MAGNET ON THE MOVE: MAGNETIC EFFECT ON

GERMINATION AND SEEDLING GROWTH OF TOMATO

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A Project Proposal presented to Meycauayan National High School-

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Camalig, City of Meycauayan, Bulacan

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In Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for PRACTICAL RESEARCH 2

Applied Subject for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Grade 12- STEM
 
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by
PANERIO, ROMULO
QUIRAP, BRILE JOHN CHRISTIAN
SAGUN, HAIRA GRAZHEL
12- STEM (Einstein)
December 2020
 MAGNET ON THE MOVE: MAGNETIC EFFECT TO GERMINATION
AND SEEDLING GROWTH OF TOMATO

INTRODUCTION

Rationale
The year 2020 had been a very hard time for the people around the world. Being in a
lockdown causes people to stay at home, work and education continues while staying at home
too. This situation causes people to have anxiety, boredom, stress and some are depressed.
Desspite of this challenges there are a lot of people who diverted their attention to plants.
Plantitos and Plantitas spends time in taking care of the plants and making it as a hobby. These
people were not just into planting plants but also vegetables because going out is not easy.
“Plants are an essential resource - we rely on them for food, water, medicine, the air we
breathe, habitat, our climate and more.” Clark, 2018 (par.1)). Since plants can give a lot of
benefits, its inarguable that people see its benefit. In order for it to grow and give its benefit it
should be healthy. “Healthy plants are impossible without adequate intake of water and nutrients,
and some studies show that magnetic exposure can enhance intake of these essential items.
Some of the explanation centers on a magnet’s ability to change molecules. This is an important
characteristic when applied to heavily saline water. The earth’s magnetic field also has a
powerful influence on all life on the planet”. (Grant, 2019 (par. 2)). According to a study, plant
seeds that are under the magnetic field had a higher germination rate, and its growth is much
evident because it grew taller, larger and healthier compared to those plants that are controlled.
(Fu, 2012).
One example is a Tomato. A Tomato, scientific name Solanum Lycopersicum were
from a nightshade family that is cultivated for its edible fruits. (Britannica). It is considered
vegetable by nutritionist. (Petruzello,nd) Since Tomato is healthy, edible and can be seen in the
Philippines, the researchers wanted to see if this plant or vegetable can react to magnet when it is
exposed from the start of its growth. According to a research study there is significant growth
that happened in tomato when expose to magnetic field. Some researchers concluded that
application of full-wave rectified sinusoidal non-uniform MF as a pre-sowing treatment has the
potential to improve tomato plant vegetative growth through the enhancement of water relations
and photosynthesis.(De Souza-Torres,et.al,(2009)).
The Philippines is one of the countries that is near the equator and is also the reason why

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there are a lot of typhoons and other natural calamities that happens. In times of this situation
many Filipinos get affected and source of food is a problem. A Tomato can be a food to full the
stomach in times of these calamities. Since there are studies that says that there is a positive
reaction of magnetism to the plants, the researchers wanted to see if this can be applicable to
Tomatoes in the Philippines by exposing it in different magnetic field strength. Also the
researchers will consider the external factors that can affect the plant growth.

Statement of the Research Problem

“Magnetic field application enhanced seed performance in terms of laboratory
germination, speed of germination, seedling length and seedling dry weight significantly
compared to unexposed control. However, the response varied with field strength and duration of
exposure without any particular trend.” (Vashisth & Nagarajan,2008).
The researchers aims to find out the effect of using magnets in the germination and
seedling growth of Tomato. The researchers objective in this study is to answer the following
question:
1. Will magnetism helps in boosting/fastening the growth of Tomato?
2. Will Tomato grow in an environment with different magnetic field strength? Will they
grow differently than they grow without magnetic field?
3. Does using magnets in Tomato can give a considerable change to its growth and
germination that can be a way to the success of local crops? What are these changes?

Conceptual Framework

The conceptual framework below, Shows the graphic representation on how the magnetic
field affects the germination process in the growth rate of seedlings.

