Harness Lemons 1

Introduction
Recolonizing on different planets has been a considerable goal for
mankind ever since the first missions into space; but before they can test the
soils on unknown worlds, they must use an advanced, safe method of farming:
hydroponics. Missions such as the Vision for Space Exploration have helped
prove the usefulness of hydroponic growth methods in cluttered, weightless
environments such as space stations in order to supply the astronauts with
necessary amounts of food that are often rationed for long-term missions
(Heiney). But with the limited time and amount of resources placed in the
environment, the best method for various plant growth is needed to produce a
high crop yield for the months on end. It is also common knowledge, and often
practiced in grade school science experiments, that plants grown in hydroponics
systems tend to boast higher yields when compared to plants grown in soil
(Hightower). Hydroponics systems encourage the conservation of water since
plants are raised in a soilless environment (Quarters). It is a far more
concentrated version of farming since temperatures, light received, and amounts
of water/nutrients received are regulated on a daily basis, causing relatively
larger crop yields without the uses of herbicide and pesticide.
Determining the best solution is crucial for plant growth since they are
raised in a soilless environment. Works from scientists such as Libia I. TrejoTllez and Fernando C. Gmez helped discover and recommend the proper
nutrients needed to be in a solution to act as an overall replacement fertilizer.
Their research helped prove the healthiness and efficiency in plant growth by

Harness Lemons 2
assembling a custom solution to help raise government awareness on the local
use of this conservative farming. Focusing on the essentials in diet is crucial in
human health. Elements such as potassium are essential for supplying energy in
the body such as electrolytes in order for humans to stay focused and healthy on
a regular basis. Lower amounts of potassium can cause health issues such as
low blood pressure and stomach pains if not digested regularly in the various
fruits and vegetables that they can be found in (Haas).

Figure 1. Graph of Below Dietary Intake (Vorland)

Figure 1 displays the lack of dietary intake that humans suffer with daily
between each and every age group. Malnutrition is a serious issue that mankind
faces every day. No matter where in the world, humans suffer in the lack of
knowledge of what foods contain certain vitamins and minerals or are not
receiving proper amounts due to their poverty levels. To help focus on better
plant growth and identify the lack of contents within a crop, a research team tests
the growth of Zea mays crops under different nutrient solutions and lighting over

Harness Lemons 3
the course of a couple weeks. This research can help inform the public on
identifying healthier crops, and could help them become more knowledgeable of
the benefits contained in using a hydroponics system. This research is also
useful for the NASA program when determining the best nutrient solution and
method for growing crops during their next research project in their various space
stations.

Harness Lemons 4
Review of Literature
In a natural environment, the common plant relies on the soil that
surrounds it in order to gain its nutrients and grow with the aid of water; however,
with the change in seasons and unsubstantial amounts of nutrients in the soil, the
fate of any plant can become perilous unless a new growth method is introduced.
Hydroponics is a common practice of growing plants without the use of soil, and
instead uses only water and nutritional content. The term hydroponics originates
from the ancient Greek "hydros," meaning water, and "ponos," meaning work
(Turner).
This practice has many advantages and only a few disadvantages. Some
advantages include: crops being grown where no suitable soil exists or where the
soil is contaminated with disease, the availability to grow exclusively in
greenhouses allowing it to grow anywhere (even in dryer populations according
to Storey), elimination of the labor for regular crop cultivation, maximum crop
yields are highly possible making the system economically feasible in high
density and expensive land areas, and there is more complete control over the
environment due to the various systems and regulation of water pumps.
Disadvantages include the following: cost, since setups and accessories typically
cost hundreds of dollars, trained personnel or knowledge of hydroponics is
needed for setting up and knowing what to use for plant growth and nutritional
amounts, the spreading of nematodes, and the reaction of the plant to good or
poor nutrition is extremely fast (Jones).

