I believe that a plant will thrive better in its native environment. Thus, it proceeds to develop in a more comfortable and suitable environment where it can interact with various types of animals, insects, and plants. Even if it does not have a highly nutritious life, the plant will not be living in a restricted, forced, and human-based environment. I feel that living in an environment with a diversity of animals and plants to interact with, will always make a plant feel at ease.

 Greenhouses:

Imagine a house made of glass or clear plastic; that's a greenhouse! Greenhouses are special places where plants get to live, grow, and be protected. They work like a suntrap, letting in lots of light and keeping plants warm, even during cold weather. Inside a greenhouse, it's like summer all year long, which plants love because they need warmth and light to grow. Greenhouses protect plants from strong winds, heavy rain, and pesky bugs that might eat them. By controlling the temperature and light, gardeners can help plants grow faster and healthier than they would outside. Some plants that love the greenhouse are tomatoes, cucumbers, and even some flowers! Inside, gardeners can also control how much water the plants get, making sure they're never too thirsty or too drowned. Greenhouses are great for growing food or beautiful flowers, even when it's snowing outside! So, a greenhouse is like a cozy, protective bubble that helps plants grow their best.

 

Fertilizers in Soil:

Fertilizers are a mix of nutrients that plants need to grow big and strong, just like you need a variety of foods to be healthy. Adding fertilizer to the soil is like giving plants a special treat filled with vitamins. These nutrients include nitrogen, which helps plants make green leaves, phosphorus for strong roots, and potassium for overall health. When plants get these nutrients, they can grow taller, produce more leaves, and make brighter flowers or tastier fruits. It's important to use the right amount of fertilizer; too little and the plants won't get enough food, but too much can be harmful. Gardeners use fertilizers to improve their soil, especially if it's not very good or if they've been growing lots of plants in the same spot. Fertilizer can come in different forms, like powders, liquids, or even slow-release pellets. By adding these nutrients, plants don't have to work as hard to find food, so they can spend more energy growing. Think of it like a buffet for plants where they can get all the food they need in one place. With the right balance of fertilizer, plants can grow up healthy and strong, just like you!

 

Fertilizers in Water (Hydroponics):

Instead of using soil, some gardeners mix fertilizer directly with water in a system called hydroponics. This method is like giving plants a nutrient-rich drink, providing all the food they need through their roots. In hydroponics, plants might grow in water or other materials like gravel or wool, but they always get their nutrients from the water. It's a super-efficient way to grow plants because they can absorb food faster and don't waste energy looking for nutrients. This method is great for places with bad soil or where space is limited because you can grow plants vertically in towers or shelves. Hydroponic systems can be indoors, like in a greenhouse, or even in your home, and they use less water than traditional farming. Plants grown this way can grow faster, be healthier, and sometimes even taste better because they get exactly what they need. It's important to monitor the nutrient levels and pH of the water to keep the plants happy and healthy. Many people use hydroponics to grow vegetables, herbs, and even flowers, producing fresh produce all year round. So, fertilizing with water is a high-tech way to give plants a perfect diet and help them grow quickly and strongly.

 

Plants to grow

When choosing a household plant to grow in a mason jar greenhouse, you need to consider factors like size, light requirements, and moisture needs. Mason jar greenhouses create a mini environment with high humidity and limited space, ideal for small, moisture-loving plants.  any herbs thrive in the warm, humid conditions of a mason jar greenhouse. Compact herbs like basil, chives, and cilantro can be a good choice. They don't require much room to grow and enjoy the stable environment the jar provides. Plus, you get the added benefit of having fresh herbs on hand. 

