Keefe Ip 8B3

How the depth of the seed will affect the germination and growth of the plant.
Background
It is believed that the depth of the seed will affect the plants growth and germination due to the amount of water, sunlight and oxygen the plant can get in the soil. The seed near or at the bottom will probably germinate although the plant will probably run out of energy and food before it is able to reach the surface of the soil. Different types of seeds will also affect how deep the seed should be to allow the best germination and growth. Some seeds such as coconuts need to be close to the surface to allow proper growth while other may need to be rather deep in the soil. Different months in the year will also affect the growth/germination of the plant due to the fact that there may be too much or too little heat. If planted on the surface on a hot day, the seeds will have a high chance of dying and if not deep enough on a cold day, the seed will be too cold to effectively grow. The type of soil will also affect how much food can be given to the plant to allow and help the plant grow to its best ability.

Bibliography
3/3/12- http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_does_changing_seed_depth_effect_a_plant 3/3/12- http://www.ehow.com/facts_7329630_effect-seed-depth-plant-growth_.html

Description of experiment
The experiment to be performed is to find out how the depth of the seed will affect the growth and germination of a plant. Each seed will be placed at a different depth (each 3-4 cm apart) in the soil and watered daily unless rain shall intervene with the process. The experiment will also test if the seed at the bottom of the pot will have enough energy and power to penetrate the soil and also whether the seed at the top will survive due to the extra exposure to the weather and animals. It will also test whether the seed in the middle will actually be the best as it is not too deep and is also protected.

Equipment
4 Pots 8 snow pea seeds Seed raising mix 100 ml water bottle Plant rack Container Thermometer Spade Camera Ruler

Method
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Put seeds in water so seeds will have enough water before planting Leave overnight Prepare pots with seed raising mix Place on rack Put seeds in pot using a ruler A) On surface of soil C) 7 cm deep B) 4 cm deep D) 10 cm deep/bottom of pot Water daily Check temperature every second day according to plant growth Take pictures of plants every second day according to plant growth Measure plant height according to plant growth Record information in logbook

6. 7. 8. 9. 10.