Harness Lemons 5
The difference between plants that grow in soil and plants that grow
without soil is the way nutrients are absorbed; for example, in a hydroponic
system, plants have nutrients mixed with the water and sent directly to the root
system. The plant does not have to search in the soil for the nutrients that it
requires, instead, those nutrients are being delivered to the plant several times
per day. Very little energy is required to find and break down food in this system,
ultimately saving energy and producing a higher crop yield than normal
(Greentrees Hydroponics).
There are similar experiments that observe the growth rate of plants in soil
and in a hydroponics system, such as the experiment performed by Kate
Chiappinelli and her partner Cynthia Collier, where the results proved quite
interesting due to a few design flaws. Since these two scientists were rather
amateurs in using a hydroponics system, they failed to apply the correct amount
of chemicals such as potassium and nitrogen to the solution, causing the leaves
to turn yellowish-brown and grow in a rapid, unstable manner. This research is
relatable to the experiment being performed since it warns what signs to be
attentive to when using nutrients and what amounts of any chemicals are needed
in the entire growth process.
Many crops can be grown in a hydroponics system, such as Zea mays,
and plant growth still requires both photosynthesis and respiration processes.
Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants and some other organisms
use sunlight to synthesize foods from carbon dioxide and water. The seeds will
be exposed to light in order to synthesize their food. Respiration is the process of

Harness Lemons 6
metabolizing sugars to yield energy for growth, reproduction, and other life
processes (Colorado Master Gardener Program).
The wavelength that the light source emits can also affect the growth of
plants in any environment. According to a study performed by University of
Florida students Kiri Hamaker and Suomalainen Yhteiskoulu, color of light can
affect the photosynthetic process in the chlorophyll of the plant, meaning that it
will either reflect or absorb certain wavelengths. Wavelengths that ranged from
400 600 nanometers in length (blue to yellow colored bulbs) resulted in the
highest growth since the chlorophyll was able to absorb most of the energy taken
in from the colored lights. This serves as significant information since a colored
plant growth bulb is being used for experimentation as opposed to natural light.
Modeled after the experiments stated earlier, this research will test out the
use of nutrients and the effect of wavelengths from different light sources. Four
groups will be established: two main groups testing nutritional content and two
subgroups testing the different light sources; then, the best method will be
determined by descriptive analysis. A descriptive will be used to analyze the data
using dot plots and observations. This test is valid because of the four groups
being compared in this experiment: the natural light with the full potassium
nutrient, the advanced growth light specific to plants with the full potassium
nutrient solution, the natural light with the potassium deficient solution, and the
advanced growth light specific to plants with the potassium deficient solution.
Potassium is the second most important nutrient needed for the proper growth
and reproduction of plants, nitrogen is the first. Potassium is responsible for a

Harness Lemons 7
number of different things including regulating the CO 2 intake, regulation of water,
and protein and starch synthesis. Potassium deficiency can cause slow or
stunted growth, poor resistance to temperature change and drought, cholrosis,
and defoliation (Potassium in Plants).

Harness Lemons 8
Problem Statement
Problem:
Under the effects of a nutrient solution and chemically-deficient nutrient
solution along with the aid of two different types of light, what condition will Zea
mays plants grow best in when using a modified hydroponics setup?
Hypothesis:
If the plants are grown under the effects of the growth lights and the full
nutrient solution, then they will contain the tallest height average out of all four
groups over the course of three weeks.
Data Measured:
The plants length will be measured in centimeters using a meter stick
before and after the trials are conducted. The amount of nutrients being applied
to the water to create a solution will be measured in milliliters per liter of water as
suggested on the nutrient products. The power of the lights are measured in
Watts and will differentiate in light intensity since the Sun is a much farther
distance (in meters) than the growth bulbs hanging directly above the certain
groups of Zea mays plants.

Harness Lemons 9
Experimental Design
Materials:

(100) Zea mays seeds

TI-Nspire calculator

(5) Paper towel sheets

Meter Stick

(5) 1.8927 L-sized Ziploc plastic

bags

(2) 122.6 L of Nutrient Solution +

H2O [see Appendix A on how to
create]

100 mL Spray Bottle

pH Tester
(32) Plastic Bottles with Added Holes
0.1524 m3 Bag of Pea Pebbles

Custom Hydroponics System [see

Appendix B for setup]

Procedure:
1.

Prior to starting this experiment, split up the 100 Zea mays seeds into
groups of 20. Once arranged, germinate the seeds by moistening a towel,
with a spray bottle of water, and folding it over the orderly placed seeds.
Keep the seeds in a clear Ziploc bag.

2.

After two weeks have passed, check on the sprouted seeds. (NOTE: Only
use the seeds that have sprouted. If they are moldy or did not sprout, they
cannot be grown in this lab). Choose 32 sprouted seeds and randomize
the seeds using the TI Nspire (see Appendix C). After that, measure their
initial lengths with a ruler and place them in their respected pebble-filled
cups from left to right on top of the hydroponics garden. Every 8 seeds will
be considered as a different group when placed under their specific
lights/nutrient area.

3.

Activate the two pumps for both the potassium deficient barrel and full
nutrient barrel to start the flowing within the two systems.

4.

Observe the growth of each Zea mays plant daily. Make sure they are
receiving the nutrients from their position in the bottle. Write down any
unique observations that occur in the plants for both sides.

5.

Filter/replace the solution once every two weeks to maintain freshness.

6.

After three to four weeks, record the final length of each plant, and then
disassemble the garden. Dispose of the solutions, crops, bottles, and
sterilize both the pipes and barrels. (OPTIONAL: If wanting to mature the
crops for harvesting, remove any dead plants and holders, support the

plant base by adding in more pea pebbles in the holder, fill the barrels to
about 190 L, and create a new nutrient solution with the adjusted
requirements. Remove the plant fixtures, and have both solutions equal in
amount of nutrients).
7.

Analyze data via descriptive statistics test using boxplots comparing the
averages per group.

Diagram:

Plastic Bottle
with holes

Pea

Ziploc
Spray

TI

Paper towel w/
Germinated Seeds

Meter

Figure 2. Materials Needed for Experiment

Figure 2 displays the materials needed to perform this experiment. The
germinated seeds, which are contained by the Ziploc bag, will be measured by
the meter stick and its length will be recorded on the TI Nspire. The plastic bottle
will act as a holder, and, to weigh it down properly and cover the seed, pea
pebbles will be used (NOTE: Make sure the stem or roots of the germinated seed
do not get crushed by these pebbles, place the seed in last and then lightly cover

it). This holder will then be placed in the Hydroponics system (as shown in the
background) for over the course of three to four weeks.
Table 1.
Example Data Table of Plant Growth (in cm)
Plant Length (cm)
Potassium Deficient Solution
Group 2
Group 1
Plant Light
Standard Light
Plant #
Plant #
Before After
Before After
20
30
13
36
8
18
23
15
32
9
5
28
17
34
11
29

Full Nutrient Solution

Group 3
Group 4
Standard Light
Plant Light
Plant #
Plant #
Before After
Before After
10
31
26
27
4
7
14
19
12
2
24
25
1
3
22
35

Average:

Average:

Average:

Average:

Table 1 demonstrates how the groups will be split up and classified in this
experiment. Both plants grown in carbonated and tap water will be exposed to
either Sunlight or a custom plant light for the next few weeks. The differences in
growth rate will be measured before and after the trial begins and the differences
will be calculated as a result in a descriptive statistical test.

