36th Annual Student Research Conference
Sustainable Food Production: A Study of Organic Fertilizers and Their Effect On Cucumber Plant Development
Joshua R. Eitel
Dr. Bob Johnson, Faculty Mentor
The use of organic fertilizers in vegetable production allows for system sustainability through waste reduction and nutrient recycling. The objective of this project was to evaluate organic fertilizers effect on the growth and development of cucumber plants. The reason for this project was to develop better production methods at Truman State University Farm, as well as offer a resource for future research projects on organic fertilizer. The fertilizers tested in this project include: worm castings, chicken manure, rabbit manure, compost, and a control. The cucumber plants were planted in raised beds within a heated greenhouse and each treatment was replicated five times. Growth of cucumber plants will be measured using several types of data collection including: plant height, number of leaves, plant disease/pest, and biomass.
Keywords: Sustainability, Agriculture, Organic, Fertilizer
Topic(s):Agricultural Science
Presentation Type: Poster Presentation
Session: 4-11
Location: Student Union Building Activities Room
Time: 3:00