Contents
In Today’s post, we will investigate the effect of magnets on plant growth and seed germination. Surprising Results of this gardening experiment will be shown at the end of the article.
Any gardener or farmer desires for faster, better and bigger plants with higher yields. The information gained from this experiment, may be used to help gardeners achieve a great success in gardening and farming. In our previous episode we investigated the effect of electricity on plant growth and seed germination.
Introduction
In this experiment, we will investigate the effect of magnetism on seed germination and plant growth and evaluate the results on Day 4, Day 6, Day 8, and so on. This experiment can also be a very good school project for kids.
Hypothesis
The hypothesis states: “Seeds germinate faster and plants grow faster and stronger in the presence of a magnetic field in the soil.”
Materials & Methods
- 3 plastic containers
- Strong magnets
- Identical potting mix for all 3 containers
- 3 identical seeds
- A ruler or a measuring tape
The constants in this study are:
- The potting mix
- The water the plant receives
- The location/light the plant receives
- The seeds
Procedure
- Label the 3 containers as A, B, and C. Pot C will be the control for the experiment.
- Fill the 3 containers with the identical potting mix.
- In pot A, place a permanent magnet in the center with the magnetic field narrow and stronger.
- In pot B, insert multiple bar magnets around the container, preferably with the same polarity facing the plant, to create a uniform magnetic field. You can determine the polarity of the magnets using a compass needle if you have one.
- Plant 3 identical seeds into all three containers. Pot A will receive the strongest magnetic field.
- Water all 3 containers with the same amount of water.
- Place the 3 containers at the same location, such as on a window sill.
Results
Day 4
You can clearly see the seed in Container A, which received the highest magnetic field, has germinated, and there are no signs of sprouting in B and C.
Day 5
The seed in Pot B, with a weaker magnetic field, has also germinated. No result yet in Pot C. In Pot A, there is further growth, and a nice little shoot has begun.
Day 6
Germination has begun in the control pot too, without any magnetic field. Pots A and B show more growth.
Day 8
The hypothesis is getting proved. The plant in Pot A is the tallest, next comes Pot B, and lastly Pot C.
Conclusion
The results of the experiment clearly prove that a magnetic field has a strong effect on the rate of seed germination and plant growth. You can see the roots are stronger and much more widespread in A and B.
Discussion
Now, the question here is: How do magnets affect plant growth?
Video Tutorial on “Effect of Magnets on Plant Growth”
Please watch video on the Gardening Experiment on Magnetism and Plant Growth.