Data and Observations

Data:
Table 2

Before and After Lengths of Zea mays Crops

Plant Length (cm)
Potassium Deficient Solution
Full Nutrient Solution
Group 1
Group 2
Group 3
Group 4
Plant Light
Standard Light
Standard Light
Plant Light
Plant
Plant #
Plant #
Plant #
#
Before
After
Before
After
Before
After
Before
After
20
0.4
37.2
30
0.2
7.9
10
0.4
1.1
31
0
0.3
13
0.3
5.3
36
0.1
10.1
26
0.6
25.5
27
0
1
8
0.2
23.1
18
0.4
36.3
4
3.8
41
7
0.1
0.4
23
0.5
10
15
0
1.3
14
4.5
37.8
19
0.4
35.5
32
0.1
1.3
9
0.1
0.1
12
0.5
25.5
2
0
38
5
0.4
2.2
28
0.2
26.5
24
0.2
1.5
25
0.1
0.7
17
0
46
34
0.3
34.5
1
1.4
2.2
3
0
0
11
0.2
1
29
0.1
27.2
22
0.4
1.6
35
0
0.3
0.262
17.025
AVG:
15.7625 AVG: 0.1750 17.9875 AVG: 1.4750
AVG: 0.0750 9.5250
5
0

Table 2 gives the results of the before and after lengths (in centimeters) of
each individual crop per group. Each group was given its own testing conditions
for the crops to grow under, from growing under a plant light in a potassiumdeficient solution to growing a full-nutrient solution under standard sunlight. Each
plant, of the 36 selected seeds and corresponding holder (Plants 6, 16, 21, and
33 had to be removed to prevent flooding issues in the hydroponics system,
reducing the groups down to 8 per group), was randomized into the groups,
giving variations in initial plant length and final results. The final measurements
were made three and a half weeks after the plants were put into the Hydroponics
system. Out of all the groups, the tallest height of the grown plants was from
Plant #17 in Group 1 (where it was grown under a plant light in a nutrientdeficient solution), while the shortest height of the grown plants, showing no
changes in growth at all, was from Plant # 3 in Group 4 (where it was grown
under a plant light, but in the full-nutrient solution). The tallest final height

average occurred in Group 2 at 17.9875 cm, while the shortest height average
was in Group 4 at 9.5250 cm.

Observations:
Table 3
Observations of Experiment and Plant Growth
Date

Observations

10/15/2014

Seeds are placed in respected groups after randomization and solutions are
made for each tank.

10/19/2014

The circuit breaker to the power outlets that support the lights and pumps
went out over the weekend; as a result, most of the seeds dried up or have
molded over due to the damp area. 100 backup seeds were germinated.

10/19/2014

Bottles #36 and #29 tipped over due to a flood in the PVC pipes shortly after
the power was restored. The rocks were cleaned up and the seeds were
recovered.

10/22/2014

Plants 4, 5, and 14 are the only plants that have shown signs of growth (4 and
14 showing the largest length).

10/26/2014

29 seeds are replaced with new germinated seeds with long stems and varied
lengths, these were also determined in their respected holders due to
randomization.

10/30/2014

The solutions are replaced due to low volume. The new seeds appear to be
caught up to the 3 growing seeds in length only after 4 days.

11/3/2014

Plant 5's sprout dried up and snapped off from the seed over the weekend; its
final measurement turned out to be 2.2 cm.

11/10/2014

Final lengths are measured. Plants 11, 15, 9, 10, 1, 31, 7, 25, 3, and 35
resulted in death by drowning, mold, crushed by surrounding rocks, etc.

Table 3 displays the observations of the plants and lab environment during
the dates of the experiment. This experiment took the course of over three and a
half weeks, having the majority being regrown a week and a half after the starting
date due to system failures (flooding, power outing, mold, etc.). A common trend
shown between the groups grown under different nutrients is the overall
structure. The two groups grown in the potassium-deficient solution tended to
have weaker structures, withered leaves, and browner stems; however, most
managed to increase to the heights of the plants grown under the full nutrient
solution. The plants grown under the full nutrient solution tended to have thicker
stems, firm leaves, and were of a lighter green. Another observation made on the
overall growth was the distance of the light source from the plant. Plants grown

under the artificial growth light received more energy at a constant light intensity
as opposed to the sunlight which energy was absorbed when shown at various
times of the day due to weather.
Table 4
Average pH Reading of Both Nutrient Solutions
PotassiumFullDeficient
Nutrient
pH
6.5
6
Level

Table 4 reads the overall pH levels that ranged in the solutions daily.
Taking samples from both barrels and adding a solution that helps classify the pH
level by color, the researchers were able to identify which levels the plants were
growing under. Zea mays crops are suggested to grow in a fertilizer with a pH
level of 6, making these two solutions acceptable for growth. These tests were
performed weekly to ensure that these levels were consistent.

