonia

and can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms [8].

2) We made sure to avoid directly facing the substances and taking breaths because this could allow for the

inhalation of unwanted and harmful bacteria [8].

3) We worked in a well ventilated area to make sure that the dust did not build up [8].

4) We wore gloves during the procedure and washed our hands with soap after we were done.

Pre-Procedure:

1) We soaked the mung beans (Vigna radiata) in the water for 2 days in a container. This allowed us to

confirm which of the 35 seeds were viable.

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 2) We picked out 21 seeds that were able to sprout. These ones were used.

3) We set up a work area in a location (ex: garage), with newspapers to cover tables, and gathered the pots,

sheep manure, compost, peat moss, black earth, 250ml measuring cup, pencil, pen, paper, tape,

scissors needed for the experiment. The work area should be warm or at a room temperature, in order to

not damage the soaked seeds. The garage area we worked in had heaters.

4) Before handling the substances, we placed on our aprons and disposable gloves or gardening gloves.

Procedure:

5) We opened up the bags of soil and soil-like substances with scissors.

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6) We used a 250 ml measuring cup, and filled one pot with 500ml of Black Earth soil, and labeled the pot

100% Black Earth on a piece of tape.

7) We filled another pot with 500 ml of Peat Moss, and labeled the pot 100% Peat Moss on a piece of tape.

8) We filled another pot with 500ml of Sheep Manure, and labeled the pot 100% Sheep Manure, on a piece

of tape.

9) We filled another pot with 170 ml Peat Moss & 330ml Black Earth Soil, and labelled the pot 66% Black

Earth Soil & 34% Peat Moss, on a piece of tape.

10) We filled another pot with 375ml Black Earth soil &125ml Sheep Manure, and labeled the pot 25%

Sheep Manure & 75% Black Earth Soil, on a piece of tape.

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11) We filled another pot with 125ml Compost & 375ml Black Earth soil, and labelled the pot 25% Compost

& 75% Black Earth Soil, on a piece of tape.

12) We filled another pot with 125ml Compost, 125ml Black Earth soil, 125ml Peat Moss, 125ml Sheep

Manure, and labeled the pot 25% Compost, 25% Peat Moss, 25% Sheep Manure and 25% Black Earth

Soil (or Magic Mix) on a piece of tape.

13) We brought the pots back inside on a tray, and using our fingers we made 3 holes that were 1 inch deep

and 1 inch apart in the soil or soil like substance of each pot. We placed a seed in each of those holes in

the pots.

14) We covered the seeds with the soil or soil-like substances.

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 15) We placed the pots on a tray and placed them near a window where sunlight could reach in during the day.
o
The room temperature was kept at 23 C.

Clean up and Disposal:

16) We closed the bags of each substances with tape.

17) We wrapped up the newspapers that had some of the accidentally spilled substances on them, and

disposed those out into the front yard garden.

18) We recycled the pieces of newspaper.

19) We disposed of any of the non-viable beans into the Green Bin.

20) We then cleaned our work area, wiping away any accidentally spilled substances on the floor.

21) We returned the scissors, tape, gardening gloves &aprons to their appropriate spots.

22) We disposed our disposable gloves into the garbage bin.

23) We washed our hands.

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Post-Procedure:

24) We watered the plants with 60 ml of water around 5pm daily.

25) During around 5pm each day, we recorded the height with a ruler and time of sprout from the soil

substance on a chart. Also, we took photos of each plant with a camera.

26) When the plants started to sprout, we labeled each plant in each pot with numbers 1, 2, and 3 with a piece

of tape.

27) We repeated steps 24 to 25 daily for 10 days.

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 Results

Photographs of all of the plants have been placed in the Appendix on pages 26 – 40.

In 100% Peat Moss: [Refer to Table 1]

On day 2, plant #1 was the first to sprout out of the soil;

it sprouted 2.5 cm. On day 4, plant #2 and plant #3

showed growths above the soil; plant #2 sprouted 1.5

cm, while plant #3 sprouted 1 cm.. Starting from day 4,

all plants mostly grew around the same amount each

day. Until day 6, plant #1 had remained the highest,

plant #2 had remained the second highest, and plant #3

had remained the shortest. However, on day 7, plant #3

experienced a growth spurt of 3.2 cm that brought its

height higher than plant #2. After day 7, plant #3

continued its rapid growth remaining the second highest

plant; plant #3 appeared to grow more each day

compared to the other plants.

In the Mixture of Peat Moss and Black Earth: [Refer to

Table 2]

Two plants from the pot sprouted above the soil on day

2. From day 2 to day 5, the plants grew steadily and

around the same amount each day. From day 5 to day

6, the height growth of both plants slowed down; plant

#1’s height slowed down only a bit, while plant #2’s

height slowed down to growing only 0.5 cm for the day.

From day 6 to day 7, the usually steady growth rate

returned back to normal. Up to day 7, both plants shared

a similar height.

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 In the Magic Mix: [Refer to Table 3]

On Day 2, plant #1 sprouted 2.5 cm above the soil. The

growth rate for plant#1 was pretty consistent, except that

on day 3 to day 4 when it experienced a large growth

spurt of 5.2 cm. After that day, the plant continued to

grow at a more consistent pace. On day 7, plant #2

finally sprouted 2 cm above the soil. The plant looked a

bit brown and dry on the leaves [Refer to Appendix,

Figure 48]. On day 9, the plant #1 showed no growth

from day 8; the plant still remained at 18 cm. Plant #2

also appeared to have grown only a little amount from

day 8. Plant #2 still had dried leaves and the leaves

were much smaller compared to the leaves on plant #1

[Refer to Appendix, Figure 57 & 58]. From day 9 to day

10, the plants grew more again. Throughout the

experiment, plant # 3 showed no growth.

