Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

I have so many questions!
My project is "Which Environmental Adjustment Has the Greatest Effect on Seed Germination?"
- How would I test pH?
- How would I test temperature?
- How would I test amount of sunlight?
- Do I need a heat lamp to grow the seeds indoors, or can I place them by a window?
- I looked at all of the websites about radish seeds, but when it comes to watering none of them give any measurements. Does this really matter or can I simply make sure the seeds are moistened each day?
- When it comes to testing germination, can I record my data by pulling back the soil and observing any external changes the seed has gone through?
I have to write background information in the introduction to my paper, and I need to know what effect each variable has on germination so that I can make my hypothesis. For example, I know that water is a catalyst that begins the processes in the seed that move germination along. Where could I find information on the other variables (temperature, pH, etc)?

Sorry I have so many, but thanks to anyone who can help me.

Hi,

Here is a very simple method of testing seed germination:

http://www.yougrowgirl.com/grow/seed_test.php

- How would I test pH?

You test pH with wide range pH paper or a pH meter. Try visiting a garden store and wee shat they have for sale.

- How would I test temperature?

The usuussal method is a thermometer.

- How would I test amount of sunlight?

You could just observe the weather. Is the sky clear, overcast, or cloudy.. Alternatively use use a photographic lignt meter.

- Do I need a heat lamp to grow the seeds indoors, or can I place them by a window?

You will have better temperature control with a heat lamp, but seeds will germinate on a sunny winsill just fine.

- I looked at all of the websites about radish seeds, but when it comes to watering none of them give any measurements. Does this really matter or can I simply make sure the seeds are moistened each day?

See the link above. Just wrapping the seeds in moist paper towels and storing in a sealed plastic bag is probably the simplest method..

When it comes to testing germination, can I record my data by pulling back the soil and observing any external changes the seed has gone through?
I have to write background information in the introduction to my paper, and I need to know what effect each variable has on germination so that I can make my hypothesis. For example, I know that water is a catalyst that begins the processes in the seed that move germination along. Where could I find information on the other variables (temperature, pH, etc)?

Here are some resources on variables affecting seed germination:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germination

http://www.woodrow.org/teachers/esi/199 ... nation.htm

http://books.google.com/books?id=hT8rAA ... ion&f=true

http://biology.arizona.edu/sciconn/less ... ch_sec.htm

Hope this helps.

Have fun with this great project!

Best regards,


Barrett L. Tomlinson