The effect of different

nitrogen levels on the

growth of sunflowers

Billy Suh

Gloeckler pd. 1
 December 3, 2010

Background Research

The purpose of this experiment is to determine whether or not

sunflowers grow more quickly with more nitrogen present in the soil. This

experiment is helpful to garden owners who wish

to grow plants and vegetables more quickly.

Within its growth, a sunflower undergoes

eleven stages of growth. During its emergence,

the plant grows two leaves, known as the

cotyledon, growing in opposite directions that originate from the seed. After

its emergence, the sunflower goes through stages known as the “vegetative

stages.” During this stage, the sunflower grows leaves that grow to be at

least 4 cm long known as “true leaves.” After the vegetative stages, the

plant begins its reproductive stages beginning with R-1, or its first

reproductive stage. During R-1, a small flowerbud, or inflorescence, forms in

the middle of the true leaves. During R-2, the flowerbud separates from the

top two true leaves and spreads out. In R-3, the bud spreads out to 2.0 cm

and becomes clearly separated from the true leaves to which it was

previously connected (National Sunflower Association 2009). During R-4, the

flowerbud now begins to open and while doing so, immature ray flowers, or

what will be the petals of the fully-grown sunflower, being to appear. R-5
consists of multiple stages corresponding to the percent of the flowerbud

that has grown. During R-6, the sunflower completes its growth, and the

petals begin wilting. During R-7 and R-8, the back of the sunflower changes

into a pale yellow color. Lastly in R-9, the flower turns brownish-yellow, and

the sunflower soon dies (Schneiter 1981).

Nitrogen is a huge factor in plant growth. Nitrogen determines how

well plants grow and gives plants the energy to grow and function. However,

despite the many forms of nitrogen that exist in our world today, plants are

able to consume only two types: ammonium and and nitrate, ammonium

being the more favored form (Oulu University Library 2000). Different

nitrogen levels affect plants in many ways. For example, studies have shown

that nitrogen has contributed both positively and negatively to the

susceptability of frost. When plants consume less nitrogen than

recommended, they grow smaller and less quickly, and their leaves are

deprived of the amount of nitrogen that they require. On the other hand,

more nitrogen can be dangerous to both the plant itself and humans. With

more nitrogen, plants grow taller and grow more leaves, but the strength

and support of the plant is weakened. Also, with more nitrogen, vegetables’

taste can be altered and may even poison animals and people who consume

the veggies (Spector 2001).

Nitrogen affects plants positively and negatively depending on the

quantity added. With both positive and negatives effects, one should be
extremely careful of how much nitrogen should be added or removed in

order to get the best results possible. Overall, the sunflowers will grow more

quickly with more nitrogen added in the soil.

Cited References

National Sunflower Association. Growth Stages of Sunflower. 2009; Available

from: http://sunflowernsa.com/growers/growth-stages/ Accessed Dec. 2

Eckert D. Rainbow Plant Food. 2008; Available from:

http://www.rainbowplantfood.com/agronomics/efu/nitrogen.pdf Accessed
Dec. 2

Oulu University Library. Effects of excess nitrogen on plants. 2000; Available

from: http://herkules.oulu.fi/isbn9514259114/html/x199.html Accessed Dec.
2

Schneiter A.A. Stages of Sunflower Development. 1981; Available from:

http://www.nwroc.umn.edu/cropping_issues/2010/Issue8/SF_growth_stage_a1
145.pdf Accessed Dec. 2

Spector C. How Does Your Garden Grow? 2001 Sept. 25; Available from:
http://soil.gsfc.nasa.gov/soilfert/npk.htm Accessed Dec. 2

Vitosh M L. N-P-K Fertilizers. 2005 Feb. 25; Available from:

http://www.canr.msu.edu/vanburen/e-896.htm Accessed Dec. 2