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In 100% Black Earth: [Refer to Table 4].

Plant #1 in the pot was the first to show growth above

soil on day 4; it grew 0.5 cm. Plant #2 was next to show

growth above the soil on day 5; it grew 0.3 cm. On day

5, we noticed that only one leaf was growing out of the

cotyledon of plant #1 [Refer to Appendix, Figure 20].

On day 7, plant #1 showed a tall growth spurt from day

6; it had grown 4.4 cm. Meanwhile, plant #2 also

showed a growth spurt of 2.4 cm on the same day. From

day 7 to day 8, another growth spurt was apparent, but it

was not as significant in plant #1 [Refer to Graph 4].On

day 8, we also noticed that one of the leaves on plant #2

was much smaller than the other leaf [Refer to

Appendix, Figure 50]. Plant #3 demonstrated no

growth throughout the observation days.

In the Mixture of Black Earth and Compost: [Refer to

Table 5]

On day 4, plant #1 sprouted out the soil 0.3 cm. On day

6, the leaves on plant #1 appeared small, slightly dry

and yellow at the tips [Refer to Appendix, Figure 31].

On day 8, we saw that one leaf of plant#1 was evidently

bigger than the other, and both leaves were browning at

the edges [Refer to Appendix, Figure 51]. Up to day 8,

the plant grew rapidly [Refer to Graph 5]. After day 8,

the growth of plant #1 started to slow [Refer to Graph 5].

As for plant #2 and plant #3, no growth was observed

even past the 10 days of experiment.

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In 100% Sheep Manure: [Refer to Table 6]

Plant #1 showed growth above the soil on day 5; it grew

0.2 cm above the soil. Plant #1 showed an irregular

growth; it had a slow growth when it first sprouted, then

a sudden growth spurt from day 5 to day 6, and then the

slow growth continued until day 8. Near the end of the

10 days, the plant’s growth rate increased drastically.

On day 10, we observed that the left leaf was slightly

brown and dry at the tip [Refer to Appendix, Figure 73].

Referring to plant #2 and plant #3, they showed no

growth even after the experimental days.

In Mixture of Sheep Manure and Black Earth:

[Refer to Table 7].

No plants showed growth above the soil

Therefore, no observations could be made,

no patterns and trends could be determined,

and no reliable comparison could be made to

100% black earth.

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 Data Analysis

In 100% Peat Moss: [Refer to Graph 1]

When observing the plant average, we noticed that as

the plants grew higher, the growth rate started to slow,

possibly because the plants had reached about their

maximum height. For instance, from Day 3 to Day 4, the

plants grew an average of 2.3 cm, while in Day 9 to Day

10, the plants’ average growth decreased to 1.53 cm.

Throughout the 10 days, the mung bean heights in

100% peat moss remained higher than the heights in

100% black earth. In fact, the average final height was

13.43 cm, which was 2.38 cm higher than

the average final height of 100% black earth, suggesting that peat moss was better than black earth. This was

most likely because the peat moss lightened up the soil and allowed for growth to occur more easily; it also

retained more water than regular black earth while also providing a good growing environment due to the

increased activity of beneficial microorganisms [5 & 9].

In the Mixture of Peat Moss and Black Earth: [Refer to

Graph 2]

On average, the plants grew 2.5-3 cm each day.

As the plants grew higher, the growth rate started to slow

down. After day 7, the height of plant #2 appeared to

plateau at around 13 cm. The height of plant #1 started to

plateau at around 15 cm after day 9. As for plant #3, no

growth was observed throughout the experiment. Overall,

the mung beans’ heights in the mixture of peat moss and

black earth remained significantly higher than the heights

in 100% black earth. The average final height of the plants

in the mixture of peat moss and black earth was 14.1 cm,

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which was 3.05 cm taller than the average height of plants produced by the 100% black earth [Refer to Graph 8].

This was most likely because the peat moss was able to absorb nutrients and slowly provide them to the beans

as needed [10], while the black earth balanced the acidic pH of peat moss to the pH preference of the Mung bean

which is around 6.2-7.2 [6]. Thus, this mixture gave better results than the 100% black earth.

In the Magic Mix: [Refer to Graph 3]

Plant #1 showed a growth rate of 2-3 cm each day and a

5.2 cm growth spurt from Day 3 to Day 4 [Refer to Table

3]. A trend seen in Plant #1 was that the growth rate

started to plateau as the days increased. Not many

trends or patterns could be observed in the growth of

Plant #2, since the growth started late. After considering

both plants, we concluded that most growth heights were

around 2-3 cm each day. Although plant #1 in the Magic

Mix gave us very pleasing results, the late unexpected

growth of plant #2 greatly reduced the average growth of

this mixture [Refer to Graph 3]. Even after being reduced

dramatically by plant #2, the average height of the Magic

Mix was still higher than that of the control plant (100%

black earth) [Refer to Graph 8]. As shown in Table 3, the average final height for the Magic Mix was 11.8 cm; this

was 0.75 cm higher than the 100% black earth’s average final height of 11.05 cm. The results were expected

because the compost, peat moss, and sheep manure all provide beneficial nutrients to the Mung bean, as

compared to the plain black earth soil which does not provide as much extra nutrients [3, 4, & 5]. To explain, the

peat moss helped the soil become lighter by incorporating more air; it also held on to the water and other nutrients,

and slowly released them to the plant as needed [5 & 10]. The addition of compost and sheep manure both

provided the plant with phosphorus and potassium which satisfied a few nutritional requirements of the beans [3, 4

& 6]. All this mixed with black earth allowed for a healthy mixture for Mung bean plants to sprout and grow in.

