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Hello,
As new semester begins, we were asked to propose ideas for investigatory projects. Our idea revolves around the effects of pesticides on non-target organisms. Since frequent use of pesticides may potentially affect the health of the soil, we chose the earthworms as our target organism. To carry this out we would experiment on their growth. Our experimental set-up was revolves around it. Two containers (Container A-Control, Container B-Experimental) would be filled with soil and other things that are essential for worms to live. In container A, normal soil would be used. On container B, we would spray pesticide on the soil and mix them so that it really gets in the soil. After that, we would place the worms (5 each container). The allotted time for data gathering and analysis is 3 weeks. Given this situation, we would observe the behavior of the worm each day for 10 to 14 days (depending on our schedule) and their growth on the last day by measuring their length, weight, and describing their color. I think that our set-up is logical instead of finding farms that sprayed pesticide for the last 20 or so years which is difficult in our situation. I would really love to hear your thoughts on this one. Also, can you recommend other variables we can measure for the growth if ever our method is viable? Thank you very much!
Pesticides and Non-Target Organism (Investigatory Project Idea)
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Re: Pesticides and Non-Target Organism (Investigatory Project Idea)
Hi,
Your project seems OK as you describe it. I would suggest maybe trying an herbicide and fungicide as well as pesticide. Also, be careful with the dosing. Try to use the amount of the product that is recommended for a normal application. Otherwise you may put on so much that your results become meaningless.
Earthworm 'behavior' is something you can try to measure, but unless you have a way of monitoring the pots all the time it is going to be hard to say what is 'normal' behavior in an earthworm. I would stick to quantifiable variables like weight, length, and reproductive status.
If we can help you with the details, do let us know.
Sybee
Your project seems OK as you describe it. I would suggest maybe trying an herbicide and fungicide as well as pesticide. Also, be careful with the dosing. Try to use the amount of the product that is recommended for a normal application. Otherwise you may put on so much that your results become meaningless.
Earthworm 'behavior' is something you can try to measure, but unless you have a way of monitoring the pots all the time it is going to be hard to say what is 'normal' behavior in an earthworm. I would stick to quantifiable variables like weight, length, and reproductive status.
If we can help you with the details, do let us know.
Sybee