The Effects of Microwaves on Plant Growth
The purpose of this experiment was to test if microwaves have an effect on plant growth rate, and how much exposure yields the highest growth rate. A plant’s seeds are formed with a waterproof coating on the outside of the seed. This coating breaks down over time in the soil, allowing for the seed to then sprout. According to background research, microwaving seeds is predicted to break down this coating immediately, allowing for faster growth rates. To test this hypothesis, several trials of seeds were microwaved at different intervals and monitored for daily growth of stems in centimeters, day the first seed sprouted, and number of plants sprouted. Each group was given the same amount of water and access to sunlight. Several varieties of seeds were used such as: radish, cabbage, marigold, green bean and cantaloupe. The control group for this experiment was the seeds that were not microwaved. Based on the results for these experiments, it was determined that microwaving most types of seeds for 5 seconds resulted in the most average seeds sprouted and longest stem lengths produced. Experimental trial data shows that 5 seconds of microwaving resulted in the longest average stem lengths, as well as the longest stem length recorded at 43.2 cm. The results of this experiment are quite important to the agricultural field of study, and agricultural scientists. With this knowledge, farmers can use this information to help grow certain crops more quickly and effectively. Scientists can also use this information to perform experiments involving plant growth quicker, and to test other effects on plants that were tested during this experiment, such as long term effects on plants’ fruit production.