 

Basil is a great plant to grow in a mason jar greenhouse, and here's why it's such a good fit. First, basil plants are small and don't need a lot of room, which is perfect for the cozy space inside a mason jar. Basil loves a bit of moisture, and a mason jar greenhouse keeps the air inside nice and humid, just like basil's favorite tropical places. The jar also keeps the temperature steady, which basil really likes, because it doesn't do well with too cold or too hot weather. Basil needs good light but not too much direct sunlight, and the light that comes through the glass of the jar is just right. Another cool thing is that basil grows pretty fast, so you can pick its leaves often and use them in your food. The roots of the basil plant fit well in the mason jar and can grow strong and healthy. Growing basil in a jar also means fewer bugs can get to it, which is great for keeping the plant safe. Plus, you can easily see through the glass to check if the soil is too dry or just right. And lastly, having a basil plant in a jar looks really neat and can make your room look nicer!

 

Greenhouse Mason Jar Information

 

Mason jar greenhouses are a fun and easy way to grow plants. To make one, you need a few simple items: a clear mason jar, some small stones or gravel, potting soil, and seeds of your choice. First, put a layer of stones at the bottom of the jar. This helps with drainage. Then, add the potting soil on top, leaving a little space at the top. Plant your seeds in the soil and lightly water them. Finally, close the jar with its lid. The jar acts like a mini-greenhouse, keeping in warmth and moisture which helps the seeds grow.

 

Benefits

There are several benefits to using mason jar greenhouses. They're great for small spaces, like a windowsill or a desk, where you might not have room for a big garden. The jars create a warm, moist environment that helps seeds sprout quickly and grow healthily. Plus, they're really affordable and eco-friendly because you're reusing jars. You can watch your plants grow up close, which is really fun and educational. They're especially good for growing herbs, small flowers, or starting seedlings before moving them to a larger garden.

 

Cons

However, there are some downsides to mason jar greenhouses. The jars can get too hot or too moist, which might harm the plants. It's important to open the lid sometimes to let in fresh air and prevent mold growth. Also, plants in jars can't grow very big because there's limited space. If you plant something that needs a lot of room to grow, like a big tomato plant, it won't do well in a small jar. Plus, you have to be careful about watering. Too much water can drown the plants, and too little can dry them out. Keeping the right balance can be a little tricky.

 

Fertilizer - Perlite 

Fertilizers are like vitamins for soil. They give soil the extra nutrients it needs to make plants grow better and stronger. Now, let's talk about something called perlite. Perlite isn't exactly a fertilizer, but it's really helpful for plants. It's made from a kind of volcanic glass. When it's heated up, it puffs up like popcorn and gets really light. Perlite makes the soil better in a few ways. It lets air move through the soil so the plant's roots can breathe. It also helps water drain through the soil better, so the plant's roots don't get too wet and rot. This is really important because roots need just the right amount of water.

 

But, perlite isn't perfect. It doesn't actually give any food to the plants like other fertilizers do. So, you'll still need to use other fertilizers to give your plants all the stuff they need to grow. One problem with perlite is that it can be really dusty, which isn't good to breathe in. You should be careful when you use it. Also, because it's so light, it can float away when you water your plants, which can be annoying. But perlite is pretty cheap, which is great. It's easy to find and you don't need a lot of it to help your plants. Even though it's not a fertilizer that feeds the plants, it's still really useful for making the soil better for growing things.

 

Using perlite in your garden is super easy. Just mix it into the soil when you're planting or potting. This helps the soil stay loose and fluffy, which is just what plant roots love. By mixing perlite in, you're making sure that the roots get enough air and the right amount of water. This is really good for plants that don't like wet feet, like succulents. Plus, when you use perlite, your plants are more likely to grow strong and healthy because their roots are happy. And you don't have to worry about using too much, because perlite is really gentle and won't hurt your plants. 

 

Another cool thing about perlite is that it's reusable. If you're repotting a plant, you can take out the perlite and use it again. This makes it a smart choice for gardeners who want to save money and be eco-friendly. It's also great for starting seeds. When you plant seeds in a mix with perlite, they get the perfect amount of moisture and air to sprout. This is why lots of gardeners love using perlite. It's not just about saving money; it's about making your garden the best place for plants to grow.

 

Fertilizer

Organic fertilizers come from natural stuff like old plant parts, animal poop, and fish bones. They give plants food slowly, which is good for steady growing. These fertilizers make the dirt better by adding bits of plants and tiny living things, but they don't have as many nutrients and can cost more. Synthetic fertilizers are made in factories and give plants a quick meal. They're cheaper but using them too much can make the dirt less healthy and hurt the environment.