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 MAGNET ON THE MOVE: MAGNETIC EFFECT TO GERMINATION
AND SEEDLING GROWTH OF TOMATO

The researchers intend to find the effects of magnetic field to the germination and
seedling growth of Tomato plant. "Plants has the ability to feel the magnetic field of the earth to
increase the ability  to absorb nutrients” (ABC Science). If this will work it  can open doors to
different development in agriculture and everyday life of people considering the possible effect it
can give whenever there is a calamity. 
        If magnetism will boost the germination and seedling growth of Tomato it can provide
different benefits that people can acquire and get used to. That's why it is important for the
researchers to conduct this study. 

Hypothesis

Does Magnetism Has adverse effects on  the growth rate and germination of  tomato
seedlings?

ALTERNATIVE HYPOTHESIS

 – Magnetism has no adverse effect in growth rate and germination of tomato seedlings. Instead
magnetism helps to fasten the germination and growth rate of Tomato seedlings.  

Does magnetism effects the germination and seedling growth of Tomato? 

NULL HYPOTHESIS
 –  There are no significant effects of magnetism on seedling growth and germination on
Tomato plant. It does not make any changes and just the same without the input of magnet.  

Significance of the Study

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  The study is important in knowing  the effects of static magnetic field on germination and
plant growth. The researchers intend to find out what are the effects of magnetism on Tomato
and observe if Tomato seeds will grow in an environment with magnetic field and whether they
will grow differently in different magnetic field strength.
       The researchers wanted to show if the use of magnetic field can be of help in planting
Tomato. The Philippines had always experienced disasters and a vegetable like Tomato can be a

source to full the stomach and survive in times of this calamities. The growth of plant is
important to take measure of because it will show if this method is applicable to be use.
According to a study the effect of MF may be dependent on plant species or the characteristic of
MF in terms of time exposure and intensity. Therefore using magnetic field in crops is one of the
things to consider because it is safe and affordable in physical application to improve the crop
productivity and its attributes in qualitative and quantitative production in argonomic and
botanical production in greenhouse conditions.(Nyakane,et.al, 2018).
If the use of magnets can give positive effect like fasten the seedling growth and the
germination, it can be use in agricultural purposes. Many people can benefit from this if that
happens. It can open doors for new businesses for it is safe  and easy to do. It can  also be a
project for schools that can teach students the scientific explanation behind it and it can let them
be involved in making it so that in a young age they can be knowledgeable in caring the
environment. In economic status in agriculture, applying this could be a way to a growth that can
lead to success of local crops. 

Scope and Delimitations

The study is conducted by the researchers to mainly focus on the germination and growth
of seedlings when exposed on environment with magnetic field. On this study the Researchers
will conduct an experiment, to know the capability of using magnetism to increase the speed of
germination and growth rate on seedlings and to observe whether they'll grow in an environment
with magnetic field or whether they will grow differently in different magnetic field strength.
Thus, the researchers will use different types, size, and strength of magnets, this magnets are
going to be placed on each 3 pots with same amount and type of soil, tomato seeds, and same

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amount of water. The research study's duration is from October 2020 up until only February
2021.

Definition of Terms

* Magnetic Field (MF)

Ø In this study the magnetic field is used to enhanced the speed of germination and growth rate
of seedlings.

* Growth rate

Ø In this study Growth rate of seedlings with magnetic field and without magnetic field, will be
compared by researchers to know whether Magnetism is effective and able to fasten the growth
of seedlings.

* Germination rate

Ø In this study the germination rate of the seedlings is used to provide the measurement of the
time course of seed to germinate.

* Magnet

Ø In this study researchers will use magnets to provide the magnetic field on the environment of
the seedlings.

* Tomato Seeds

Ø The plant seed the researchers will use. The subject of the study.

METHODOLOGY

Research Design

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This study will be under the Experimental Research Design wherein the independent
variable magnetism will be manipulated to the dependent variables, germination and seedling
growth. The researchers will apply an intervention through putting different magnets with
different magnetic field strength to 2 pots with the Tomato seeds on it and will have a controlled
group to compare the possible results. The researchers will use a Randomized Controlled Trials
(RCT) to randomly assign the subject in the experimental group and controlled group from that
the researchers will observe what will happen through the pre-test and post-test design.