Table 5
Lux Levels of Light on Surface
Group #
Lux
1
685.2
2
590.6

3
4

620.4
668.7

Table 5 represents the amount of illumination on the surface area (or Lux
as the SI Unit is referred to as) for all four groups of this experiment. The plant
lights installed over Groups 1 and 4 were kept on from 5 P.M. to 7 A.M. every
night since light was the least present in the greenhouse. Since Groups 2 and 3
were grown under natural sunlight, the amount of lux received on these plants
averages out to 590.6 Lux and 620.4 Lux during the daytime; however, the
amount received is uncontrolled due to the day/night cycle, weather, distance
from the Sun to Earth, and the time switch to daylight savings was also put into
account.

Paper

Ziploc

See

Figure 3. Germinating Seeds

Figure 3 displays the first step needed to be taken to grow these plants.
20 seeds were aligned in a paper towel, then folded over by the other half of the
towel and wetted down. The moisture is contained using a Ziploc bag. This
process was repeated for 80 other seeds and after a week or two has gone by,
the seeds were removed and the ones that have sprouted are used for the
experiment while the remaining seeds are disposed.

Meter

Figure 4. Measuring Initial Length

Figure 4 displays the process and second step taken for this experiment:
finding the initial length of the sprout. Each assigned seed had its sprout
measured before being put into its holder and buried in rocks without damaging
the sprout.

Figure 5. Securing the Plant

Figure 5 displays the plant after it is assigned a holder. By carefully using
a ladder or step ladder, the holder was placed into its assigned position (starting
from the left to the right of the entire setup of pipes). The plant was monitored
daily and the position was occasionally altered due to performance errors in
growth.

Figure 6. Measuring Final Length

After the three to three and a half week period is over, the final length of
the plant was measured in centimeters. Holding the plant up to its uttermost tip,
as shown in Figure 6, the measurement was recorded for the final length. Any
plants that died over this course were disposed of, and (as an optional addition to
this research) the remaining plants were monitored further to see if actual crops
would be produced under the effects of different nutrient solutions and lights.

Data Analysis and Interpretation

Change in Height for Group 1

media mean
stdDe
n
v

10

20

30

40

50

Group1 (cm)
height

median Group1 = 7.25

mean Group1 = 15.5
popStdDev Group1 = 16.5576

Figure 7. Dot Plot of the Change in Height for Group 1

Figure 7 above is the dot plot that shows the change in height for eight
plants in group 1. Group 1 was given the potassium deficient solution and
exposed to the advanced growth light specific to plants. The mean value is 15.50
cm and the median value is 7.25 cm.

Change in Height for Group 2

Dot Plot

Collection 1

mean
stdDe
v

10

media
n

15

20
25
Group2(cm)
height

30

35

40

mean Group2 = 17.8125

median Group2 = 18.15
popStdDev Group2 = 13.7261

Figure 8. Dot Plot of the Change in Height for Group 2

Figure 8 shows a dot plot of the change in height for the eight plants in
group 2. Group 2 was given the potassium deficient solution and exposed to
natural sunlight. The mean value is 17.81 cm and the median value is 18.15 cm.
Collection 1

Change in Height for Group 3

media stdDe
n
v

Dot Plot

mean

height (cm)
mean Group3 = 15.55
median Group3 = 13.1
popStdDev Group3 = 15.0316

Figure 9. Dot Plot of the Change in Height for Group 3

Figure 9 above is the dot plot that shows the change in height for eight
plants in group 3. Group 3 was given the full potassium nutrient solution and

exposed to natural sunlight. The mean value is 15.55 cm and the median value is
31.10 cm.
Change in Height for Group 4

media
n

mean

stdDe
v

mean Group4 = 9.45

median Group4 = 0.45
popStdDev Group4 = 15.6653

height (cm)

Figure 10. Dot Plot of the Change in Height for Group 4

Figure 10 above is the dot plot that shows the change in height for eight
plants in group 4. Group 4 was given the full potassium nutrient solution and
exposed the advanced growth light specific to plants. The mean value is 9.45 cm
and the median value is 0.45 cm.

