The Observation of Green Bush Beans Plant Growth With

Epsom Salt, Ammonia, and Water Solution

Mega Bush Bean Plant

Biology Plant Experiment Project

By Kathy Rucker

April 22, 2016

TABLE OF CONTENT

Introduction……………………………………………….…………………………………...3

Purpose/Questions……………………………………………………………………………..4

Research……………………….………………………………………………………………4

Hypothesis…………………………………………………………………………………..…8

Experiment…………………………………………………………………………………….7

Mega Plant Observation Chart………………………………………………………………...10

Control Plant Observation Chart………………………………………………………………11

Results…………………………………………………………………………………………12

Other Experiments……………………………………………………………………………..12

Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………………..14

Bush Bean Plant by Kathy 2

Mega Bush Bean Plant

Introduction:

“Native to North America, green beans are members of the Leguminocae family and have been

cultivated worldwide for more than 7,000 years. Until the late 19th century, fresh green beans

were not eaten -- the beans were shelled and dried. Green beans grown today typically fall into

one of three categories: bush, pole or half-runners. Common cultivars include "Kentucky

Wonder," "Blue Lake" and "Half-Runner Mountaineer." “Green beans are the third most popular

vegetable grown in home gardens, after tomatoes and peppers, because they are easy to grow

under the correct conditions. For best growth and development, green bean plants need to be

planted in full sun. If you plant them in partial shade, you will get fewer beans.”

Green beans are also known as Bush Beans, Snap beans, and String Beans. String Beans

“because of their fibrous string that ran the length of the pods, but now with improved varieties,

they are really “Stringless” Beans!” Green Beans are said to be the most popular home grown

beans. They are easy to plant, grow in numerous ways, strong and sturdy plants, grow in poor

soil, and ready to eat in seven to eight weeks.”

References:

1. Facts About Green Bean Plant Growth by Rachel Delp, Demand Mediahttp://homeguides.sfgate.com/green-bean-plant-growth-40640.htmlApril 9, 2016

2. Bush Bean Growing Tips, Top 10 Tips For Growing Bush Beans http://www.weekendgardener.net/vegetable-gardening-tips/growing-bush-beans-061006.htmApril 9, 2016

Bush Bean Plant by Kathy 3

Purpose/Question:

The purpose is to conduct a Bush Bean growth experiment with the use of Epsom Salt,

Ammonia, and Water combined as a solution. I would like to know, “Will the plants appear

healthier?” “Will the plants grow faster?” “Will the plants grow larger than average growth?

Research:

Bush Bean Height

Through research I have discovered that “at 1 to 3 feet tall, bush-style green beans don't require a

support structure. Because they are almost as wide as they are tall, even those close to 3 feet

aren't in danger of toppling. Bush beans are ideal if you prefer to harvest a large amount of green

beans at one time for canning or freezing, because they bear large amounts over a short period of

time.”

Epsom Salt and Ammonia Fertilizer

“Magnesium, sulfur and potassium are necessary for strong and healthy plant growth. Sprinkle 1

tablespoon of Epsom Salt at the base of blooming and flowering plants for a good source of

magnesium and sulfates. For a double-whammy fertilizer, mix 1 cup of Epsom salts with 1 cup

of ammonia and add enough water to make a quart of all-purpose plant food that can be us for all

house plants and lawns. Pour leftover tea directly onto your plants or dig the use tea leaves into

the soil for a nutrient-dense food your plants will appreciate.”

Reference:

1. Home Remedies for Plant Food by Judith Docken, Demand Mediahttp://homeguides.sfgate.com/home-remedies-plant-food-71062.htmlApril 12, 2016

Bush Bean Plant by Kathy 4

Ammonia (NH3)

“Ammonia (NH3), colourless, pungent gas composed of nitrogen and hydrogen. It is the simplest

stable compound of these elements and serves as a starting material for the production of many

commercially important nitrogen compounds.”

Uses of Ammonia:

“The major use of ammonia is as a fertilizer. It is most commonly applied directly to the soil

from tanks containing the liquefied gas. The ammonia can be applied directly or in the form of

ammonium salts, such as ammonium nitrate, NH4NO3, ammonium sulfate, (NH4)2SO4, and

various ammonium phosphates. Urea, (H2N) 2C=O, is also used as a source of nitrogen for

fertilizer.”

Reference:

1. http://www.britannica.com/science/ammoniaApril 17, 2016

Epsom Salt (MgSO4)

“Magnesium sulfate, MgSO4, is a colourless crystalline substance formed by the reaction of

magnesium hydroxide with sulfur dioxide and air. A hydrate form of magnesium sulfate called

kieserite, MgSO4∙H2O, occurs as a mineral deposit. Synthetically prepared magnesium sulfate is

sold as Epsom salt, MgSO4∙7H2O.”

Uses of Epsom salt:

“It is used in the production of Epsom salt and as a fertilizer, the overall global annual usage in

agriculture in the mid 1970s was 2.3 million tons.”

Bush Bean Plant by Kathy 5

“Fertilize your garden using Epsom salt. Looking for the richest, most delicious fruits and

vegetables this season? Add Epsom salt to your regular watering routine to not only boost flavor,

but also color and even size.”

References:

1. http://www.britannica.com/science/magnesium-sulfate April 9, 2016

2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KieseriteApril 9, 2016

3. http://www.wikihow.com/Use-Epsom-SaltApril 9, 2016

Bean, Blue Lake 274 Bush

Plump, tender pods 5 to 6" long, with white seeds.

Full Description

“Blue Lake 274 is an all-time favorite bean that's nearly fiber-free, produces prolifically over a

long season and has excellent flavor, fresh or frozen. A heavy producer over a long season, it's

excellent fresh or frozen. Plants yield early and need no support. One 2 oz. seed pack will sow a

row of about 20'. Our seed is not treated.”

Reference:

1. https://www.burpee.com/vegetables/beans/bean-blue-lake-274-bush-prod000576.htmlApril 17, 2016

Tap Water

“Tap water is often culturally assumed to be drinking water, especially in developed countries.

Usually it is potable, although water quality problems are not rare. Household water purification

Bush Bean Plant by Kathy 6

methods such as water filters, boiling, or distillation can be used when tap water's portability is

doubted. The application of technologies (such as water treatment plants) involved in providing

clean water to homes, businesses, and public buildings is a major subfield of sanitary

engineering. Calling a water supply "tap water" distinguishes it from the other main types of

fresh water which may be available; these include water from rainwater-collecting cisterns, water

from village pumps or town pumps, or water carried from streams, rivers, or lakes (whose

portability may vary).”

Reference:

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tap_waterApril 19, 2016

Top Soil

Topsoil is the extreme upper part of the Earth’s surface, extending downward only 2 – 12 inches

(5.08 – 30.48 centimeters). It is inextricably intertwined with ecosystem stability, because it

contains the necessary minerals and nutrients that living things — including the plants that

directly or indirectly support thousands of species — require. Formed through natural processes,

it has multiple uses and varies in terms of composition. People often add different items, such as

manure, to make it more fertile and suitable for specific needs. Environmentalists have concerns

about how to sustain it and keep it free from contamination.

Reference:

1. http://www.wisegeek.org/what-is-topsoil.htm

Bush Bean Plant by Kathy 7

Hypothesis:

The Mega Bush Bean Plant, a plant bigger and taller than the average Bush Bean plant. Have

you ever wondered how a Bush Bean plant would look if it could grow in a size bigger than the

average size of a Bush Bean plant ever grown? Well let’s say that a Bush Bean plant can grow

almost twice the size of 3 feet tall. By use of Epsom Salt and Ammonia I can create a plant food

fertilizer that can make the Bush Bean grow faster, taller, and stronger; which will make the

plant taller than 3 feet. Epsom salt contains magnesium and sulfur; Ammonia contains nitrogen

both contain part of the necessary nutrients that are needed for bean plant growth. Together both

can have a double food fertilizer effect on healthy plant growth.

Reference:

1. Regular Height of a Green Bean Plant by Ellen Douglas, Demand Mediahttp://homeguides.sfgate.com/regular-height-green-bean-plant-58288.htmlApril 12, 2016

Material Used:

6 Vegetable Bean Bush, Blue Lake 274,

800ml Topsoil

30ml Home Sense Ammonia

20ml Epsom Salt

(2) 600ml Plant Pot

340ml Tap Water

Bush Bean Plant by Kathy 8

Experiment:

1. Prepare (2) 600ml Plant Pots and 1 label Mega Plant and 1 label Control Plant

2. Put 300ml of Topsoil in each pot

3. Put 3 Vegetable Bean Bush seeds 1 inch apart on top of Topsoil in each pot

4. Cover seeds with 100ml of Topsoil in each pot

5. Water each plant with 40ml of Tap Water

6. Sat plants next to window that gets the most sunlight

7. Observe plant for 31 and follow a Tap Water, Epsom, and Ammonia Solution/Tap Water schedule of observation as follows:

Bush Bean Plant by Kathy 9

Mega PlantDate Wk Day Observation Day Solution Height3/16/ 2016 Wed Plant Started 1 40ml Water None3/17/ 2016 Thurs No Activity 23/18/ 2016 Fri No change 3 70ml Water None3/19/ 2016 Sat No Activity 43/20/ 2016 Sun No Activity 53/21/ 2016 Mon 2 Green Bean Stems slight out of soil, 1 Green Bean No Activity 6 40ml Water 1/ 4 inch3/22/ 2016 Tues No Activity 73/23/ 2016 Wed 2 Plants show leaves, 1 stem only, colors green 8 20ml Water, 10ml Epsom(2) 1 inch