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In 100% Black Earth: [Refer to Graph 4].

Since plant #3 demonstrated no growth throughout the

observation days, the trends observed only apply to

plant #1 and plant #2. Although both plants started

growth above the soil on different days, both plants

appeared to grow around the same amount each day.

Both plants showed growth spurts on day 6 to day 7

and on day 7 to day 8. After those days, the plants

returned to growing around similar rates.

Plants 1 and 2 had similar growth rates of 1-1.5 cm

per day.

In the Mixture of Black Earth and Compost: [Refer to

Graph 5]

Since plant #2 and plant #3 showed no growth even

past the 10 days of experiment, we only observed the

trends and patterns for plant #1. Plant #1 showed a

steady growth of 2-3 cm per day, with no dramatic

growth spurts. Again, the growth started to plateau as

it got closer to Day 10. Not many patterns and trends

could be observed since only one of the plants was

viable. The plant in this mixture and the control

mixture (100% black earth) both started growing on

Day 4 but the mixture of compost and black earth

clearly had a faster growing rate and hence grew to a

taller height at the end of the 10 days [Refer to Graph

8]. The plant in the mixture of compost and black earth ended up with a final average height of 13.1 cm [Refer to

Table 5], which was 2.05 cm higher than the average final height of the control plant, which was 11.05 cm [Refer to

Table 4]. The reason behind this was because the compost in the mixture provided essential macro and

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micronutrients including phosphorus and potassium [3 & 11]. The compost also brought diverse life in the soil, such

as some bacteria and fungi that supported the plants’ healthy growth [11]. Meanwhile, compost also lightened the

soil and retained water for the beans [3].

In 100% Sheep Manure: [Refer to Graph 6]

Since Plants 2 and 3 did not grow, not many patterns

and trends could be determined. This left us with only

Plant 1 on which to base our average [Refer to Graph

6]. This plant started its growth on Day 5, which was

later than all of the other plants in other substances

[Refer to Graph 8]. This could have been due to the

acidic nature of the sheep manure that Mung beans

do not prefer [4 & 6]. After a couple days of slow

growth, the plant began to grow much more rapidly

[Refer to Graph 6]. For instance, on Day 6 to Day 7

and on Day 7 to Day 8, the plant grew less than

0.5cm; however from Day 8 to Day 9, the plant grew

1.5 cm [Refer to Table 6]. The plant may have adjusted to the mixture. Overall, during the duration of 10 days, the

mung beans’ height in 100% sheep manure was less than the heights of those in 100% black earth [Refer to Graph

8]. The growth of this plant compared to the average growth of the plants in the 100% black earth showed us that

this mixture produced plants that,on average, were 5.05 cm shorter than the average of the plants produced in the

100% black earth [Refer to Graph 8].Although the sheep manure provided the plant with nutrients it preferred such

as potassium and phosphorus, it could have also reduced the growth, most likely because of its acidity. Another

reason may be because sheep manure is not as effective for soil conditioning and the manure is somewhat dry [4].

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In Mixture of Sheep Manure and Black Earth: [Refer to

Graph 7].

Since no plants showed growth above the soil, no

observations were made. No patterns and trends

could be determined, and no reliable comparison

could be made to 100% black earth. We believe that

all of the seeds placed in this mixture were unviable.

Another possible reason could be that the acidity of

the mixture due to the sheep manure [4] killed all 3

plants. We hold more strongly on the first possibility

that all the plants were unviable because plant growth

was apparent in the 100% sheep manure which was

most likely more acidic than the mixture of sheep

manure and black earth. No reliable comparisons can be made to 100% Black Earth due to the lack of growth of

plant growth.

A comparison of the growth of mung beans in all of the different substances:

We observed that 100% peat moss, the mixture of peat moss and black earth, and the Magic Mix (mixture

of peat moss, compost, sheep manure and black earth) were the first pots to show plant growth above the soil. The

100% black earth, the mixture of compost and black earth, and the mixture of 100% sheep manure were the second

pots to show plant growth above the soil. The mixture of black earth and sheep manure showed no growth above

the soil at all. Throughout the 10 days, the average growth heights above the soil for the mixture of black earth and

peat moss remained higher than the rest. The Magic Mix had the second highest average growth height in the

plants from day 2 to day 6. However, after day 6, the average height of the plants in 100% peat moss was higher

than the Magic Mix. On day 8, the plants in the mixture of compost and black earth had an average height that was

greater than the average height of the plants in both Magic Mix and 100% peat moss. On day 10, the average

height of the plants in 100% peat moss grew to be slightly higher than the average height of the plants in the

mixture of compost and black earth. In comparison to the 100% black earth mixture, all plant substances, except for

the mixture of sheep manure and black earth, had average growth heights that were higher than the average growth

height in the 100% black earth mixture. Amongst all of the averages, most of the average heights started to curve to

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a plateau when nearing day 10, with the exception of the average of 100% Sheep Manure, which appeared to be

peaking upwards. At the end of day 10, we observed that plants in the mixture of peat moss and black earth had the

tallest average height, plants in 100% peat moss had the second tallest average height, plants in the mixture of

compost and black earth had the third tallest average height, plants in the Magic Mix had the fourth tallest average

height, plants in 100% black earth had the fifth tallest average height, plants in 100% sheep manure had the sixth

tallest average height, and plants in the mixture of sheep manure and black earth had the no growth height [Refer to

Graph 8].

Using the average growth of the mung bean plants in all the substances and considering other factors, such as the

day of sprouting out the soil, we devised a ranking to grow the tallest Mung bean plants as follows:

1. Black Earth and Peat Moss Mixture

2. 100% Peat Moss

3. Magic Mix

4. Black Earth and Compost Mixture

5. 100% Black Earth (Control)

6. 100% Sheep Manure.

The Sheep Manure and Black Earth mixture was not ranked in this experiment because none of the

seeds grew into plants in the mixture.

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Sample Calculations:

Three types of calculations were performed in this experiment:

1. The average height of the viable plants in each growth substance was determined daily. Below is a sample

calculation based on the heights of the mung bean plants grown in 100% peat moss on Day 7:

Average Height = (height of plant 1 + height of plant 2 + height of plant 3 ) / 3

Average Height = (15 cm + 5.9 cm + 6.7 cm ) / 3

Average Height = 9.2 cm

2. We calculated the growth spurts that viable plants experienced per day in the different growth substances.

Below is a sample calculation based on the growth experienced by plant 1 grown in 100% peat moss

between day 3 and day 4.

Growth spurt = height of plant on day 4 – height of plant on day 3

Growth spurt = 8.4 cm – 4 cm

Growth spurt = 4.4 cm

3. We calculated the average amount of growth of viable plants per day in the different growth substances.

Below is a sample calculation that shows the average amount of growth experienced by mung plants grown

in 100% peat moss.

Average growth per day = Average height of viable plants on day 10 / 10 days

Average growth per day = 13.43 cm / 10 days

Average growth per day = 1.34 cm / day

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 Discussion

Evaluating the Results:

We found that the results were quite similar to those expected. The ranking of the results was as follows:

1. Mixture of Black Earth and Peat Moss

2. 100% Peat Moss

3. Magic Mix (Black Earth, Peat Moss, Compost, and Sheep Manure)

4. Mixture of Black Earth and Compost

5. 100% Black Earth

6. 100% Sheep Manure As for the mixture of black earth and sheep manure, we considered it un-rankable since no

plants grew.

The first four mixtures were ranked as hypothesized. These mixtures all provided the plants with nutrients and

good water absorption. We expected the sheep manure and black earth mixture to be fifth, but the results of the

mixture were inconclusive. Thus, 100% black earth was ranked fifth instead and 100% sheep manure was ranked

as sixth. As expected, the 100% black earth and the 100% sheep manure ranked after the first four mixtures. On

contrary, we had not expected that they would rank higher than the mixture of black earth with sheep manure. This

was because the black earth would only provide the plant with its basic necessities and nothing extra, while the

sheep manure would have made the growth environment a bit more acidic than the plant prefers. With our results,

we will be able to provide organic growers and farmers about the ranking of substances that would promote tall

height growth for their bean plants. This will help save them time from experimenting with different soil and soil-like

mixtures to figure out which ones would provide a tall growth for their plants. In fact, these results may encourage

and influence other farmers and growers to begin using organic substances because they can provide a double

advantage: tall growth and contributing to a cleaner environment.

Evaluating the Hypothesis:

The hypothesis we made before the investigation was partially supported by the results from the

experiment, since the actual ranking of the substances was only slightly different compared to our hypothesized

ranking. The results from our experiment supported the ranking of the mixture of peat moss and black earth; it also

enforced that the substance is the best to grow bean plants in, since it lightens the soil and traps nutrients in the

soil for the plant to use [5]. The results also supported our hypothesized ranking of the 100% peat moss, Magic Mix

(mixture of peat moss, compost, sheep manure and black earth) and the mixture of compost and black earth.If the

sheep manure mix was removed from the hypothesis because of its unviability, 100% black earth and 100% sheep

Page 22
manure would rank next like in our result. However, the lack of results for the sheep manure and black earth

mixture does not mean that our hypothesis should be rejected, since it was mostly correct. Based on our evaluation

of the evidence and the prediction, we concluded that our hypothesis deviated from the results only by the

exclusion of the sheep manure and black earth mixture.

Evaluating the Experiment:

The experimental design was generally effective. We followed a detailed procedure and acknowledged all

safety precautions. All controlled variables were kept constant for each independent variable to have a valid result.

For instance, we measured and watered the plants at around the same time in the evening, we watered the plants

with the same amount of water, and we kept the plants in the same location and at the same temperature. We

believe that our experiment provided partially reliable and valid evidence to support our hypothesis. We think that

our experiment is only partially accurate due to the fact that all beans have different alleles and genes, which

provides a different effect to the variables. The genes and alleles are considered to be a constant variable because

they are not supposed to change from plant to plant in the experimental design. One plant may have grown taller

because it had inherited the tall allele from its parent while another may have been shorter because of two

recessive alleles. Due to this, we were unable to give accurate averages for all pots, since not all plants in the pot

grew with the same alleles.

Sources of experimental error include, the variation that could occur due to the alleles the plants may have

in the height gene. The usage of homozygous pure-breed beans would provide a more accurate result. This will

allow all plants to have similar genes; therefore, it will limit the amount of variations among the plant growth.

Another experimental error was that the plants may have not received adequate sunlight, since the experiment was

conducted in the winter, and a glass had separated the plants from direct sunlight. Moreover, since it was winter

and the plants were placed close to the window in order for the plants would obtain the most of the limited winter

sunlight; the cold air transferred through the glass may have altered the temperature near the plant. To avoid these

problems, this investigation should be performed outside during warm seasons.

Changes and Recommendations for the Future:

To change and improve the experiment for future years, we recommend that the investigation be carried

out during spring or summer, because the plants would be able to get more sunlight. Moreover, we suggest the

experiment to be done outside, in order for the plants to get direct sunlight. If planted outdoors and the plants grow

too tall, a stick can be placed to support the plant’s structure; this can help prevent the wind from blowing and

Page 23
wrecking the plant. Besides, farmers and growers usually grow their plants outdoors; therefore, if the experiment

was conducted outdoors, the results would be more significant. In addition to improving the experiment, we

recommend that the investigation to be carried out for a longer period of time, such as for onefull season. Most

importantly, we strongly advise using true-breeding plants; this will eliminate any variations of plants in the height

allele. We also suggest planting more plants to obtain more accurate averages.These recommendations will

ensure more precise and reliable results.

