TITLE: THE EFFECTS O F DIFFERENT ORGANIC FERTILIZERS ON PLANT GROWTH

INTRODUCTION:

What is plant growth and how to measure it? Growth is an increase in the dry weight or volume of an organism through cell division and cell enlargement (Oxford Dictionary of Biology; 2004). Growth is one of the fundamental characteristics of all living organisms, permanent and irreversible increase in size or volume of cell, tissue, organ, or an organism due to cell division (Bah Hock Guan et.al; 2009).

Normally, growth is measured by measuring a change in length or in a change in width of a plant organ like a stem, and the assumption is made that if the length is increased then volume must also have increased. The measurement of length and height are the most common parameters used to measure growth at intervals of time, as these dimensions are easy to measure, by using the ruler or measuring tape (Bah Hock Guan et.al; 2009).

What are the factors that influence the plant growth? Plant growth and development are regulated by environmental factors such as light, temperature, nutrient and water ability. A part of nutrient factor is fertilizer. Fertilizer can enhance the plant growth corresponds to the types of fertilizers used either organic fertilizer or inorganic fertilizer. Soil The loamy soil is the soil that already has the nutrients that available for plant growth. However, additional nutrients from the fertilizer help in increases of nutrients that develop the further growth of plants. But, the amount of fertilizer used must be controlled to keep the buffer condition of the soil. The chemistry of plant elements in the soil can be affected by pH, measurement of acidity and alkalinity (Elmer L. Cooper and L.DeVere Burton; 2004). If the soil pH is acid; some micronutrients become too soluble and occur in concentrations high enough to harm the plants. While if the soil pH is alkaline, many of the nutrients can be precipitated out and not be available to the plants. In addition, vegetables are sensitive and susceptible to climate and temperature, so it would be wise to spend some time to choose vegetables that would grow. Warm temperature is the

suitable condition to grow vegetable such for our samples. There are three types of soil; clay, sandy, and loamy soil [16]. Of the three, clay soil is the worst soil for the gardening. When clay soil gets wet it has a tendency to stick together. Sandy soil is opposite, it has a light loose feel and the water drains through very quickly. Loamy soil our third type, is the best choice for growing a vegetable garden. It has everything a vegetable garden will need because it consists of sand, clay, and silt giving a great drainage while holding some moisture that our vegetable will need. Vegetable seeds need a light, friable soil that will hold moisture to grow. Seeds must absorb 40-60% of their weight in water to trigger germination [16].

They also need air. When they sprout, they take up moisture from the film of water around the soil particles and they take up air from the space between those particles. So soil quality is important. Vegetable plants need Nitrogen to encourage leaf growth, Phosphorus to encourage roots and flowers, and Potassium to encourage vitality and health of the plants. To get the nutrients for our vegetables we must mix soil with fertilizer . To make sure our seedlings still fresh, we mix the fertilizer shortly after the seedlings start to grow. It is because fertilizer may burn roots or leaves if we are not be careful when add it to soil with existing plants. For this project we will determine the effect of different fertilizers towards the growth of plants. The three organic fertilizers had been used because they were enriched with humus that is good for the plants rather than inorganic waste used as control in the project that may contain harmful chemical to us.

What are fertilizers? Fertilizer is any organic or inorganic material of natural or synthetic origin that is added to a soil in order to supply nutrients that is essential to the growth of plants [1]. Fertilizer typically provide, in varying proportion:

Six macronutrients: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and sulphur (S) [1].

Seven micronutrients: boron (B), chlorine (Cl), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), Molybdenum (Mo) and zinc (Zn)
[1].Fertilizers

come in various forms which are granular

fertilizer, liquid fertilizer and slow-release fertilizer. Fertilizers are divided into organic fertilizers or inorganic fertilizers. Organic fertilizers refer to materials used as fertilizer that

occur regularly in nature for example mineral deposits,(saltpeter), or naturally occurring organic materials,(manure, worm castings, compost, seaweed, guano)
[1].Meanwhile,

inorganic fertilizers refer to synthetic chemicals or minerals. Inorganic fertilizers are often synthesized using Haber-Bosch process, which produces ammonia as the end product [1].

Plant nutrients and availability in soil Types of nutrient MACRONUTRIENT Carbon, hydrogen oxygen, None; all are available abundance from and air. Nitrogen Component of Plant grow too Stunted growth; chlorosis (leaves chlorophyll, quickly, leaves turn yellow and die because of water in Function Excess effects Deficiency symptoms

growth of the are soft darker insufficient chlorophyll). shoots leaves Potassium Size and quality of fruits and flowers, essential for protein and carbohydrate synthesis and green normal Plants not being able to take up magnesium, cause imbalance with other elements Reduced growth; curled, mottled, or spotted older leaves, burned leaf edges; weakened plant than

Calcium

Neutralize certain acids formed in plants and helps in the manufacture of protein,

Deficiency in other nutrients particularly magnesium and potassium, interfere enzyme activity, cause calcium toxicity

Terminal buds wither; deformed leaves; stunted roots

Magnesium

Also essential for the

Create salt problem, and

Chlorosis; dropped leaves

photosynthesis toxicity effects. process and foods translocations Phosphorus Responsible Reduce the Purplish veins; stunted growth; fewer seeds, fruits

for good root plant to take growth up required micronutrients particularly iron and zinc. Sulfur Forms part of many plant proteins and involved in the formation of chlorophyll MICRONUTRIENT Rare

Light-green or yellowed leaves; reduced growth

Chlorine

Essential cofactor for enzyme activation, facilitate cell elongation and growth

Affect

the Wilting; chlorosis; some leaves die

osmoregulation

Iron

Formation on Rare, difficult Chlorosis; yellow, green striping in chlorophyll to detect A or leaves of grasses

Boron

For growing tissues of plants

blackening Buds die; leaves thicken, curl, death of become brittle

tissue between veins

Manganese

Formation of Brown spotting Dark veins, but leaves whiten and chlorophyll and protein on reduced growth leaves, fall off

Zinc

As enzyme activators

Might as an

appear Chlorosis; mottled or bronzed iron leaves; abnormal roots

deficiency Copper As enzyme activators Might occur in Chlorosis; dead spots in leaves; low pH; will stunted growth appear as an iron deficiency Molybdenum Instrumental in the production of protein Not known Pale green, rolled or cupped leaves

Green plants must absorb certain minerals through their roots to survive. These minerals are supplied by soil, organic matter or soil solution. Plant nutrients are absorbed from the soilwater solution that surrounds the root hairs of the plant and most of the nutrients are absorbed as charged ions (Elmer L. Cooper and L.DeVere Burton; 2004).

Organic fertilizer Organic fertilizers are natural materials of either plant or animal origin, including livestock manure, green manures, crop residues, household waste, compost, and woodland litter. Inorganic (or mineral) fertilizers are fertilizers mined from mineral deposits with little processing (e.g., lime, potash, or phosphate rock), or industrially manufactured through chemical processes. What is manure? Manure is organic matter used as organic fertilizer in agriculture. Manure is a source of many nutrients including: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and many others
[4].

However,

nitrogen is often the main nutrient of concern for most crops. Manure is an excellent fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other nutrients [2]. It also adds organic matter to the soil which may improve soil structure, aeration, soil moisture-holding capacity, and water infiltration. To determine how much manure is needed for a specific application, the nutrient content and the rate nitrogen becomes available for plant uptake needs to be estimated. Nutrient content of manure varies depending on source, moisture content, storage, and handling methods. Manures contribute to the fertility of the soil by adding organic matter and nutrients, such as nitrogen, that are trapped by bacteria in the soil
[2].

Higher organisms

then feed on the fungi and a bacterium in a chain of life that comprises the soil food web [2].It is somewhat dry and very rich.

i.

Sheep manure fertilizer:

Manure from sheep fed hay and grain will be more potent than manure from animals that live on pasture. Sheep manure is lower in nitrogen than many other animal types of manure, moderate in potassium and especially rich in potash. It can be used extensively without risk of burning young plants. Sheep manure is low in nitrogen compared to other animal manures. Thus, it wont burn your plants [3]. Some of benefits of sheep manure are; [3]. * * * Natural slow-release fertilizer Can be used as organic mulch Low-odor

* * * *

Easy to handle Relatively inexpensive Fairly easy to obtain and most providers usually offer door-side delivery Lower in nitrogen than other manures yet still high in Phosphorous and Potassium great for plant growth

* *

Depending on the source can be obtained weed-free Looks great

A major problem with sheep manure is that it may be full of weeds. Introducing it into the garden without taking steps to reduce the weeds will cause much work later. However, one effective way to reduce the weed seeds is to let the manure "hot compost" long enough to destroy the seeds. This can take several weeks with constant monitoring and turning over to ensure the interior temperature of the pile rises high enough for a long enough periods [3].

ii.

Chicken manure fertilizer:

[4].

This chicken waste contains large amounts of protein, fiber, and minerals, and has been deliberately mixed into animal feed for these nutrients Chicken manure for plants

fertilizing is excellent but there are some things we need to know about it in order to use it correctly. Chicken manure fertilizer is very high in nitrogen and also contains a good amount of potassium and phosphorus. The high nitrogen and balanced nutrients is the reason that chicken manure compost is the best kind of manure to use [4]. Chicken manure has long been used by gardeners and farmers as a nutrient for soil. Once composted, it can provide plants with plenty of phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen; as well provide organic matter that increases the soil's ability to hold water
[5].

But, the high

nitrogen in the chicken manure is dangerous to plants if the manure has not been properly composted. Raw chicken manure fertilizer can burn and even kill plants if used. However, if it is composted and allowed to break down, it will become excellent fertilizer [5]. Composting chicken manure mellows the nitrogen and makes the manure suitable for the garden
[5].

Chicken manure also is an inexpensive. Urea fertilizer: Urea is a natural compound that is found in the urine of mammals. It is manufactured by combining carbon dioxide, ammonia, and used nitrogen fertilizer. Urea comes in the form of a solid white crystal. It contains 46 percent nitrogen, hence its qualification as a nitrogen fertilizer. Urea fertilizers contain granulated urea elements, mostly the latter as urea granules resist moisture more efficient. Like ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulfate fertilizers, ureabased fertilizer is a fast-release fertilizer [6]. Farmers and gardeners apply urea fertilizer as a solid compound or as a spray that targets foliage. Urea fertilizer generally comes at the lowest per-pound nitrogen cost when compared with other single-element nitrogen fertilizers. This type of fertilizer usually exhibits a greening effect fairly quickly. It produces crop yield increase equal to other forms of nitrogen. As the fertilizer decomposes, it releases few environmental pollutants. In the soil, Urea is converted from carbamide nitrogen to ammonium ions as a result of a series of enzyme reactions that occur
[7].

When soil conditions are normal, the ammonium ions are absorbed

by the soil which leaves the nitrogen available to the plants. Urea ammonium acts the same way as other ammonium ions. Urea fertilizer posses little or no fire hazard. Because of its high nitrogen content, urea fertilizer stores easily and doesn't cost much to transport. If urea fertilizer stagnates on the soil's surface for too long during warm weather, its nitrogen content can evaporate into the atmosphere. Loses of nitrogen are decrease when soil is cool. It gives off ammonia when it evaporates, so urea fertilizer should not be applied to vegetative plants during warm seasons. Urea fertilizer contains a chemical compound that can lead to agronomic problems if the fertilizer is used too close to seeds. When applied to small lawns, it may burn grass. Inorganic fertilizer: Inorganic fertilizers vary in appearance depending on the process of manufacture. The particles can be of many different sizes and shapes (crystals, pellets, granules, or dust) and the fertilizer grades can include straight fertilizers (containing one nutrient element only), compound fertilizers (containing two or more nutrients usually combined in a homogeneous mixture by chemical interaction) and fertilizer blends (formed by physically blending mineral fertilizers to obtain desired nutrient ratios).

Inorganic fertilizers are also known as synthetic fertilizers. But, this inorganic fertilizer sometimes is being called as artificial fertilizers
[8].

The inorganic fertilizers also refer to

chemical fertilizers; its constituents are originated through synthetic means making them nondegradable [9]. The inorganic fertilizer is often synthesized using the Haber-Bosch process that produce ammonia which used as feedstock for other nitrogen fertilizers, such as anhydrous ammonium nitrate and urea. These concentrated products may be diluted with water to form a concentrated liquid fertilizer or combine with rock phosphate and potassium fertilizer in the Odd process to produce compound fertilizer
[10].

The inorganic fertilizers do not need a

certain time to be break down before usage because these fertilizers can be readily absorbed by plants. There are two types of inorganic fertilizer; agricultural and horticultural fertilizer. The agricultural fertilizers contain only one or two macronutrients that synthesized naturally while horticultural or specialty fertilizer are formulated from many of the same compounds and some others to produce well-balanced fertilizers that also contain micronutrients [11]. The inorganic fertilizers are commonly used to treat field used for growing maize, followed by other plants. One study had shown that application of nitrogen fertilizer on off-season cover crops can increase the biomass of these crops, while having a beneficial effect on soil nitrogen levels for the main crop planted during the summer season [10]. The purpose of this inorganic fertilizer is to mimic nutrients found in plants by synthetically manufacturing them from inorganic substances. Inorganic fertilizers was manufactured with the suitable quantities or well formulated for the plants growth in the estimated time and must be associated with the type of crops, growing condition, soil texture, season and so on [12].

There are some advantages of using this inorganic fertilizers such as work immediately, contain all necessary nutrients and ready to be used (especially nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium), affordable and convenient to use. They contain one or more of the essential growth nutrients such as those primary macronutrients and various other nutrients. Once added into the soil, these nutrients will fulfill the required demands of the plants and provide them the nutrients they naturally lacked or help they retain the lost nutrients
[12].

Inorganic

fertilizers are common to be said as a rescue treatment to plants that are malnourished, unhealthy or even dying [13]. The nutrients contents in the inorganic fertilizers can be absorbed readily by plants because comparing to the organic fertilizers, the plants need a time to break down the components of organic fertilizer into the primary nutrients before usage. Besides that, the nutrients provided in the inorganic fertilizers are in the appropriate balance of

proportions and amounts. By adding such of fertilizer, the soil becomes available and rich with nutrient contents for planting. Moreover, the inorganic fertilizers are cheap at markets and easy to be prepared.

The utilization at high concentrations of the inorganic fertilizers can make imbalance in the nutrients in soil. The stability of systems such as food wed in soil can be interrupted by the use of nitrogen-containing fertilizers that can cause soil acidification. This is due to the composition of inorganic fertilizers that contains acids such as sulphuric acid and hydrochloric acid that will decrease the soils quality, resulting bad impacts on the plant growth
[14].

Over-fertilization of vital nutrients can be seen by burn of leaves, drying out of

roots and damage or even death of the plants. Besides that, many inorganic fertilizers may not replace trace mineral elements in the soil which become gradually depleted by crops. This depletion has been linked to studies which have shown a marked fall (up to 75%) in the quantities of such minerals present in fruits and vegetables
[10].

Otherwise, the synthesis of

inorganic fertilizers also consume high energy of limited sources (mostly conventional energies) such as the synthesis of ammonia required overwhelming produced from natural gas, phosphorus and potassium from mines[10]. Moreover, the usage of inorganic fertilizers also can cause leeching because the already broken down nutrients can be easily washed away when watering or irrigating the plants. Sometimes, the inorganic fertilizers are not entirely composed of needed nutrient because it may contains salts and other compounds that these salts and other compounds are not absorbed by plants and being left in the soil. The high concentration of salt and other compounds can change the chemistry of the soil, reducing ideal soil for planting. The toxic compounds may get accumulate in the water sources and soil, making it dangerous for environment. This problem called as eutrophication will occur where there is overgrowth of aquatic vegetation and degradation of water quality due to extra nitrogen accumulation. Otherwise, the natural nitrogen that helped by bacteria such as rhizobium in nitrogen fixation will be suffered due to the excessive usage of chemical bacteria.

The aims of our study are to determine the effects of different organic fertilizers toward height and the number of leaves of the plants. MATERIALS: Loamy Soil

Types of fertilizers:
1. 2. 3. 4.

Chicken manure fertilizer Sheep manure fertilizer Spectra Urea fertilizer Inorganic fertilizer (control)

Types of plants:
1. 2. 3.

Cosmos caudatus plant (Ulam Raja) Zea mays (Maize plant) Solanum lycopersicum (Tomato plant)

APPARATUS Planting
1. 2. 3.

36 poly bags Sticky labeling Gloves

Weighting
1. 2. 3.

Mortar and pastel Plastic bag Filter paper

PROCEDURE:
A.

CONTROL VARIABLES
1. 2. 3.

We were controlled light intensity, amount of water and amount of soil. The light intensity was controlled by regularly changed the place of the poly bags. The amount of water was controlled by watering 2 small scopes of water (50ml) every morning.

4.

The amount of soil was controlled by filled up the soil half of the poly bags.

B.

GERMINATION AND SELECTION

1.

The fertilizers we use are Inorganic fertilizer, Chicken manure fertilizer; Sheep manure fertilizer and Spectra Urea fertilizers.

2.

We use seeds of Maize plants (Zea mays), Ulam Raja plants (Cosmos caudatus) and Tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum).

3. 4. C.

We planted the seeds in the soil, separately based on their types of plants. After 2 weeks, we observed the seeds germination.

FERTILIZATION
1.

There are 12 poly bag used for 12 Maize plants (the heights are closely equal). 3 of them used for Inorganic fertilizer, 3 for Chicken manure fertilizer, 3 for Sheep manure fertilizer and 3 for Spectra Urea fertilizer. (Same condition with Ulam Raja plant and Tomato plant).

2. 3.

Each poly bag was labeled. After the seeds germination, for about 1.30 grams of each fertilizer was weighted in the lab.

4.

The fertilizers were put into the prepared holes of soil in the poly bags containing those plants.

5.

We fertilized these plants for every 2 weeks.

D.

COLLECTING DATA
1. 2.

We measured the height of each plant by using ruler (unit cm) The initial height and number of leaves of each plant was taken.

3.

For every two weeks after fertilization, the height and number of leaves were measured.

4.

All data gathered were presented in table.

DISCUSSION:

Due to this mini project, we found out that chicken manure is best to use for Ulam raja plant. Among three types of organic fertilizer used for Ulam raja plant which were chicken manure, sheep manure and urea, the highest height shown was the plant that was fertilized

with chicken manure. The result shown was 8.15 cm for chicken manure compared too sheep manure which was 6.22 cm and 1.03 cm for urea fertilizer. Meanwhile, the number of leaves also proved that the chicken manure is the most suitable organic fertilizers used for Ulam raja plant. The result shown for the number of leaves for plant that was fertilized with chicken manure was 4.18, while for sheep manure was 3.83 and 1.0 for urea.

In addition, sheep manure is best to use for Maize plant and tomato plant. Among three types of organic fertilizer used for Maize plant which were chicken manure, sheep manure and urea. The highest height shown was the plant that was fertilized with sheep manure. The result shown for sheep manure was 20.43 cm compared too chicken manure which was 18.65 cm and 5.62 cm for urea fertilizer. Next, for tomato plant, among three types of organic fertilizers used, the sheep manure is the most suitable for tomato plant. The result shown for sheep manure was 6.70 cm compared too chicken manure which was 4.0 cm and 3.0 cm for urea fertilizer. In maize plant and tomato plant, the result also shown that the most suitable organic fertilizers used was sheep manure. This because for sheep manure, the number of leaves in maize plant shown was 1.67, meanwhile, the number of leaves that used chicken manure was 1.33, and 0.17 for urea fertilizers. Then, in tomato plant, the result shown that the highest number of leaves was sheep manure that was 2.34, meanwhile, for chicken manure, it was 1.67, and 1.0 for urea fertilizer.

The nutrients content in chicken manure: Nitrogen Potassium Phosphorus Trace elements 4 per cent 4 per cent 1.5 per cent Full range (Geoff Hamilton, 2004, Organic Gardening)

The Ulam raja plant is most suitable fertilized with chicken manure because chicken manure has high percentage of nitrogen and potassium. Ulam raja plant need a fertilizer rich in nitrogen and potassium, which will favor the development of a new vegetative and flowering
[21].

Based on the nutrients content in chicken manure, it has high contents of nitrogen and

potassium. Nitrogen is the most important plant food; this is the component of chlorophyll (the pigment that gives plants their green color). Nitrogen also is a vital part of the structure of plant protein. It is the element in the soil responsible for the vegetative growth of the shoots and leaves of a plant (Geoff Hamilton, 2004, Organic Gardening). In addition, chicken manure also contains potassium. Potassium required in small quantities. It is essential for synthesis of the protein and carbohydrates (Geoff Hamilton, 2004, Organic Gardening). Next, phosphorus is the next important element after nitrogen. Phosphorus is needed in small quantities (only one tenth of the amount). Phosphorus or phosphate is mainly responsible for good root growth (Geoff Hamilton, 2004, Organic Gardening).

The nutrients content in sheep manure: Nitrogen Potassium Phosphorus Trace elements Access from (http://www.gardeningtipsnideas.com/2008/03/the_many_benefits_of_sheep_manure.html) The nutrients content in urea fertilizer: Nitrogen Potassium Phosphorus Trace elements 45.0 per cent 0.0 per cent 0.0 per cent Full range 1.9 per cent 2.9 per cent 1.4 per cent Full range

(Elmer L.Cooper (2001), Agriscience Fundamentals and applications)

In this experiment too, the urea fertilizer result shown that it not give a good effect for the growth of the plant because it lack of potassium and phosphorus. As we know, potassium is essential for synthesis of the protein and carbohydrates (Geoff Hamilton, 2004, Organic Gardening). Meanwhile, phosphorus is responsible for good root growth (Geoff Hamilton, 2004, Organic Gardening). Hence, lack of element potassium and phosphorus in urea fertilizers affect the growth of the plant. In order to make sure that the results that we get are more accurate, we use three plant samples that are from same species with consideration to constant variable that are quantities

of water, usage of loamy soil, fertilizers and environment factors such as same amount of light exposition. When we recorded the height and number of leaves, there were some errors that may affect our results. It is because there are still some plants that are died even they have been given same amount of water, light intensity and fertilizers. Besides, there are some young plants that have different in sizes. It was maybe the plants do not received right amount of controlled variables. Seedlings need a lot of light [17]. After germination appears, we usually exposed it to the lights on for 12 to 16 hours a day [17]. Too much or too little water is either way they are toast. This is perhaps the most challenging part of growing plants from seeds. Because seedlings are so delicate, there is very little for error when it comes to watering. There are a couple of things that we can do to maximize the chances of getting it right. We must cover poly bag with plastic until seeds germinate, water from the bottom. By letting the plants soak up water through holes in their pots, there is less chance of over watering and check our vegetable plant at least once a day. Lots of plants do not like the cold (such as rain) and exposing them to it will just stress them out and stressed out plants are more susceptible to pests and disease. Next, maybe there is an error during planting where we are plant those seeds too deep in the soil. Some seeds need complete darkness to germinate and some like some light. This information is usually on the seed packet. If there is no any information, the rule of thumb is to plant seeds twice or three times as deep as they are wide. For seeds that need light to germinate, we have to make sure that they are in contact with our seed starting medium, but not covered. To do this, first press the medium gently down to make a firm surface. Then, place our seed on top of our medium and gently push down, making sure the seed is still exposed. For seeds to germinate, most must be kept warm 65 to 75 F
[17].

A favorite place to do this is on top of the refrigerator. There

are also special "seedling mats" that we can buy to put under our seeds. We can also use a small heater put on a timer placed next to our seedlings. We will only need to worry about this until the seeds sprout. After that most can tolerate fluctuating temperatures. Also, and whatever type of light we use, natural or artificial should produce enough heat to keep them fresh. Moreover, there are one weeks holidays that we left those plants without watering them every day. It causes most of our plants become wilt and even some of them were died. There also error in labeling issues. Sometimes, we have had labels get lost or moved or they have become illegible from being watered. So, we supposed used Popsicle sticks rather than sticky paper and write the name of the seeds and the day we planted them in permanent ink.

Then, stick it into the soil next to the seeds we planted or label by row. Relationship to ecology Plants Survivorship patterns reflect major differences (Starr; 2008). Those annual plants undergo Type I curve where Type I curve typifies a population with high survivorship until late in life, then a large increase in deaths. In region where the environmental factors poor, the survivorship curve plunged sharply because of many young plants died. After the plunge, the curve levels off from young plants to mature plants (Starr; 2008). Organism showing this type of curve have stable populations very close to K, the carrying capacity of the environment; thus they are called as K-strategist of K-species (Bah Hock Guan et. al; 2009). Limited growth is also known as definite growth or determinate growth can be seen in plants. In plants such especially annual plants, the growth curve is typically sigmoid, except there may be an initial decrease in mass during the early stages of germination. This is occurs as the food reserves in the seed are utilized for respiration and growth of roots and leaves. The growth curve will proceed in a sigmoid curve when the leaves begin to photosynthesize food. This continues until the plants matures and reproduce (Bah Hock Guan et. al; 2009). This can be shown by our study where at the first level of germination of each type of plants, there are some plants that died and certain plants are small compared to the others. The better one was taken as experimental specimen and the applied enough resources such as fertilizer and controlled variables develop the plant to keep growing.

Growth rate of plants The actual growth of an organism is the cumulative increase in size over a period of time. Absolute growth curve measures the increase in the size against time. Other variables such as length, height, or mass are also used. This curve clearly shows the cumulative increase in size over a period of time (Bah Hock Guan et.al; 2009). From our study, each type of plants exhibited absolute growth curve when supplied with fertilizers except for the plants that supplied with urea fertilizer. This can be seen by the increase of heights for every two weeks interval. Mutualism In a mutualism interaction, two species take advantage of each other in ways that benefit both, as when one withdraws nutrients from the other while giving it shelter (Starr;2008).

Mutualists help most plants take up mineral ions such as nitrogen-fixing bacteria living on roots to provide the plant with extra nitrogen or enhance the plants mineral uptake. Where soil composition and texture change, new roots from, replace old ones, and infiltrate new areas. The roots are not exploring soil. Rather, their growth is simply greater in patches of soil with higher concentrations of water and minerals (Starr; 2008). Roots nodules, mycorrhizae and root hairs of the plant itself enhance the uptake of water and mineral ions. Mycorrhiza is a form of mutualism between a young root and a fungus, where the fungal hyphae grow as a velvety covering around the root or penetrate its cells; collectively increase surface area for minerals absorption from a larger volume of soil. While the roots cells give up some sugars and nitrogen-rich compounds to the fungus. Root nodules; certain bacteria in soil are mutualists where they can convert nitrogen gas to ammonia by nitrogen fixation or even further conversion of ammonia to nitrate (the form of nitrogen that plants can use more easily). For example Rhizobium and Bradyrhizobium; bacteria that fix nitrogen and share it with the plant and in return the bacteria take a small amount of photosynthetically-produced sugars from the plant.

The energy and nutrient cycle Nutrient is any substance that is required for the nourishment of an organism, providing a source of energy or structural components (Oxford Dictionary of Biology). A nutrient cycle also called ecological recycling; is the movement and exchange of organic and inorganic matter back into the production of living matter. The process is regulated by food web pathways that decompose matter into mineral nutrients; matter and energy flows and is exchanged as organisms feed, digest, and migrate. All organisms need many nutrients for food and for proper functioning in order to thrive. Nutrient cycling refers to the biodiversity within community food wed system that loop organic nutrients or water supplies back into production. Organism can be either producers or consumers in the term of energy flow through an ecosystem
[22].