Subject and Materials

The researchers will use the Tomato Seeds that will be coming from a Tomato
vegetable approximately 2 pieces (depending on the size) as the subject of the study, the
materials are 3 pots (12cm in Height and 4 inch in Diameter), 10 pcs Neodymium Magnet, and 2
pcs Round Ceramic Magnet. Other given materials such as soil, water and sunlight were natural,
and always a need in planting plants and in order to get the study done therefore, it should not be
listed in the specific materials that is needed for the experiment.

Data Collection Procedure

The researchers will use this method in order to collect the data needed. The researchers
will first prepare 3 pots and name it as A, B, and C then put soil in it (same soil for each pot). On
pot A, put the 1 ceramic magnet (50mm) cover with soil then add the seeds of Tomato, cover
again with soil and put another ceramic magnet same in size then cover with soil. Add water;
when the magnet shows up add some soil then water again. On pot B, put the Tomato seeds on
the soil then cover it up with soil. Put the 10 neodymium magnet around it (make sure that all of
it were facing the same poles). Add water; when the seed shows up add soil then water again. On
pot C, put the tomato seeds in the soil then cover it up with soil. Add water; when the seeds show
up add more soil, then water again. For the meantime, let it stay in the room with right
temperature at this point don’t put it under the sun. Water it everyday. When the seeds started to
germinate in any of the pots, put it under the sun and continue to water it. Depending on the
temperature water it twice a day. Continue to observe for 1 week and 5 days.

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From this point, the researchers will observe the changes that may happen in the
process. Regardless of what pot will have changes first, the researchers will take note of the
fastest to slowest in germination, the height of the plants, and the length of the leaves. The data
will be collected from the observations have gathered. The observation will only last for 1 week
and 5 days due to the limitation in time.

Data Analysis Plan

For the analyzation of the data, the researchers plan to use the Inferential Statistics to
come up with conclusions and make predictions with the data. An experimental research is
mostly in a normal distribution, so the researchers will analyze through a Parametric tests and
will use the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to test if there is any significant changes in the
mean between the experimental and control group. In order to use the ANOVA the researchers
will get the mean of the height of the Tomato as well as the length of the leaves. When the
researchers get the results, it will be the basis for the conclusion that the researchers will be
doing.

References

Fu E. (2012). The effects of magnetic fields on plant growth and health. ysjournal.
https://www.ysjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/Issue11/The-effects-of-magnetic-fields-on-
plant-growth-and-health.pdf. DOI: 10.4103/0974-6102.97696

Vashist A., Nagarajan S. (2008). Exposure of seeds to static magnetic field enhances
germination and early growth characteristics in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.).
ResearchGate.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/5337673_Exposure_of_seeds_to_static_magnetic_
field_enhances_germination_and_early_growth_characteristics_in_chickpea_Cicer_arietin
um_L.

De Souza-Torres A., Sueiro-Pelegrín L., Zambrano-Reyes M., Macías-Socarras I.,

González-Posada M., And García-Fernández D. (2020). Extremely low frequency non-
uniform magnetic fields induce changes in water relations, photosynthesis and tomato
plant growth. PubMed.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32369405/.

Nyakane, N. E., Markus. E. D., & Sedibe, M. M.(2018). The Effects of Magnetic Fields on
Plants Growth: A Comprehensive Review.
ResearchGate.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/326835966_The_Effects_of_Magn
etic_Fields_on_Plants_Growth_A_Comprehensive_Review. DOI: 10.18178/ijfe.5.1.79-87 

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Clark,E. (2018). Why are plants important? Reasons why we need them.
Woodlandtrust.https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2018/04/why-plants-are-important/

Petruzello, M.(nd). Is a Tomato a Fruit or a Vegetable?.

Britannica.https://www.britannica.com/story/is-a-tomato-a-fruit-or-a-vegetable

Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica.(nd). Tomato. Britannica.

https://www.britannica.com/plant/tomato

Grant, B.(2019). Magnetism And Plant Growth – How Do Magnets Help Plants Grow.
gardeningknowhow. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/magnetism-
and-plant-growth.htm#:~:text=The%20evidence%20indicates%20that%20the,light
%20receptors%2C%20that%20plants%20bear.dito

O’Hanlon L. (2014). Do Plant Feel Earth’s magnetic field?. ABC Science.

https://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2014/01/24/3931083.htm.