Questions Posed in the Lab:

During the investigation, we were confused about how the bean seedlings in the 100% sheep manure had

sprouted out the soil, while no bean seedlings in the mixture of sheep manure and black earth had sprouted out the

soil. One reason we came up with was that the acidity of the sheep manure could have killed the seedlings.

However, it was obvious that the pot of 100% sheep manure was more acidic than the pot with the mixture of sheep

manure in black earth; therefore, it contradicts our prediction that the acidity of the sheep manure in black earth had

killed the seedlings. Another reason could be that the seedlings in the mixture of sheep manure and black earth

were simply unviable due to their genes. Also, while observing the plants during the experiment, we questioned

why some plants in the same substance grew to a shorter height compared to another plant in the same substance.

Both plants were still receiving the same nutrients in the soil; therefore, it would be inferred that both plants would

grow to a relative height. As a result, we came down to a conclusion that the plants may have had different alleles

for the height gene; one may have had been heterozygous tall or homozygous tall, and the other could have been

homozygous short.

Conclusion

From analyzing our observations and data analysis, we conclude in order of the best mixture to the least

best mixture to promote tall growth height to be: the mixture of peat moss and black earth, the mixture of 100%

peat moss, the Magic mix (mixture of black earth, peat moss, sheep manure and compost), the mixture of

compost and black earth, 100% black earth, and lastly, 100% sheep manure. The mixture of sheep manure and

black earth was omitted from the ranking, due to the lack of information. As predicted for the first four

substances, they provide great results in height for growing Mung bean plants compared to using 100% black

earth on its own.

Our research has enabled us to participate in organic farming and gardening as it is becoming more

popular [1]. Organic production benefits farmers as they feel empowered by the organic systems, from using their

Page 24
knowledge and understanding rather than chemicals to solve problems [12]. This investigation will be able to

motivate other farmers and growers to start using organic substances, which would encourage more organic

production. With our investigation, organic farmers and growers will be given the knowledge about which substance

provides the best height growth for their bean plants, and if they do not have the best substance on hand, they will

be able to look at their next best option. In addition, this investigation can be used to motivate other farmers and

growers to start using organic substances. Farmers and growers will see that not only can organic substances

provide great growth in plant height; the usage of organic substances in planting can help make the environment

cleaner and more eco-friendly. For instance, peat moss and compost reduces water contamination by preventing

the leaching of nutrients and fertilizers into streams and rivers [3 & 9]. Natural black earth soil can reduce global

warming by acting as a carbon sink [2]. Best of all, these organic substances are renewable. The next step for this

experiment is to further study other organic substances and figure their rank within the ranking of the organic

substances we investigated. There should be further experimentations with the mixture of sheep manure and black

earth, since its ranking is still uncertain. In the future, we may be able to create a full ranking system of the best

organic substances that will promote tall growth for bean plants; farmers will be enabled to grow the tallest bean

plants, according to the substances they have on hand.

Page 25
 Appendix (Day-by-Day Observations)

Day 1:

All plants showed no growth or sprouting out of the soil [Refer to Graph 8]

Day 2:

Plant #1 from the pot of 100% peat moss sprouted 2.5 cm out the soil [Refer to Graph 1 &Table 1]. The plant had a

yellow green colour, and a small light green leaf was starting to grow from the cotyledon [Refer to Figure 1]. Two

plants from the pot of peat moss and black earth mixture also sprouted out the soil: plant #1 sprouted 2 cm out of

the soil, and plant #2 sprouted 1.5 cm out of the soil [Refer to Graph 2& Table 2]. Plant #1 had a yellow tint, and a

light yellow leaf growing out the cotyledon [Refer to Figure 2]. Plant #2 also had a yellow tint, and a light yellow leaf

growing out the cotyledon [Refer to Figure 3]. Lastly, plant #1 from the Magic Mix (mixture of black earth, peat

moss, sheep manure and compost) sprouted 2.5 cm out the soil [Refer to Graph 3 & Table 3]. Plant #1 from the

Magic Mix had a light yellow green color, and a light green leaf growing out of the cotyledon [Refer to Figure 4]. As

for the pot of 100% black earth,thepot of compost mix with black earth, the pot of 100% sheep manure, and the pot

of sheep manure mix with black earth; they showed no evidence of growth out of the soil [Refer to Graphs 4 – 7,

Tables 4 – 7].

Page 26
Day 3:

Plant #1 from the pot of 100% peat moss grew 1.5 cm, reaching to a total height of 4cm [Refer to Figure 5, Graph

1&Table 1]. The leaves on the cotyledon were growing as well. In the mixture of black earth and peat moss, plant

#1 grown 2.7 cm to a final height of 4.7 cm, and plant #2 grown 3 cm to a height of 4.5 cm [Refer to Graph 2

&Table 2]. The leaves on both plants shot up high, contributing to its height [Refer to Figure 6]. In the Magic Mix,

plant #1 grew 2 cm to a height of 4.5 cm [Refer to Graph 3 &Table 3]. The leaves on the cotyledon appeared long

and healthy [Refer to Figure 7]. Plants grown in 100% black earth, compost mix with black earth, 100% sheep

manure, and sheep manure mix with black earth had not yet shown any apparent growth out of the soil [Refer to

Graph 4, 5, 6, 7& Table 4, 5, 6, 7].

