RE: The Grass Isn’t Always Greener... - Grade 6 - 2020 SRS - 2020 SRS

Project Title: The Grass Isn’t Always Greener... - Grade 6
School Name: Alpena Elementary/Middle School
Teacher Name: Roger Rose
Student Name: Ella Curry
Grade Level: 6
Project Description: A study conducted using GLOBE protocols to analyze soil with different fertilizers for growing Bermuda Grass
Abstract: Is there a significant difference in type of fertilizer used to increase growth in Bermuda grass? It was predicted that chicken litter will make the best fertilizer due to the organic matter and availability.  Turkey litter was predicted to be the next best for growth rate.  The cow manure would be 3rd and commercial nitrogen would have the least growth rate. Soil samples were collected and tested using a NPK soil kit to determine if deficiencies were present. The soil testing results were that the control soil was low in nitrogen and high in phosphorus and potassium. Samples were also submitted to the Cooperative Extension Service. Bermuda sprigs were weighed and planted in 5 pots and each pot was fertilized at the recommended rate for each type.  Growth was observed and results were recorded. The results were that the Chicken litter grew.08 kilograms, Turkey litter grew .06 kilograms, Manure grew .1 kilograms, Commercial grew.14 kilograms, and the Control grew .06 kilograms. The Commercial nitrogen fertilizer grew the most. When calculated into grass gained per square foot Pot A gained .043611104, Pot B gained .032708328, Pot C gained .05451388, Pot D gained .076319432, Pot E gained .032708328. Pot D gained the most grass per square foot.  The hypothesis was not supported by the data.  The grass fertilized with nitrogen gained the most.  The grass fertilized with cow manure came in second, with chicken litter the next highest.  The grass fertilized with turkey litter and the control gained the least amount.

Atmosphere Protocols: Soil Fertility Protocol - Nitrogen
Language:  English
Video URL:  https://youtu.be/R_M9xhRQNN4


 

From Dr. Dixon Butler: It is nice that your project has value for guiding the choice of fertilizer. Including a cost analysis was smart. I am surprised at the difference between chicken and turkey. I wonder why they differ? I hope you learned how to think about problems scientifically.

Hello. My name is Camille Gernhart. I am a geologist. Here's a link to my bio. I loved your project! I thought you did an excellent job choosing a topic that was important to you and your family. Often times a project will only focus on the science, however, including the cost analysis of the products added practicality and realworld application to your research. Good job! I thought your poster and presentation were very informative, but next time talk a little more slowly. I also agree with you. It will be interesting to see if the grass type affects the outcome next time. 

Hi, I'm Enrique Gomezdelcampo, a faculty member in hydrology at Bowling Green State University, who specializes in watershed modeling and ecohydrology. I particularly liked your presentation and the design of your poster. You put a lot of time and effort into it. I also liked how you developed the idea for your research: from what you saw in the field and then wanting to more about it. Your methodology (research methods) was very clear and thorough. I wonder if because your soil was deficient in nitrogen, just applying the commercial fertilizer, which likely had the largest amount of nitrogen was the resason it was best. What do you think is the nitrogen concentration in chicken litter? Trying other grasses that may not be so dependent on nitrogen to grow is a good idea. Keep doing science and having fun doing it!