Table 6.
Change in Length
Change in Length

Average

Group 1
36.80
5.00
22.90
9.50
1.20
1.80
46.00
0.80
15.50

Group 2 Group 3
7.70
0.70
10.00
24.90
35.90
37.20
1.30
33.30
0.00
25.00
26.30
1.30
34.20
0.80
27.10
1.20
17.81
15.55

Group 4
0.30
1.00
0.30
35.10
38.00
0.60
0.00
0.30
9.45

Table 6 above shows the change in length of each plant for each group
and their averages. The group with the highest average of length difference is
group 2, with an average of 17.81 cm. In group 2, the Zea mays seeds were
under the potassium deficient solution and exposed to natural sunlight.
Table 7.
Percent Change of the Change in Length
Percent Change
Group 1 Group 2 Group 3
92
38.5
1.75
16.67
100
41.5
114.5
89.75
9.79
19
0
7.4
12
0
50
4.5
131.5
6.5
114
0.57
4
271
3
Average 37.5243 106.393
15.0638

Group 4
0
0
3
87.75
0
6
0
0
12.0938

Table 7 above shows the percent change of the change in length of each
plant for each group and their averages. The percent changes of zero were also
added. The greatest percent change is group 2 which was grown under the
potassium deficient solution and exposed to natural sunlight.

The overall conclusion from the data is group 2 had the greatest average
length of Zea mays seeds and also the greatest percent change in the growth. To
review, group 2 was given the potassium deficient solution and exposed to
natural sunlight. Group 1 had the second lowest average growth length, which
was given the potassium deficient nutrient solution and exposed to the advanced
growth light specific to plants. Potassium-deficient plants are highly light sensitive
and very rapidly become chlorotic when exposed to high light intensity. When a
plant is chlorotic, it is not its normal green color, but instead its leaves are
yellowish-green. Given this information it can be inferred that Group 2s plants
grew the greatest because there was just enough potassium in that system to
handle the light energy from the sun to carry out the photosynthetic process. It
can also be inferred that Group 1s plants had close to the lowest average growth
length because the plants were under a potassium deficient environment and
were given the advanced growth lights at the same time. This caused the plants
to become weaker (wilted), and not as green compared to the other groups in the
full potassium environment. These results suggest that crop plants grown under
conditions of high light intensity over a long period of time have a higher internal
requirement for potassium than the plants exposed to lower light intensities
during growth.

Conclusion

After three weeks of growing in the hydroponics system, the second group
of Zea mays plants (the potassium-deficient group growing under sunlight) faired
the highest average length of 17.9875 cm over all the other groups. This means
that the initial hypothesis of the fourth group (the full nutrient group growing
under artificial, growth lights) having the highest average height fall under was
rejected, since this group had an average length of 9.5250 cm, the lowest
average of all four groups.
These results occurred by error because of the initial seed treatment,
natural occurrences in the system, and low variability. Given the small sample
size of 32 plants (8 per group) that could be held in the system used, there was
significantly less variability between the groups causing a strong bias to occur.
Another initial treatment error that caused these results to occur was the seeds
after the germination process. Not all of the seeds had a significant sprout length,
or did not sprout at all, causing little to no growth to occur in the system. To
compromise with this result, 32 new seeds had to be germinated and replanted,
but this time they all had a significant sprout length or roots forming from the
base. The replanting of the seeds shifted the project a week behind schedule,
causing most of the crops to not be grown to their fullest length.
The plants growing under the artificial light performed the weakest in
growth length since they received supple amounts of additional light during trial
time. According to James W. Brown of Crop King Inc., if there is enough light for
the young seedlings while the first true leaf is developing and beginning to
expand, the base of the stem will remain compact and the cotyledons will not rise