Day 4:

In the pot of 100% peat moss, the growth of all three plants was evident: Plant #1 grown 4.4 cm to a height of 8.4 cm,

plant #2 started to sprout out of the soil 1.5 cm and plant #3 sprouted out of the soil 1 cm [Refer to Graph 1&Table 1].

Plant #1 grew the fastest out of the pot, compared to plant #2 and #3. It also had healthy light green leaves and a

stem sprouting out of the cotyledon [Refer to Figure 8, 9, 10]. In the pot of black earth mixed with peat moss, plant #1

Page 27
and #2 had similar heights and growth rates [Refer to Graph 2]. Plant #1 grew 2.6 cm to a height of 7.3 cm [Refer to

Figure 11 & Table 2], while plant #2 grew 3.2 cm to a height of 7.7 cm [Refer to Figure 11 & Table 2]. In the pot of

the Magic Mix, plant #1 grew rapidly with a growth of 5.2 cm to a height of 9.7 cm above the soil [Refer to Graph 3 &

Table 3]. Plant #1 had a healthy light green color, and leave sprouting up high [Refer to Figure 12].Plant #1 in the

100% black earth sprouted out the soil 0.5cm [Refer to Graph 4 &Table 4]. The cotyledon was halfway out the soil

[Refer to Figure 13]. In the mixture of compost and black earth, plant #1 sprouted above the soil with a height of 0.3

cm [Refer to Graph 5, Table 5&Figure 14]. For the pots of 100% sheep manure, and sheep manure with black earth,

no growth out of the soil was evident [Refer to Graph 6 & Graph 7].

Page 28
Day 5:

In the pot of 100% peat moss, plant #1 and #2 grew around the same amount [Refer to Graph 1]. Plant #1 grew 2.4

cm and plant #2 grew 2.2 cm, while plant #3 grew 1.5 cm [Refer to Table1]. Plant #1 was still the highest with a

height of 10.8 cm above the soil [Refer to Figure 15]. Plant #2 had a height of 3.7 cm above the soil [Refer to

Figure 16] and plant #3 had a height of 2.5 cm above the soil [Refer to Figure 17]. Next, in the mixture of peat

moss and black earth, plant #1 and #2 were continuing to grow at around the same speed, and had similar heights

[Refer to Graph 2]. Plant #1 grew 2.4 cm to a height of 9.7 cm above the soil, and plant #2 grew 2.3 cm to a height

of 10 cm above the soil [Refer to Figure 18 & Table 2]. In the Magic Mix, plant #1 grew 3.1 cm to a height of 12.8

cm above the soil [Refer to Graph 3 and Table 3]. The plant had healthy and long green leaves [Refer to Figure

19].In the pot of 100% black earth, two plants were now growing [Refer to Graph 4]. Plant #1 grew 1.9 cm to a

height of 2.4 cm above the soil [Refer to Figure 20 & Table 4]. Plant #2 had sprouted 0.3 cm above the soil [Refer

to Figure 21 & Table 4]. In the mixture of compost and black earth, plant #1 was growing [Refer to Graph 5] and it

grew 2 cm to a height of 2.3 cm above the soil [Refer to Figure 22 & Table 5]. Next, plant #1 in 100% sheep

manure had started its growth with a height of 0.2 cm above the soil [Refer to Figure 23 & Table 6]. We were not

expecting plant growth in 100% sheep manure to occur before growth in the mixture of sheep manure and black

earth [Refer to Graph 8], since pure sheep manure may be too acidic for the Mung bean’s preference. Finally for

the pot of sheep manure mixed with black earth, there was still no growth above the soil [Refer to Graph 7].

Page 29
Page 30
Day 6:

In the pot of 100% peat moss, all three plants continued to show signs of growth. Plant #1 grew

1.9 cm to a height of 12.7 cm, plant #2 grew 0.3 cm to a height of 4 cm, and plant #3 grew 1 cm to a height of 3.5

cm [Refer to Graph 1 &Table 1]. Plant #1 remained the highest of the three plants [Refer to Graph 1], and it had

leaves that were green and growing larger [Refer to Figure 24]. Plant #2 was growing with light green leaves out of

the cotyledon [Refer to Figure 25]. Plant #3 had a pale color, with its leaves beginning to grow [Refer to Figure 26].

The two growing plants in the peat moss and black earth mixture continued to show similar growth and had similar

heights [Refer to Graph 2]. Plant #1 had grown 1.3 cm to a height of 11 cm and plant #2 had grown 0.5 cm to a

height of 10.5 cm [Refer to Graph 2 &Table 2]. Both plants shared the similar green color on the leaves and the

stems [Refer to Figure 27]. In the Magic Mix, plant #1 had grown 2.1 cm to a height of 14.9 cm above the surface

of the soil [Refer to Graph 3&Table 3]. It was the only plant growing in the mixture, it had a light green color and

large leaves [Refer to Figure 28]. In the 100% black earth, plant #1 grew 1 cm to a height of 3.4 cm and plant #2

grew 1.4 cm to a height of 1.7 cm above the soil [Refer to Graph 4&Table 4]. Plant #1 was the highest plant and

had a light green color and one leaf growing downwards [Refer to Figure 29].The leaves on plant #2 were also

beginning to sprout out [Refer to Figure 30]. Next, in the black earth and compost mix, plant #1 had grown 3.3 cm

to a height of 5.6 cm above the soil [Refer to Graph 5&Table 5]. The plant had a yellow green leaf that appeared

slightly dry and wrinkled [Refer to Figure 31]. In the pot of 100% sheep manure, plant #1 had rapidly grown 1.1 cm

to a height of 1.3 cm [Refer to Graph 6&Table 6]. The plant had a yellow tint and the light green leaves were

pointing downwards [Refer to Figure 32]. No signs of growth were apparent in the pot of sheep manure mixed with

black earth [Refer to Graph 7&Table 7].