 

Compost is really just rotted plants and food scraps. It's a gentle way to feed plants and makes the dirt nice and soft. It's also good for the planet because it recycles kitchen and yard waste. Compost doesn't always have the same amount of plant food in it, and it takes time to make, but it's cheap if you make it yourself.

 

Fish emulsion, which is like fish leftovers, is great for plants that need lots of green leaves. It works fast, but it can be more expensive and smells really fishy. It's especially good for growing things like veggies and flowers in your greenhouse, but watch out, it might bring bugs or animals because of its smell.

 

Worm castings are what you get when worms eat and break down plant stuff. They're full of good food for plants and help air and water move through the dirt. These castings don't smell bad and are easy to use, but they can cost a bit more. They're also not as easy to find as other fertilizers, but they're great for all kinds of plants.

 

Each of these fertilizers is special in its own way. They help plants grow in different ways, and it's up to you to choose which one works best for your garden. Whether you want something cheap, something fast, or something natural, there's a fertilizer that's just right for you.

 

Homemade Greenhouses

Homemade greenhouses are a fantastic way for garden enthusiasts to extend their growing season and protect their plants from harsh weather. These structures, often built in backyards, range from simple plastic sheeting over a frame to more elaborate constructions with glass panels and metal frames. The primary purpose of a homemade greenhouse is to create a controlled environment, where temperature and humidity are regulated to support plant growth throughout the year. They are especially beneficial in regions with short growing seasons, allowing gardeners to start seedlings early and grow plants beyond the usual outdoor growing period.

 

One of the major advantages of homemade greenhouses is their versatility. They can be built to fit any space, whether it's a small corner of a city balcony or a large area in a suburban backyard. This flexibility means gardeners with limited space can still enjoy the benefits of greenhouse gardening. Additionally, these greenhouses can be customized according to the needs of the plants being grown, such as adjusting ventilation, shading, and heating for specific types of plants.

 

Building a homemade greenhouse can be a rewarding DIY project. Many gardeners choose to construct their greenhouses using recycled or low-cost materials like old windows, plastic bottles, or reclaimed wood. This not only makes the project more affordable but also environmentally friendly. However, it's important to consider factors such as light exposure, wind direction, and accessibility when planning the location and design of the greenhouse.

 

There are challenges associated with homemade greenhouses as well. Maintaining a consistent environment inside the greenhouse requires attention and effort. Temperature fluctuations can be harmful to plants, so it's essential to have proper ventilation and possibly heating or cooling systems. Managing humidity is also crucial to prevent the growth of mold and mildew, which can damage plants.

 

Despite these challenges, the rewards of building and maintaining a homemade greenhouse are numerous. Gardeners can enjoy a year-round gardening experience, growing a variety of plants that wouldn't survive outside in their local climate. From exotic flowers to fresh vegetables and herbs, a homemade greenhouse opens up a world of gardening possibilities. It also serves as a peaceful retreat, a personal space where one can relax and enjoy the joys of gardening, regardless of the weather outside.

 

Mason Jar Greenhouse (Conclusion)

Mason jar greenhouses are a charming and simple way to create a miniature greenhouse environment for small plants, seedlings, or herbs. These tiny greenhouses are made by using mason jars, which are glass jars traditionally used for preserving food. They are popular among gardening enthusiasts for several reasons.

 

One of the biggest advantages of mason jar greenhouses is their compact size. They are perfect for small spaces like apartment balconies, windowsills, or even desks. This makes them ideal for people who don’t have a lot of room but still want to indulge in gardening. Mason jars create a humid and warm environment, which is great for germinating seeds or rooting cuttings. They are also cost-effective and eco-friendly, as they involve reusing glass jars instead of buying new materials.

 

Another pro is the aesthetic appeal of mason jar greenhouses. They can be a charming addition to any space, bringing a bit of greenery and life indoors. They are also a great educational tool for children to learn about plant growth and the greenhouse effect in a small, manageable way.