to an excessive height. Results that gave a weaker structure in plants also

occurred due to how far they were buried in their holder as seeds. When plants
do not receive a certain amount of light during their seed or early sprouting
stages, the cotyledons (a significant part of the plants embryo in the seed)
expand and elongate the seed to reach for sunlight; therefore, a thinner stem
resulted during the plants growth process (Science Daily). Other events that
occurred in the system were drowning out from the water, uncontrolled amounts
of mold growing on the seeds due to the damp and heated environment of the
greenhouse, and some stems were crushed by the surrounding pebbles over
time. The only way to prove the significance of growth between the plants under
two different solutions is by observation of physical features such as structure
and color. The plants that grew under the potassium-deficient solution tended to
have browner leaves, stems, and a weaker structure such as wilted leaves as
opposed to the plants growing under a full nutrient. These observations
correspond with current research done on the symptoms of potassium-deficient
plants due to the physical features described; however, the health factor of these
crops was never observed during this experiment due to the time it takes to
mature (about a 4 5 weeks after the time period used for the trials).
These results have the possibility to impact the scientific community
significantly. If enough data is collected in regards to a higher sample size,
scientists can soon rely on the nutrient solutions tested in this experiment to help
receive a higher crop yield. Studies have already proved that nitrogen is known
to impact a plants growth in either a negative or positive way since corn is reliant

on this element. Major discoloration will occur if nitrogen is not present in these
crops and the plants will soon die from rotting if the fertilizer is not given enough
of the element (South Dakota State). Potassium is considered second only to
nitrogen, when it comes to nutrients needed by plants. Potassium regulates the
opening and closing of stomata, and therefore regulates CO 2 uptake and is
essential at almost every step of the protein synthesis. However, it is concluded
by the results, that potassium does not have a huge impact on a plants growth,
and neither does the plant growth light bulbs. This can be attributed to the small
weakness in the experimental design. Further research can be conducted to
study the problem further with added improvements including a larger sample
size, different nutrients, a different crop, and different types of artificial light. A
larger sample size would increase variability in order to show how effective the
solutions are. Using different amounts of different elements in a nutrient solution
would show different results and observations on the growth of the Zea mays
plants. Using a different crop while using the same testing conditions would result
in different features in plant growth and overall plant structure in order to
determine the effects of the solutions. Lastly, using different wavelengths or light
intensities would give

varied results in photosynthesis or plant growth since the

added energy from the growth lights seemed to have an effect on the Zea mays
crops in this experiment; however, if this were to be tested, each plant would
need to be buried to the same depth in the holders in order for them to gain the
same amount of light in their early stages. Making these improvements would

allow the data collected to be more accurate and either support or reject the data
collected from this experiment.

Acknowledgements
The research team would like to thank Professor Johnathan Egilla Ph.D.
of Lincoln University for his contribution and suggestions on how to perform this
experiment; Mr. Mark Supal for helping install and modifying the hydroponics
system in the greenhouse at MMSTC and also buying additional accessories to
make this happen; Mr. Mark Estapa for applying scientific concepts and giving
suggestions for this research project; Mrs. Kimberly Gravel for giving corrections
on this paper and suggestions on where to go for researching the topics; and
lastly, Mrs. Christine Tallman and Mr. Scot Acre for clarifying and supporting
mathematical concepts for this research and data analysis.

Appendix A: Making the Nutrient Solution and Testing pH

To make the nutrient solution for the benefit of the crops, follow the
measurements on the back of the box to determine how much of each nutrient is
needed per liter of water.

Figure 11. FloraSeries Performance Pack

In Figure 11 above, the photo on the right displays all of the nutrients and
chemicals used to test the water during experimentation. On the left is what is
used in determining how many milliliters of each chemical is needed per liter of
water. The nutrients needed include 7.425 mL of Rooting Enhancer per barrel,
7.425 mL of Concentrated Enhancer per barrel, 29.698 mL of FloraBloom per
barrel, 118.794 mL of FloraMicro per barrel, 80 mL of FloraBlend per barrel,
148.492 mL of FloraGro in the full potassium barrel and 59.397 mL of FloraGro in
the potassium deficient barrel.
2-Step Procedure:
1.