Page 31
Day 7:

In the pot of 100% peat moss, all three plants showed growth. Plant #1 grew 2.3 cm to a height of 15 cm, plant #2

grew 1.9 cm to a height of 5.9 cm, and plant #3 grew 3.2 cm to a height of 6.7 cm [Refer to Graph 1 &Table 1].

Plant #1 maintained its green color, and the leaves had grown larger [Refer to Figure 33]. Plant #2 had a light

green color with a second leaf sprouting out the cotyledon; one leave was bigger than the other [Refer to Figure

34]. As for plant #3, it had a light green color with small, wrinkled leaves [Refer to Figure 35]. The plants in the peat

moss and black earth mixture continued to grow to similar heights [Refer to Graph 2]. Plant #1 had grown 2.2 cm to

a height of 13.2 cm and plant #2 had grown 2.5 cm to a height of 13 cm [Refer to Graph 2 &Table 2]. Both plants

Page 32
shared the same green color and the leaves of plant #2 appeared slightly bigger than plant #1’s [Refer to Figure

36]. In the Magic Mix, plant #1 had grown 1.7 cm to a height of 16.6 cm above the surface of the soil [Refer to

Graph 3&Table 3]. The plant was growing fairly straight, with large green leaves [Refer to Figure 37]. In the 100%

black earth, plant #1 grew 4.4 cm to a height of 7.8 cm and plant #2 grew 2.4 cm to a height of 4.1 cm above the

soil [Refer to Graph 4&Table 4]. Plant #1 had a green color and the leaf was sprouting straight up contributing to its

height [Refer to Figure 38], and plant #2 had a lighter green color and the leaves were also sprouting straight up

[Refer to Figure 39]. Next, in the black earth and compost mix, plant #1 had grown 2.4 cm to a height of 8 cm

above the soil [Refer to Graph 5&Table 5]. The plant had a darker green color compared to Day 6 [Refer to Figure

40 & 31], but the leaves were small and appeared to be a bit dry at the tip [Refer to Figure 40]. In the pot of 100%

sheep manure, plant #1 had grown 0.4 cm to a height of 1.7 cm [Refer to Graph 6&Table 6]. The plant appeared

pale on the stem and had light green leaves that slanted downwards to the ground [Refer to Figure 41]. The sheep

manure and black earth mix continued to show no signs of growth [Refer to Graph 7&Table 7].

Page 33
Day 8:

In the pot of 100% peat moss, all three plants had grown. Plant #1 grew 0.8 cm to a height of

15.8 cm, plant #2 grew 1.2 cm to a height of 7.1 cm, and plant #3 grew 1.4 cm to a height of 8.1 cm [Refer to

Graph 1 &Table 1]. Plant #1 maintained its green color and healthy big leaves [Refer to Figure 42]. The leaves on

plant #2 were still a light green, but darker than before and one of the leaves was smaller than the other [Refer to

Figure 43]. As for plant #3, the plant color was light green and the leaves were much smaller compared to the other

plants in the pot [Refer to Figure 44]. In the peat moss and black earth mixture plant #1 had grown 0.7 cm to a

height of 13.9 cm and plant #2 had grown a short 0.1 cm to a height of 13.1 cm [Refer to Graph 2 &Table 2]. Both

plants maintained similar heights, a similar shade of green and similar leaf sizes [Refer to Figure 45 & 46]. Next, in

the Magic Mix, plant #1 had grown 1.4 cm to a height of 18 cm above the surface of the soil [Refer to Graph

3&Table 3]. The plant still had a green color and the leaves were big; however, the edges of the leaves were

starting to turn slightly brown [Refer to Figure 47]. Plant #2 in the Magic Mix also began to show signs of growth

[Refer to Graph 3]. It sprouted to 2 cm [Refer to Graph 3&Table 3]. The plant had a yellow tint on the stems and

the leaves. The leaves appeared a bit dry at the edges [Refer to Figure 48]. In the 100% black earth, plant #1 grew

2.7 cm to a height of 10.5 cm and plant #2 grew 2.9 cm to a height of 7 cm above the soil [Refer to Graph 4&Table

4]. Plant #1 maintained its green color and the leaves continued sprouting upwards [Refer to Figure 49]. The

leaves on plant #2 had grown larger and were still sprouting upwards; the leaves were starting to have a yellowish

green tint [Refer to Figure 50]. Next, in the black earth and compost mix, plant #1 had grown 2.9 cm to a height of

10.9 cm above the soil [Refer to Graph 5&Table 5]. The plant had light green leaves that appeared brown on the

edges near the tip [Refer to Figure 51]. In the pot of 100% sheep manure, plant #1 had grown a short 0.2 cm to a

Page 34
height of 1.9 cm [Refer to Graph 6&Table 6]. The leaves on the plant had a green tint and were slouching

downwards [Refer to Figure 52]. No signs of growth were observed in the sheep manure and black earth mix

[Refer to Graph 7 and Table 7].