 

However, there are also some cons to consider. Mason jar greenhouses can sometimes create too much humidity, leading to mold growth or damping off, a fungal disease that can kill young seedlings. They also require regular monitoring and maintenance, such as opening the lid occasionally to allow for air exchange and to prevent excessive moisture buildup.

 

Additionally, the space inside a mason jar is quite limited, which restricts the size of the plant that can be grown. This means they are not suitable for larger plants or long-term growth. Direct sunlight can also heat the jars quickly, potentially harming the plants inside, so careful placement is crucial.

 

AFTER Project Reasearch 

Over-fertilization

Over-fertilization of soil can have detrimental effects on the microbial activity within the soil. Microbes play a crucial role in breaking down organic matter and cycling nutrients, such as nitrogen, within the soil. However, when excess nitrogen is added to the soil through fertilization, microbes are overwhelmed and end up using up the extra nitrogen, leading to a decrease in the beneficial microbes that help maintain soil health. This results in a decrease in organic matter, as microbes are unable to break down organic materials effectively. Historically, cover crops like legumes were used to increase nitrogen levels naturally before the introduction of synthetic fertilizers. Unfortunately, the agriculture industry's reliance on fertilizers has led to a decrease in investments in alternative methods, such as cover crops, that promote a healthy balance of nutrients in the soil.

According to a recent article on e360.yale.edu, overfertilization is a growing problem that is causing serious harm to our soils. Excessive use of fertilizers and chemicals is degrading the soil quality, leading to decreased fertility and productivity. The author highlights the negative impacts of overfertilization, such as nutrient runoff, soil erosion, and water pollution. It is evident that it is time to reassess our agricultural practices and shift towards more sustainable methods of soil management. By reducing our reliance on fertilizers and chemicals, we can protect our soils and ensure their long-term health and productivity.

Over-fertilization in Real Life

Excess fertilizer is a major problem in agriculture and has detrimental effects on the environment. This article discusses the issue of excess fertilizer use, its impact on the environment, and potential solutions to address this problem.

Excess fertilizer is often used in agriculture to boost crop yields and improve soil fertility. However, when more fertilizer is applied than plants can absorb, the excess nutrients can leach into water sources, leading to water pollution. This can cause eutrophication, where excessive nutrients in the water lead to the growth of algae, which can deplete oxygen levels and harm aquatic ecosystems.

Furthermore, excess fertilizer can also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. When nitrogen-based fertilizers break down in the soil, they release nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.

To address the problem of excess fertilizer use, farmers can adopt practices such as soil testing to determine the nutrient needs of their crops and apply fertilizers more efficiently. Additionally, precision agriculture techniques, such as using drones and sensors to monitor crop health and nutrient levels, can help farmers optimize fertilizer application.

Policy measures, such as subsidies for sustainable farming practices and regulations on fertilizer use, can also help mitigate the problem of excess fertilizer. By implementing these solutions, we can reduce the environmental impact of agriculture and ensure the long-term sustainability of our food production system.

 

Controlled variables- The Placing, the tempreture, the moisture, the light, the type of soil, same sample of seeds, same number of seeds of the plants remained constant.

Manipulated/Independant Variables- Fertilizer added in one plant, and not added in the other.

Responding/ Dependant Variables- The fertilizer plant does not grow as well as the other one, while the Non- fertilizer plant grows healthier than the fertilizer plant since it is not over fertilized.

1. Get Materials

2.   Drill four holes in the lid of jar 1

3.   Fill one of the water-proof boxes with cold tap water

4.   Fill jar 1 with soil and plant a few seeds

5.    Add ½ of the fertilizer stick in the water- proof box

6.    Flip over jar1 and place it in the water, let it set

7.    Repeat with the other jar. (skipping step 5)

Visual Observations:

I can see that the plant with the fertilizer has longer roots and the other one has much shorter roots. The longer roots mean that the plant is stronger which shows that it is healthier.

2) Greener than the non-fertilized plant.

Green means that the plant with fertilizer has more chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is a hue of green found in bacteria and all green plants that is in charge of absorbing light and converting it into energy for photosynthesis. One magnesium element is contained in the ring of porphyrin within its molecule.

3) More Mold

The plant without fertilizer had chunks of mold growing in it so we can say that the plant without fertilizer didn’t grow as well.

Observations (Microscope)-  Fertilizer Jar

In a setting where people are present, a plant may absorb more nutrients than it requires, turning it dull and less healthy. It's similar to how overworking one's body can lead to a variety of problems later in life, including allergies, eating disorders, metabolic diseases, chronic diseases, and much more. I gave it more nutrients than it required, so it began to absorb a lot of them, which wasn't healthy for the plant. Ray Bradbury's quote, "Too much of anything isn't good for anyone," is relevant here. Humans have a tendency to provide plants with additional nutrients in the belief that this will help them grow better, but in reality, the plants do not grow to our expectations. This can make a plant live a unhealthy life.

Observations (Microscope)-  Non- Fertilizer Jar:

The plant was not overfertilized since we didn't add the fertilizer, despite the fact that mold is visible developing on the soil's crust, which allowed the plant to live a much better life.

Based on the detailed analysis of the appearance of the leaves of both Plant A and Plant B, we observed distinct behaviors in both. Plant A is the fertilized one and Plant B is unfertilized.

 

Plant A develops visibly longer and stronger roots. This is because Plant A has higher access to nutrients and thus the roots develop better to absorb these nutrients.

 

However, while Plant B has lesser quality of roots than Plant A, it is seen that when looked at with the naked eye, the appearance of both plants seem alike.

 

When these plants are separately observed under a microscope, Plant A appears dull and a very light shade of green while Plant B appears bright green.

 

The green color of a plant indicates the presence of chlorophyll which is responsible for assisting in Photosynthesis and allowing plants to respire and produce energy in the form of sugars.

 

Thus, Plant B appears to have had a healthier growth than Plant A despite the excess nutrients that were given to Plant A which would hypothetically allow for a better growth.

Despite Plant A being given more nutrients for a better growth than Plant B, Plant B seems to have grown to be healthier. This would be so because of the quantity of fertilizer that was provided to it.

 

Over-fertilization of a plant ends up harming it rather than achieving the desired results. It alters the soil and makes it unfavorable for helpful microorganisms to survive which affect the wellbeing of the plant. Moreover, over fertilization leads to the sudden growth of the plant as seen by the long roots developed, however the quality of the network of the roots remains insufficient and causes unsustainable plant growth spurts.

 

Moreover, over fertilization also has dangerous impacts on the environment by disturbing soil chemistry and poisoning water bodies when they run off with rain or irrigation since they are too excessive to be absorbed in the soil.

This science fair project aims to explore the impact of using excessive fertilizers on plant health.  In this experiment, two identical plants will be used. Using fertilizer, one plant (Plant A) will acquire an abundance of nutrients, while Plant B won't receive any. To guarantee a fair comparison, both plants will be housed in the identical environmental circumstances. Because Plant A is overfertilized, we predict that it will take more nutrients than it needs, which will result in a great appearance and that it would be healthy. However, it is anticipated that Plant B, which is not fertilized, would continue to not be as robust and healthy but still a little healthy. This project will provide valuable insights into the effects of over-fertilization on plants. It will help gardeners and farmers understand the importance of balanced fertilization for optimal plant health.

I accidentally added hot water on Trail 1, which resulted in an excessively humid jar. As I waited for weeks, that caused the plant to die and stop growing. Eventually, I had to start my experiment again. Trail 2 turned out to be successful since it grew and I had the chance to examine the plant's cells.

 

 

• I acknowledge my plant- loving mom for giving me the idea of doing this experiment
• I acknowledge my aunt for providing me with fertilizer to complete my experiment
• I acknowledge my brother for helping me with setting up my experiment
• I acknowledge my sister for helping me set up my trifold 
• I ackknowledge my dad for encoraging me to do the science fair