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It's Crowded in Here! A Study of Plant Population Density

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Abstract

Like humans, plants can be negatively affected by overcrowding. Unlike humans, plants cannot get up and move to a new environment or explore how to utilize new resources. This experiment will explore the effects of crowding (population density) on the growth and health of plants.

Summary

Areas of Science
Difficulty
 
Time Required
Very Long (1+ months)
Prerequisites
Background research on biomes, ecosystems, population density, and the basic needs of plants.
Material Availability
Readily available
Cost
Low ($20 - $50)
Safety
No issues
Credits
La Né Powers
Edited by Andrew Olson, Science Buddies

Objective

To compare the growth of plants in crowded and uncrowded conditions.

Introduction

"Mom! He's crowding me! He crossed the line! He's in my space!"

All living organisms require living space. When your little brother invades your room, you can quickly escape to another room or the backyard. Most animals, some bacteria, and some protists have this same advantage and are able to move. When living conditions decline, these organisms can get up and move to a new environment. If food runs out, if the temperature changes, if there is a lack of water or sunlight, these organisms can pick up and move to an environment where the conditions are more favorable.

What would happen if your brother poked and prodded you and you were unable to move away, like on a long road trip in the car? Your living conditions would quickly decline and may affect your well being!

Most plants are rooted to the spot and cannot move to a new environment if living conditions decline. Unless the plant has adaptations that allow it to survive poor conditions like drought, lack of nutrients, or crowding, the plant may not be able to survive.

In this science fair project, you can test the effects of crowding (or population density) on plants.

Terms and Concepts

Questions

Bibliography

Materials and Equipment

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Experimental Procedure

  1. Read the back of the seed packet for recommended growing conditions. Plant the seeds in the depth of soil recommended on the back of the packet and water seeds according to packet instructions. Make sure to record the following information in your lab notebook:
    • amount of soil in each pot
    • recommended growing conditions found on seed packet
    • depth of each seed planted
    • watering schedule
    • amount of water added at each watering
  2. For your control pots, plant the seeds at the recommended distance apart (found on the back of the seed packet).
  3. For your experimental pots, increase the number of seeds and decrease the distance apart that each seed is planted. For any experiment, it is important to do multiple trials to assure that your results are consistent. Plant at least three separate pots for each # of seeds per pot, and record your results.
  4. Make sure to record your initial measurements in your lab notebook:
    • how many seeds you planted in each pot
    • how far apart the seeds were planted
  5. Check each pot at least once a week and record observations in lab notebook. For information on scientifically measuring plant growth see the Science Buddies How-to page, Measuring Plant Growth. Here are some suggestions on what types of information to record:
    • the date on which each seed germinated
    • how many seeds germinated in each pot
    • the overall health of each plant (give each plant a score from 1 to 5, based on criteria that you develop)
    • the height of each plant
    • the number of leaves on each plant
    • the final root length of each plant
    • the final biomass of each plant
    • the total biomass of each pot
  6. Summarize your data.
    • average the data for the plants in each pot
    • calculate the population density for each pot by dividing the number of plants by the area of the growing surface
    • then average the data for your control pots and your crowded pots
    • collect your summary in a table, and make one or more graphs to illustrate your conclusions
  7. Example Summary Data Table:
    Condition
    (name)
    # of Seeds Planted
    (#)
    # of Seeds Germinated
    (#)
    Population Density
    (#/cm2)
    >Average Height
    (cm)
    Average # of Leaves
    (#)
    Total Biomass
    (g)
    Average Biomass
    (g/plant)
    Pot #1 Control              
    Pot #2 Control              
    Pot #3 Control              
    Pot #4 Crowded              
    Pot #5 Crowded              
    Pot #6 Crowded              

  8. You can also summarize your results by condition by averaging your results for the control pots and the crowded pots.
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Ask an Expert

Do you have specific questions about your science project? Our team of volunteer scientists can help. Our Experts won't do the work for you, but they will make suggestions, offer guidance, and help you troubleshoot.

Global Connections

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) are a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.

This project explores topics key to Life on Land: Sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, halt biodiversity loss.

Variations

  • Do larger seeds need more room to grow than smaller seeds?
  • Do the effects of overcrowding appear earlier/later with larger seeds than with smaller seeds?
  • Are there plants (like grasses) that are not affected by crowding?
  • What happens to the soil in areas of greater plant population density?

Careers

If you like this project, you might enjoy exploring these related careers:

Career Profile
With a growing world population, making sure that there is enough food for everyone is critical. Plant scientists work to ensure that agricultural practices result in an abundance of nutritious food in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. Read more
Career Profile
As the world's population grows larger, it is important to improve the quality and yield of food crops and animal food sources. Agricultural technicians work in the forefront of this very important research area by helping scientists conduct novel experiments. If you would like to combine technology with the desire to see things grow, then read further to learn more about this exciting career. Read more

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Cite This Page

General citation information is provided here. Be sure to check the formatting, including capitalization, for the method you are using and update your citation, as needed.

MLA Style

Science Buddies Staff. "It's Crowded in Here! A Study of Plant Population Density." Science Buddies, 23 June 2020, https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/PlantBio_p011/plant-biology/plant-population-density. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

APA Style

Science Buddies Staff. (2020, June 23). It's Crowded in Here! A Study of Plant Population Density. Retrieved from https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/PlantBio_p011/plant-biology/plant-population-density


Last edit date: 2020-06-23
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