Page 35
Page 36
Day 9:

In the 100% peat moss mixture, plant #1 had grown 1.1 cm to a height of 16.9 cm, plant #2 had grown 1.2 cm to a

height of 8.3 cm, and plant #3 had grown 2.4 cm to a height of 10.5 cm [Refer to Graph 1 &Table 1]. The leaves on

plant #1 appeared slightly lighter and the leaves seemed to remain the same size [Refer to Figure 53]. In plant #2,

the leaves were still a light green color, but they were growing larger; one leaf continued to be smaller than the

other [Refer to Figure 54]. Lastly, for plant #3, the leaves were wrinkly and small [Refer to Figure 55]. In the peat

moss and black earth mixture plant #1 had grown 1.1 cm to a height of 15 cm while plant #2 showed no apparent

growth from the previous measurement of 13.1 cm [Refer to Graph 2 &Table 2]. Plant #1 was now taller than plant

#2, but they both continued to share the similar leaves size and a similar green color [Refer to Figure 56& 57]. In

the Magic Mix, plant #1 showed no growth and remained at 18 cm while plant #2 grew 0.7 cm to a height of 2.7 cm

above the soil [Refer to Graph 3&Table 3]. There was little change in the physical appearance of plant #1, the right

leaf appeared a bit dry at the tip [Refer to Figure 58]. As for plant #2, it had a very light green tint on the leaves and

stem, and the leaves appeared dry at the edges [Refer to Figure 59]. In the 100% black earth, plant #1 grew 1.2

cm to a height of 11.7 cm and plant #2 grew 1 cm to a height of 8 cm above the soil [Refer to Graph 4&Table 4].

The single leaf in plant #1 had grown larger and had a green color [Refer to Figure 60]. The leaves in plant #2 had

opened up; the right leaf was larger than the left leaf [Refer to Figure 61]. Next, in the black earth and compost mix,

plant #1 grew 1.1 cm to a height of 12 cm above the soil [Refer to Graph 5&Table 5]. The plant had a fresh green

color on the stems and leaves; however, the tips of the leaves appeared to be brown and dry [Refer to Figure 62].

In the pot of 100% sheep manure, plant #1 had grown 1.5 cm to a height of 3.4 cm [Refer to Graph 6&Table 6].

The green tint on the leaves of the plant was starting to become more noticeable [Refer to Figure 63]. No signs of

growth were observed in the sheep manure and black earth mix [Refer to Graph 7&Table 7].

Page 37
Page 38
Day 10 (Last Day of Formal Observations):

In the 100% peat moss mixture, plant #1 had grown 1.3 cm to a height of 18.2 cm, plant #2 had grown 1 cm to a

height of 9.3 cm, and plant #3 had grown 2.3 cm to a height of 12.8 cm [Refer to Graph 1 &Table 1]. Not much

changed in the color of plant #1 or the size of the leaves; the leaves still appeared healthy and green [Refer to

Figure 64]. Little change was observed in plant #2 as well, although the leaves had grown a little larger [Refer to

Figure 65]. As for plant #3, the light green color had gotten darker, but the leaves still remained small [Refer to

Figure 66]. In the peat moss and black earth mixture plant #1 had shown no apparent signs of growth from 15 cm

while plant #2 grew 0.1 cm to a height of 13.2 cm above the soil [Refer to Graph 2 &Table 2]. Plant #1 and plant #2

had little to no change, except for the height growth in plant #2 [Refer to Figure 67 & 68]. In the Magic Mix, plant #1

grew 1.1 cm to a height of 19.1 cm while plant #2 grew 1.8 cm to a height of 4.5 cm above the soil [Refer to Graph

3&Table 3]. Plant #1 showed little change other than in height [Refer to Figure 69] and plant #2 still appeared to

have dry and wrinkled leaves [Refer to Figure 70]. In the pot of 100% black earth, plant #1 grew

1.3 cm to a height of 13 cm and plant #2 grew 1.1 cm to a height of 9.1 cm above the soil [Refer to Graph 4&Table

4].Both plants showed a little amount of growth of the leaves [Refer to Figure 71 & 72]. Next, in the black earth and

compost mixture, plant #1 grew 1.1 cm to a height of 13.1 cm above the soil [Refer to Graph 5&Table 5]. The

leaves on the plant had grown a little; however, the tips of the leaves were dry and brown [Refer to Figure 73]. In

the pot of 100% sheep manure, plant #1 had grown 2.6 cm to a height of 6 cm [Refer to Graph 6&Table 6]. The

plant had a light green color, and one of the leaves was sprouting upwards [Refer to Figure 74]. No signs of growth

were observed in the sheep manure and black earth mix over the full length of the experiment [Refer to Graph

7&Table 7].

Page 39
Page 40
 Cited References:

[1] Certified Organic Associations of British Columbia. (2010). About Organic. Retrieved from

http://www.certifiedorganic.bc.ca/aboutorganic/whatis.php

[2] Binns, Corey. (2006, Februrary 26).Scientists Promote Benefits of Black Soil. Retrieved from

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11522955/ns/technology_and_science-science/

[3] Compost Council of Canada. (2007). Successful Composting. Retrieved from

http://www.compost.org/pdf/sheet_7.PDF

[4] Manure. (2004, June 11). Retrieved from http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A2339624

[5] Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss Association. (2005). The Peat Moss Industry. Retrieved from

http://www.sungro.com/about_industry.php

[6] Purdue University. (1997, November 21). Mungbean. Retrieved from

http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/AFCM/mungbean.html

[7] Sheraton Nursery Staff (2010, December)

[8] Legionellosis -What you should know if you work with Soils, Compost and Potting Mix.(2010, April). Retrieved

from http://www.osh.govt.nz/publications/factsheets/legionellosis.html

[9] Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss Association, Initials. (n.d.).Growing Media & Soil Amendment. Retrieved from

http://www.peatmoss.com/pdf/Horticultural%20Curriculum%20-%20Student.pdf

[10] Peat Moss.(n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.gardening-advisor.com/Peat-Moss.html

[11] Washington State University, Initials. (n.d.).Compost Benefits & Uses. Retrieved from

http://whatcom.wsu.edu/ag/compost/fundamentals/benefits_benefits.htm

[12] Waugh, M. (2004). Organic farmers. Retrieved from http://www.organicfarmers.org.uk/aboutorganics/faq.php

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