Kings River Fertilizer Scifair Projects

Fertilizer

Fertilizer can be either natural or chemical. Natural fertilizers include things like compost and manure.

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Ages 8 and up	Ages 9-12	Ages 9-12	Ages 10 to Adult

Objectives/Goals

The objective is to determine if adding compost from native trees will improve the growth of vegetation along the banks of the King's River.

Methods/Materials

Compost from three types of native trees were tested: Oak, Sycamore, and Ash. Twelve trials of each test variable were performed. The compost was planted in the soil. Radish seeds were used. In addition, a control with no leaves added was also tested. The plants were watered daily with 6ml. of water. Plant growth rate was measured over a fourteen day period.

Results

Oak compost when added to the soil had the greatest growth rate average of 4.27 inches. Ash compost was second with an average of 3.15 inches. Sycamore compost averaged a growth rate of 2.66 inches followed by the control with no leaves added at 2.62 inches.

Conclusions/Discussion

When comparing the growth rate of vegetation from applying compost from native trees that grow along the King's River, the Oak compost did the best out of all composts. Ash did second best. Sycamore barely passed the control. After my investigation, I learned that Oak and Ash composts are very good for vegetation. In conclusion, the people who live along the banks of the King's River, or any river, should not throw away their leaves. Instead, they should put them along the banks of the river in which they live. This will help preserve fish habitats and the insect population that they thrive on. 3rd party contributor