Desertification Testing RADISHES

This term Totara house are focusing on desertification for F.P.S (future problem solving). Room 19 have been doing a lot of work on desertification looking at arid lands around the world and seeing how we can help them, then Mr Cunliffe related F.P.S to Science Fair and asked the class if we wanted to test which out of soil or sand is better for growing plants. Room 19 agreed on this and Mr Cunliffe bought some Radishes and Mustard plants and together as a class we planted them.
Here below is the Introduction,Aim,Hypothesis, Method and some Images.
Enjoy :D

Radishes:

Introduction:
Desertification is a first world problem of which one third of the western world suffer from. Sand degrading the quality of soil to the point of disrepair, and prevents monoculture and polyculture from being produced. Furthermore this adds to the impending food crisis. Thus we are wanting to test the combinations of soil and sand to find when soil is no longer suitable to sustain plant life.

Aim:

Desertification affects many people world wide. Our aim is to find out which soil and sand mixture germinates and grows radishes most effectively.

Hypothesis:

Soil is made of minerals and clay. First layer is leaves, followed by decomposing matter called humus. Underneath is minerals and clay. At the bottom is bedrock. On the other hand sand is made of tiny smashed rock particles. We hunk that radish will grow best in sand because it is softer and has lots of nutrients, therefore the plant will be healthier.

Equipment:

400 Radish seeds

6, 2L ice-cream containers (with small drilled holes in the bottom)

Drill

3L top soil

3L Sand

Measuring jug

Stirring utensil

Tap water

Ruler

Method:

1. Drill 5 holes, 4 on the outer corners and 1 in the centre of the containers.

2. Measure out exact amounts of sand/soil into the 2L ice-cream containers. (The amounts are: 100% soil, 80% soil and 20% sand, 60% soil and 40% sand, 20% soil and 80% sand and 100% sand.)

3. Label the ice-cream containers with the soil/sand composition.

4. Sow 25 radish seeds 1cm deep and 3cm apart in each of the containers.

5. Place all containers an area with equally full sun, making sure to bring indoors overnight. and replacing them back.

Images: