Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hello, I am a high school science research student and I am doing a project on the effect of alfalfa in remediating oil-contaminated water in the presence of oil-eating bacteria. Alfalfa is a know phytoremediator and I plan to use hydroponics to grow the alfalfa in oil-contaminated water. Recently, I have checked the local nurseries but none of them sell alfalfa plants that are already grown. Additionally, I would like help with setting up a simple hydroponics system. Is there a botanist in Southern Calfornia that could help me with this?

Thank you for your time!

Moose 121:
The planet needs more of your initative: "By 2020, our vegetables, fruits and flowers will be farmed in multi-storey urban centres. Land is scarce, the population is racing towards 9 billion, transport is a nightmare and consumers demand quality from their supermarkets."

First your seed connection: Park Seed for Medicago sativa L.
[url] http://www.parkseed.com
Second your oil eating bacteria diet: methane monooxygenase (MMO) system responsible for this digestive phenomenon.
[/url]http://web.mit.edu/lippardlab/
Third your Alfalfa lucerne diet:Mineral constituents identified by chemical analysis include (av. values, dry basis): calcium (CaO) 2.80, phosphorus (P2O5) 0.74, potassium (K2O) 4.11, sodium (Na2O) 0.35, and magnesium (MgO) 0.44%: trace elements; barium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, lead, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, silver, strontium, tin, titanium, vanadium, and zinc
http://www.pnas.org/cgi/content/abstrac ... ! Michael

Moose121,

It is actually quite easy to grow your own alfalfa. Alfalfa seeds can be germinated in a glass or plastic jar.

Here is a website that describes how: http://www.backyardnature.net/simple/alf-spr.htm.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Do nurseries or farming stores sell already-grown alfalfa plants?
Thank you for the links. They've been really helpful.

Michael: for the nutrient solutions you have provided, they should be available for sale right?

Try your local supermarket for sprouts in the produce section.
http://www.sproutpeople.com/seed/alfalf ... FloraGro.