Comparison of wet weights and dry weights of the plant Lactuca sativa when different concentrations of homemade organic fertilizer that is made of organic kitchen wastes are given

摘要

The aim of this investigation was to observe the effects of homemade organic fertilizer on the lettuce plant. This extended essay includes the comparison of wet weight values and dry weight values of the lettuce plants if different concentrations of homemade organic fertilizer are mixed with their soil.udMy research question was “What is the effect of different concentrations of home-made compost fertilizer on the growth rate of the vegetable Lactuca sativa?”udMy hypothesis was “If the amount of organic fertilizer that is given to the plant lactuca sativa (lettuce) is increased, the wet weight and the dry weight of that plant (plant’s biomass) will also increase.”udIn order to prove my hypothesis and receive an answer to my research question I collected the organic kitchen wastes and dry them in an oven. After putting them in blender I obtained my organic fertilizer. Then I mixed 0, 20, 40 and 80 grams of that fertilizer with 2 kilograms of soil and cultivated lettuce plants in those pots. At the end of 45 days I did the harvest and weighed them before and after I put them in the oven to obtain biomass. The results were in an increasing order. Moreover, I did an ANOVA test to find out if the average increase between the groups was significant. After the ANOVA test I proved that if the amount of organic fertilizer that is given to the lettuce plant is increased, the wet and dry weight of that plant will also increase. The subject that is processed in this investigation will not only provoke people to do reusing and recycling but also encourage them to do organic farming and healthy diet.