Carefully pour each nutrient needed into the appropriate beaker or

graduated cylinder.

2.

Pour each of the measured nutrients into the appropriate barrel according
to which one is the full potassium and which one is the potassium deficient
barrel.

Checking the pH level:

Figure 12. pH Scale Color Spectrum

Figure 12 above is the spectrum that is to be used when trying to indicate
the pH level of the nutrient solution. The colors are labeled around the bottle of
the pH tester itself. A sample of the solution was taken out of the barrel using a
small beaker and three to four drops of pH test indicator liquid was added to the
sample. The water immediately turned into the color that matched its pH level.
The lower the pH the more acidic the solution is, and the lower the pH the more
basic the solution is.

Appendix B: Hydroponics System Setup Guide

Materials:
(2) Light Fixtures

(4) 60 Watt Plant Growing

(4) Plastic Connectors

Bulbs

10 m of Tubing

(2) hr Interval Timers

(2) Pump/Filters

10 m of chain (1 cm links)

(2) 200 L-sized Barrels

(2) 3.048 m PVC Pipes (with 18 7.62

cm holes)

(2) Multi-outlet
(2) 5 m Extension Cords
Procedure:
1.

In the MMSTC greenhouse, hang the two PVC pipes by wrapping chains around
them. Make sure the pipes descend at least 2 3 meters from the ceiling at the
front end of the greenhouse.

2.

Position the barrels in between and below the two hanging pipes since it is an
easier reach for the pumps and tubing.

3.

Connect the tubes on both sides of the pipes. Have one tubing reach out to the
far end of the pipe, this is where water will be inserted by the pump, then have
the other tube on the bottom of the end closest to the middle, this is where the
water will be drained. Connect the pipes and tubes with the plastic connectors
(also for the drainage holes insert a connecter to raise the water level in the pipe
so that the plants will be able to receive a sufficient amount).

4.

Attach the two pumps to the tubes inserting the water and place them in the
barrel. Make sure the drainage pipe also is placed in the barrel.

5.

Attach the light fixtures with the growth bulbs (2 bulbs per fixture) in between the
chains so they will hang at a reasonable height (at least 1 2 m above the pipe)
using the chains.

6.

Have extension cords attached to the light fixtures and plug them into a nearby
multi-outlet. Have the two pumps plugged into another multi-outlet. Make sure
both multi-outlets are ON and attached to their appropriate timers.

7.

Set the timers for the pumps to run a hour ever 2 hours (this should have a
cycle of watering the plants 4 hours a day with 8 sessions). Set the light timer for
13 hours from 7 P.M to 8 A.M. for the specific groups.
Diagram:

3.048 m PVC Pipes

Chai

Light fixture
w/ Plant Bulb

Extension

Drainage
tube w/
Pump timer
w/ multi-

Pump w/

Light timer
w/ multioutlet

Barrel w/
Solution

Figure 13. Setup of System

Figure 13. displays what has been setup for this experiment. As shown,
each pipe receives its own fixture, pump, drain, and barrel of water for the daily
cycle to commence in the Hydroponics system at MMSTC.

Appendix C: Randomization with TI-Nspire CX

Materials:
TI-Nspire CX Graphing Calculator
Procedure:
1.

Turn on the TI-Nspire CX calculator.

2.

Go to the Calculations Page on the Home Screen.

3.

Hit the menu button.

4.

Select option five: Probability.

5.

Select option four: Random.

6.

Select option two: Integer.

7.

Input the minimum value in the random number set.

8.

Hit the comma button, then input the maximum value of the random
number set.

9.

Hit the Enter button and use the random number that came up as the first
selection.

10.

Hit the Enter button again and use the random number that comes up as
the next choice until all numbers/options available have been selected.

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