Fertiliser and the transparency of water over time

Aim:
To investigate the effect time has on the transparency of different types of fertilised water.

Hypothesis:
The greater the time the further decrease of the transparency of water.

Background Information:
Fertilizers are substances, whether natural or man-made, that help improve the growth of
plants and the fertility of the soil. They are usually applied to either the soil or the plants
themselves. There are several types of fertilizers available, but they all contain three major
nutrients: nitrogen, which assists in plant growth and the development of healthy leaves;
phosphorus, which promotes root and flower development, boosts plant growth rate, and is
utilized by plants to store and transfer energy; and potassium, which regulates plant
metabolism and affects water pressure inside and outside plant cells.

Types of fertilisers include:

Organic fertiliser ⁃ Organic matter is made of living or dead materials like manure,
compost, and crop residues. They have fewer nutrients than inorganic fertilizers but don't
harm plants or animals. They also have lasting benefits without affecting groundwater.

Inorganic fertiliser ⁃ Inorganic fertilizers are made from chemicals or minerals and come in
different forms. They have nutrients but also contain compounds that plants can't absorb and
can alter soil chemistry. They lack organic matter that helps soil structure and supports useful
organisms.

While fertilizers can enhance plant growth and agricultural productivity, their use can also
cause pollution, soil degradation, nutrient imbalances, and other issues. Sustainable fertilizer
management practices, such as soil testing, precision agriculture, crop rotation, cover
cropping, and conservation practices, can help minimize these negative impacts.

Risk assessment:
Substance of Risk
Liquid fertiliser
Soil
Nature of Risk Safety Precaution
Mildly poisonous Drink water and seek
medical assistance.
Bacteria Wear gloves

Materials/ Equipment:

- Clear containers
 - Water
- Liquid fertiliser
- Stirring rod
- Measuring cup

Method:

1. Three plastic containers were filled with 90ml of water and measured with a
measuring cup.
2. In the first cup, 10 ml of liquid organic fertiliser was added and measured with a
measuring cup.
3. The solution was stirred with a stirring rod.
4. In the second cup, 10 ml of liquid inorganic fertiliser was added and measured with a
measuring cup.
5. The solution was stirred with a stirring rod.
6. In the third cup, it remained with only water.
7. The containers were left in an open area.
8. The cups were checked every day for 10 days.
9. Results were recorded.
10. Repeat twice.

Results:
During the experiment, which was conducted three times, consistent results were found. The
cups containing only water showed no changes, while those containing inorganic fertilizer
also showed no changes. However, the cup with organic fertilizer consistently showed
changes throughout the experiment.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, my hypothesis was not supported by this experiment. As time passed, the
transparency of the water and fertiliser increased instead of decreasing. Additionally, the use
of inorganic fertiliser resulted in no observable changes as well as water.

Bibliography:
http://www.youngscientist.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/48-inv-H-Li-logbook.pdf
http://www.youngscientist.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/48-inv-H-Li-SRP.pdf