HORT 101
Fundamentals of Horticulture
Plant Nutrition Lab Exercise
Name: Stephanie Hartranft
Lab Meeting Time: Tues. 11:30-1:20
Observations and Analysis
Experiment #1
1.
(8 points) Prepare column graphs showing the effects (measured as dry weight) of different
concentrations of Hoaglund's nutrient solution on growth of both species. (One graph for
each species. Put concentration on the x-axis; average dry weight on the y-axis.)
2.
(4 points) Describe the symptoms (those you observed on the experimental plants)
associated with 1) insufficient supply of nutrients [0X] and 2) excess supply of nutrients
[10X]. Were the symptoms the same for both species used in this experiment? [Do not give
simply a textbook listing of expected symptoms.]
For my observation of the Sweet Corn Zea Mays ‘Early Sunglow’ for week five in
relation to the OX with an insufficient supply of nutrients, I observed five plants where they
had an average of red stems and brownish leaves. During week seven, I observed the same
plants on average having small height meaning they are not growing properly. Also, they had
purple stems and purple stripes through the veins. My observation of the 10X with an excess
supply of nutrients for the Sweet Corn Zea Mays ‘Early Sunglow,’ I observed in week five
three plants where they had an average of green stems with a hint of red and green leaves
with browning at the edges. During week seven, I observed the same plants on average
having smaller height with some yellowing and browning. Also, I observed slight leaf
curling.
For my observation of the Radish Raphinus sativus ’Cherry Belle’ for week five in
relation to the OX with an insufficient supply of nutrients, I observed eight plants smaller in
size compared to the 10X and the 1X (control) with an average of green leaf color. During
week seven, I observed the same plants on average being very small and having leaf curling.
My observation of the 10X with an excess supply of nutrients for the Radish Raphinus
sativus ’Cherry Belle,’ I observed one plant (only one grew) with green leaf color. During
week seven, I observed the same plants officially being dead! The symptoms were not the
same for both species used in this experiment although there were a few similarities.
Experiment 2
3.
(10 points) For each species, what symptoms (those you observed on the experimental
plants) were associated with the absence (or deficiency) of each nutrient? Give your answer
in table form. Use separate columns for each species and individual rows for each nutrient
deficiency (nitrogen, phosphorus, iron, magnesium and micronutrients). Include a row for
the control plants grown in 1X Hoaglund's solution which provides a comparison. Also
include the average dry weight per plant for each treatment within the table you make.
Sweet Corn Zea mays ‘Early Sunglow’
Treatment
1X
Week 5- Observations Week 7- Observations



1X-N
1X-P
1X-Mg











5 plants
Yellow and
green veins
Green stem
with hint of
red
New growth
tallest
6 plants
Red stem
Smallest
height
Thin
6 plants
Red stem
Brownishyellow leaves
5 plants
Red stem
Average Plant Dry
Weight (g)
1.55



think stalk
new growth
purple veins
on bottom




6 plants
Small growth
Purple
Browning
0.05


6 plants
Lots of
browning
0.45




5 plants
Lighter green
Leaf curling
Purple stalk
1.26
1X-Fe
1X-Micros







6 plants
Green stem
with hint of
red
Widest leaves
Bright veins
5 plants
Green stem
with more hint
of red
Green leaves





6 plants
Striping
Lighter green
Leaf curling
New growth
2.05



5 plants
Leaf curling
browning
.86
Radish Raphinus sativus ‘Cherry Belle’
Treatment
1X
Week 5Observations
 9 plants
 Green leaf
color
Week 7- Observations



1X-N





4 plants
Small growth
Lighter green
color
Small leaves
Bright red
veins





1X-P




1X-Mg




3 plants
Normal green
color
Larger leaves
New growth


6 plants
Larger growth
Larger leaves
Normal green
color




Browning and
yellowing
Some new
growth
Purple stems
in younger
plants
3 small plants
Red and
purple stems
and veins
Leaf curling
New leaves
are light green,
without the
purplish veins
Light green
leaves
2 plants
Browning on
old leaves
Leaf curling
New leaf
growth
Yellowing
New growth
Average Plant Dry
Weight (g)
0.16
0.03
0.1
0.21
1X-Fe





New growth
4 plants
Large leaves
Normal green
color
New growth





1X-Micros




6 plants
Normal green
color leaves
Large leaves
New growth


Lighter green
leaves in spots
Browning
Leaf curling
Stem coloring
irregular
Newer growth
has darker
leaves and
purple veins
and stems
Brown
spotting
New growth
0.23
0.27
Conclusions
4.
(3 points) Will plant growth and development be limited if any one element is deficient,
even if all other elements are present in ample quantities? What does this mean for
horticulturists or others who are growing plants?
Plant growth and development will be limited if any one element is deficient even if all
other elements are present in ample quantities. For horticulturists or others who are growing
plants this means to grow plants efficiently there needs to be all needed elements present for
the life cycle of a plant. When growing plants people should watch for symptoms of
elements that are lacking and try to fix this accordingly, such as using fertilizers, to have
healthy developing plants.
Putting theory into practice
5.
(2 points) Typically, the element nitrogen accounts for between 2.5 and 4.5 percent of plant
tissue dry weight. (The quantities of most other elements would be even lower.) Yet when
nitrogen was omitted from the nutrient solution, the reduction in plant dry weight was much
greater than 4.5 percent. This can be seen by looking at the graph of dry weights. Why does
the lack of nitrogen have such a great affect? What is the function of nitrogen in plants?
Nitrogen is a (primary) macronutrient which means it is required in large amounts.
Nitrogen is used in plants for proteins, chlorophyll, and DNA and RNA. Also, nitrogen is
mobile, can move in the plant, so when there is a lack of nitrogen the symptoms will show
on the older leaves versus the newer ones.
6.
(2 points) Observations of our plants can be used to diagnose nutrient deficiencies in the
field, landscape or greenhouse. Based on your observations in this experiment, which
nutrient is likely to be deficient in the plants described below:
A) The plant is stunted compared to a healthy control. Older leaves are dying while younger
leaves are dark green. The petioles and leaves may have a reddish or purplish color.
From my observations and conclusions, I believe the plant has a nitrogen deficiency.
B) The plant is generally chlorotic compared to a healthy control plant, and this is more
pronounced in younger leaves. In corn, the leaves have yellow and green stripes.
From my observations and conclusions, I believe the plant has an iron deficiency.