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Is Less More? The Effect of Fertilizer Microdosing on Non-GMO Diploid Yemeni Watermelon Seeds

CSEF · 2015 Plant Biology

Anthony Castillo · Our Lady of Refuge School, Long Beach, Los Angeles County

Overview

Objectives/Goals This project was designed to test the effect of three different fertilizer microdosing application methods on the growth of Non-GMO diploid watermelon seeds. Methods/Materials First, I tested my soil for nutrient deficiencies. The results showed a nitrogen deficiency, adequate amounts of phosphorous, and a surplus in potassium. Blood meal (N=13.25% P=1.0% K=0.6%) was used to correct the nitrogen deficiency. I planted 20 seeds, 5 for each method. I brushed seeds with vegetable oil and rolled them in blood meal fertilizer, put a capful of fertilizer in the seed hole, and mixed a capful of fertilizer in the soil line. The control group had no fertilizer. I measured the stems from the soil line every week for 3 weeks. Depending on the dryness of the soil, I watered the plants nightly either 30 or 60 mL. A soil thermometer, heating mats, and kitchen oven were used to maintain optimal soil temperature. I recorded the soil temperature daily. Results The control group showed the most growth with an average of 11.1 cm. Seed coating had an average of 3.5 cm. The seed hole group average came in a tenth of a centimeter smaller at 3.4 cm. All of the plants in the soil line application group died after week one. The week one average of the soil line application group was 1.25 cm. Conclusions/Discussion My hypothesis was that the seed coating group would grow the most. My results disproved my hypothesis. I attribute this to the fact that watermelons don#t need much nitrogen, a random heat wave killed a few plants and caused stress for others, and my seeds were two years old. If I were to repeat this experiment, I would use newer seeds and a fertilizer with a lower nitrogen content, such as cottonseed meal or crab shell meal.

Summary statement

My project tested the effect of small (micro) fertilizer doses on the growth of a Non-GMO watermelon.

Help received

Mother purchased materials; Grandfather obtained seeds; Hydroponics store owner offered suggestions and guidance in the planning of the project.

Competition history

  • CSEF 2015 Plant Biology · Entry J1805

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