Current Volume 8
The study aimed to examine the impact of varying fertilizer concentrations on plant growth, specifically investigating how these concentrations influence nutrient uptake, growth rate, and biomass production in common agricultural species, with the goal of identifying optimal fertilizer levels for enhanced growth. To conduct the experiment, a randomized block design was employed, with three different concentrations of a standard nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK) fertilizer (low, medium, and high) applied to several groups of plants (e.g., Arabidopsis thaliana (thale cress) and Lactuca sativa (lettuce)), and control plants receiving no fertilizer; the plants were grown under controlled environmental conditions (temperature, light, humidity) for a period of eight weeks, with regular measurements of plant height, leaf area, chlorophyll content, and dry weight at specified intervals. Results indicated a significant variation in plant growth across the different fertilizer concentrations, with the medium concentration of fertilizer producing the most pronounced improvements in growth rate and biomass production, as evidenced by increased plant height, leaf area, and overall dry weight, whereas both the low and high fertilizer concentrations showed diminished effects or even negative growth responses at the high end, likely due to nutrient toxicity or imbalances, with the medium concentration yielding optimal nutrient uptake and supporting robust plant health. Furthermore, the analysis revealed that nutrient uptake, particularly of nitrogen and phosphorus, was more efficient in plants subjected to the medium fertilizer concentration, while excessive concentrations led to nutrient leaching and inefficient uptake, suggesting that excessive fertilization can result in reduced effectiveness and potential harm to plant development. In conclusion, this empirical study highlights the critical role of balanced fertilizer application in optimizing plant growth, with medium concentrations of NPK fertilizers demonstrating the most favorable outcomes in terms of growth rate and biomass production, offering valuable insights for agricultural practices by emphasizing the importance of tailored fertilizer management to maximize crop yields, minimize environmental impact, and promote sustainable plant care practices.
Fertilizer concentrations, Plant growth, Nutrient uptake, Biomass production, Growth rate, Agricultural practices
IRE Journals:
Raveendra B Hujaratti
"An Empirical Investigation on Effect of Different Concentrations of Fertilizer on Plant Growth: A Comparative Study on Nutrient Uptake, Growth Rate, and Biomass Production" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 2 Issue 8 2019 Page 190-199
IEEE:
Raveendra B Hujaratti
"An Empirical Investigation on Effect of Different Concentrations of Fertilizer on Plant Growth: A Comparative Study on Nutrient Uptake, Growth Rate, and Biomass Production" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 2(8)