1. Visit to Plewlands Farm 27 th May 2014

2. Testing Water for Nitrogen Why would we test water for nitrogen? Where does it come from? Why is it there? Is it useful and if so why? What happens if there is excess amounts?

3. The effects of different levels of minerals on plant growth

4. Learning Intention; I can explain the effects of fertilisers and their advantages Success Criteria; I can describe what fertilisers are and what they are used for. I can describe the mineral composition of fertilisers I can investigate the effects of different types of fertilisers (with different mineral content) and evaluate their effectiveness.

5. Why do we need fertilisers?

6. Why doesn’t the rainforest need fertilisers?

7. Why plants need minerals When they photosynthesise, plants make carbohydrates which are composed of the elements carbon (C), hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O). To convert these to proteins, the element nitrogen (N) must be added. Most plants obtain their nitrogen from the soil in the form of nitrates. Similarly, to convert carbohydrates to ATP or nucleic acids, the element phosphorous (P) must be added. This is obtained from the soil as phosphates. Potassium (K) and iron (Fe) solutions are also absorbed by plants from the soil for growth.

9. Nutrients Plants need nutrients for healthy growth. Nutrients are absorbed by the roots from the surrounding soil. Nutrients are sometimes called minerals.

10. NutrientImportance of nutrient to plant Chemical Name Symbol Nitrogen NPromotes leaf growth Phosphorus PPromotes root growth Potassium KPromotes growth of flowers and fruit

11. N, K and P play important roles in plant growth and are needed in large quantities so they are called major plant nutrients. Other chemicals are important too, some are needed in tiny amounts so are called trace nutrients e.g iron and magnesium

12. Nitrogen A lack of nitrogen means the plants have small yellow leaves

13. Phosphorus A lack of phosphorus causes small roots, which makes the plant smaller

14. Potassium A lack of potassium causes poor flowers (or fruit) to develop

15. Fertilisers A fertiliser is a substance containing extra supplies of the nutrients needed by growing plants. The quantity of N, P, and K found in fertilisers varies depending on the type and brand of fertiliser.

16. Mineral ratios If a fertiliser had a ratio of 4% nitrogen, 2% phosphorus and 1% potassium it would be written as; –4:2:1 or 4-2-1 If the fertiliser was 100kg then what weight would there be of each mineral? 4% of 100 = 4/100 x 100 = 4kg 2% of 100 = 2/100 x 100 = 2kg 1% of 100 = 1/100 x 100 = 1kg

17. Some fertilisers contain a balance of minerals/nutrients e.g 7-7-7 these are called multipurpose fertilisers. Some fertilisers are used to increase leaf growth so have more nitrogen e.g. 36-6-6. 15-30-15 increases what? Root growth

19. From the information below say how much of each nutrient is present and what part of the plant it helps grow.

21. Now suggest a possible ratio for fertilisers to help. 1.Leaf growth 2.Root growth 3.Flower/fruit growth

22. Mineral Ratios

23. Task Read the fertiliser ratio page in the booklets and answer the questions in your jotter. Try the card sort to test your understanding.

24. Applying Fertilisers Fertilisers can be; –powder –liquid –granules

25. Powder fertilisers This is usually spread around the plant. Sometimes however it might need to be mixed with water first.

26. Liquid fertilisers They are applied directly to soil.

27. Mostly people add concentrated fertiliser to their watering can. However, if the plants are outside heavy rain can wash away the fertiliser.

28. Granules These are small pellets that release nutrients slowly. They usually have a membrane that breaks down to release nutrients stored inside. Heavy rain does not wash away the nutrients. http://www.diytrade.com/china/4/products/1966064/NPK_20-10-10- Granular_fertilizer_grade.html

29. Task You are going to sow radish seed in ‘soil’ containing different conditions and different levels of 3 minerals - nitrates, phosphates and potassium. These minerals are present inside N:P:K fertiliser pellets which slowly release their contents to the surrounding soil. After sowing, the radish seedlings will be kept well watered, in a warm temperature under constant illumination. After 18-21 days they will be harvested and dried. Measuring the dry mass of the plants at the different mineral levels is a reliable indicator of their overall growth.

30. Experiment You are going to use this equipment to plan an experiment to see how different levels of minerals effect overall plant growth. You could also compare fertilisers from natural and artificial sources