32nd Annual Student Research Conference
The Effect of Iron Concentration on Plant Health in a Hydroponic System
Mallory A. Showalter*, Glendon S. Griesbaum, Mallory N. Bell, Tanner D. Bandy, and Marissa E. Dull
Dr. Jessica Colpoys, Faculty Mentor
Hydroponics is an alternative method of cultivating plants that utilizes a liquid-nutrient solution in place of soil. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of iron on plant growth, vigor, and yield within a hydroponic system. We hypothesized that increasing the amount of iron within fertilizers in a hydroponic system would increase each measure of plant health until the amount of iron in a plant fertilizer exceeded optimal amounts, which would cause decreased measurements of plant health. The fertilizer mix treatments included 0 ppm of iron, 2.5 ppm of iron and 8 ppm of iron. Three closed hydroponic systems in tubs were used to monitor the effects of iron concentration on spinach and mint plant health, measured by observing chlorophyll level, plant height, root length, leaf length, and overall biomass.
Keywords: Plants, Hydroponics, Fertilizer, Iron
Topic(s):Agricultural Science
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 11-4
Location: SUB GEO
Time: 3:00