The biotic components

comprise the primary producers, consumers and decomposers (Bah Hock Guan et.al; 2009). Energy that enters the web of life comes mainly from the sun in which has been losing energy since it formed 5 billion years ago. Photosynthetic producers (autotrophs), those are mainly plants convert sunlight energy to bond energy when they build glucose and other compounds from simple raw materials such in the photosynthesis process. Consumers (heterotrophs) as well as producers access energy stored in those compounds by breaking and rearranging

bonds (Starr; 2008). Consumers generally carry on a process of cellular respirations and digestions. From the producer to the consumers, there is nutrient cycle. The producers use the nutrients from the air and soil; dust, water runoff and erosion, weathering of rocks, mutualists actions, animal feces and urine, or organic materials from the decayed organisms or the animals. The nutrients combine with water in soil and being dissolved before transported through the plants roots to the all required parts of plants
[22]. [23].

Besides, in consumers, when

respiration occurs, the carbon-carbon bonds are broken and the carbon is combined with oxygen to form carbon dioxide The released respiration gases and the atmospheric gases

can be used by the producers as the nutrients. The producers being consumed by primary consumers especially animals. The nutrients inside the producers are gained by the primary consumers as they ate the producers. The products from these consumers are then being released into air or as waste. The released products (nutrients) are then being cycled where the nutrients are being used again by the producers. Then, both the producers and the consumers die and produce waste products which are then passed on to the decomposers (saprophytes). Decomposers are mainly bacteria and fungi that break down the materials in the waste and dead bodies and recycle them back to the producers
[22].

But, we have to note that there are 4 types of consumer; herbivores (primary consumer that consume plants), carnivores (secondary or higher consumers that consume on animals), omnivores (consume both plants and animals) and detritivores (consume detritus). The nutrients are passed from an organism to other organism as one organism is consumed by another by the food chain. As these organism died, the extracted nutrients are returned to the soil or water to be taken up again. Thus, the nutrients are recycled. In our study, we used the organic wastes; those are sheep manure, chicken manure and urea as the fertilizers in which these organic fertilizers provide the additional nutrients to the soil that the plants absorbed for their growth. As we know, the manures and urea are the waste products from the animals (the consumers) that rich in nutrients. These nutrients in the waste products will be used again by the plants (producers), and the plants will be consumed by animals. The consumers gain the nutrients in the producers. The nutrients are cycled by the food web. Water cycle Plants take up some water contained in the soil through their roots. Plants retain just a fraction

of the water they take up. Evaporation of water molecules from the leaves, stem, and other parts of a plant is called transpiration, a process that helps plants take up water (Starr; 2008). The evaporation provides the moisture in clouds that condense to form precipitation or droplets of rain. The process will be cycled again. That is why from our study in this mini project, we were watering those plants every morning to prevent insufficient water for plant use because plants are keep undergo transpiration. Watering the plants on the very hot time will cause the wilting of plants due to more water loss; thus watering during the morning is more efficient.

Adaptations of plant toward fertilizer When the fertilizers are applied the plants, the plants now are exposed to new environment. Thus, the plants need to adapt to the fertilizers that have been added. The fertilizers contain a lot of nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. The plants will grow faster in the presence of these nutrients. Potassium makes up 1 percent to 2 percent of the weight of any plant and, as an ion in cells, is essential to metabolism
[24].

If any of the macronutrients

are missing or hard to obtain from the soil, this will limit the growth rate for the plant. The soil quality of plants will be improved and thus making the plants grow with good conditions. Plants also will resist parasitic infestations by insect and other agents due to the contents of the organic fertilizers. A healthy plant is actively growing plant tissue during the growing season and can repair the damage; setting up a barrier against parasites. The leaves of the plants may increase in number and grow wider. The fertilizers affect the growth process of the plant. It is ideal to use a fertilizer that is a blend of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Symptoms like leaf turning yellow and falling of leaves are witnessed when there is lack of fertilizer [25]. The growth of the plant is limited. Even a small amount of fertilizer added to the soil will show immediate results. The fertility of the plants will increase and the soil will be replenished as well as the growth process.

CONCLUSION The best fertilizer used for maize plant is sheep manure fertilizer. The best fertilizer used for Ulam Raja plant is chicken manure fertilizer. The best fertilizer used for Tomato plant is sheep manure fertilizer.

REFERENCES:

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