Soil Type and Plant Growth

• Harleigh Thoma

  Juniata College

  Author

• Michaela Brungart

  Juniata College

  Author

In this paper we are looking at the differences in growth rates of plants in different marketed types of soil. The plants that are being studied are Zinnias and the soils that are being used are all from the common brand Miracle Grow. The types of soil used in the experiment are as follows: Miracle Grow Moisture Control Potting Mix, Miracle Grow Potting Mix, and Miracle Grow Seed Starting Mix. The differences in these soils’ ingredients list and the different advertisement of names and what the soil would be ideal for, lead to the idea that the different make ups of the soils would be better for seed germination. The study was conducted for three weeks, looking at the growth of the seeds that were placed in the three distinct kinds of soil. From the three distinct kinds of soil, there were five samples done all with the Zinnias seeds in them. The environment conditions and watering done were the constants for this experiment. The plants were allowed to grow for the duration of the three weeks but were watered and their height was measured on a schedule.

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