Salt, 20ml Ammonia (1) 1/ 4 inch3/24/ 2016 Thurs No Activity 93/25/ 2016 Fri 2 Plants show leaves, 1 stem only, colors green 10 10ml Water, 5ml Epsom (1) 3 inch

Salt, 5ml Ammonia (1) 2 3/ 4 inch(1) 3/ 4 inch Stem

3/26/ 2016 Sat No Activity 113/27/ 2016 Sun No Activity 123/28/ 2016 Mon 2 Plants show leaves, 1 stem only, colors green 13 10ml Water, 5ml Epsom (1) 3 1/ 4 inch

Salt, 5ml Ammonia (1) 3 inch(1) 3/ 4 inch Stem

3/29/ 2016 Tues No Activity3/30/ 2016 Wed 2 Plants show leaves, 1 stem only, colors green 15 40ml Water No change3/31/ 2016 Thurs No Activity 164/1/ 2016 Fri 2 Plants show leaves, 1 stem only, colors green 17 70ml Water No change4/2/ 2016 Sat No Activity 184/3/ 2016 Sun No Activity 194/4/ 2016 Mon No Activity 204/5/ 2016 Tues No Activity 214/6/ 2016 Wed No Activity 224/7/ 2016 Thurs No Activity 234/8/ 2016 Fri No Activity 244/9/ 2016 Sat No Activity 254/10/ 2016 Sun No Activity 264/11/ 2016 Mon 2 Plants show leaves, 1 stem only, colors green, 27 40ml Water No change

Plants look like rubber and hard. Leaves have white cristals on them. Plants appear to have stop growing, will continue to water plants and try to get them to continue growing.

4/12/ 2016 Tues No Activity 284/13/ 2016 Wed 2 Plants show leaves, 1 stem only, colors green, 29 No Solution No change

Plants look like rubber and hard. Leaves have white cristals on them.

4/14/ 2016 Thurs No Activity 304/15/ 2016 Fri 2 Plants show leaves, 1 stem only, stems color green, 31 No Solution No change

Plants look like rubber and hard. Leaves have white cristals on them with yellow and green color.

******* ****** End of Experiment ******************* *** **************** **********

Bush Bean Plant by Kathy 10

Control Plant

Date Wk Day Observation Day Solution Height3/ 16/2016 Wed Plant Started 1 40ml Water None3/ 17/2016 Thurs No Activity 23/ 18/2016 Fri No change 3 70ml Water None3/ 19/2016 Sat No Activity 43/ 20/2016 Sun No Activity 53/ 21/2016 Mon 3 Green Bean Stems slightly out of soil 6 40ml Water (2) 1 inch

(1) 1 3/ 4 inch3/ 22/2016 Tues No Activity 73/ 23/2016 Wed All have Leaves and our green 8 70ml Water (1) 1 1/ 2 inch

(1) 1 3/ 4 inch(1) 3 inch

3/ 24/2016 Thurs No Activity 93/ 25/2016 Fri All have Leaves and our green 10 40ml Water (1) 4 inch

(1) 2 3/ 4 inch(1) 3 inch

3/ 26/2016 Sat No Activity 113/ 27/2016 Sun No Activity 123/ 28/2016 Mon All plants seems to be growing quickly, healthy and green 13 40ml Water (1) 7 inch

(1) 3 inch(1) 4 inch

3/ 29/2016 Tues No Activity3/ 30/2016 Wed Plants still growing healthy and green 15 No Solution No change3/ 31/2016 Thurs No Activity 164/ 1/ 2016 Fri Green and healthy 17 70ml Water No change4/ 2/ 2016 Sat No Activity 184/ 3/ 2016 Sun No Activity 194/ 4/ 2016 Mon No Activity 204/ 5/ 2016 Tues No Activity 214/ 6/ 2016 Wed No Activity 224/ 7/ 2016 Thurs No Activity 234/ 8/ 2016 Fri No Activity 244/ 9/ 2016 Sat No Activity 254/ 10/2016 Sun No Activity 264/ 11/2016 Mon Grown more, healthy, and green 27 No Solution (1) 12 inch

Topsoil moist (1) 7 inch(1) 5 inch

4/ 12/2016 Tues No Activity 284/ 13/2016 Wed Plant Topsoil Dry, Plants Green in need of water 29 70ml Water No change4/ 14/2016 Thurs No Activity 304/ 15/2016 Fri All Green Leafs but one yellow 31 No Solution No change******* ****** End of Experiment ******************* *** **************** **********

Bush Bean Plant by Kathy 11

Results:

During the 31-day observation, it was discovered that the Mega Plant growth stopped. The

Epsom Salt, Ammonia, and Tap Water Solution did not increase plant growth, create a stronger

plant, or make the plant grow larger/taller. The solution appears to stop plant growth. The

Control Plant, which water only solution was used, increased in growth; create a healthy and

green plant. If the experiment is repeated, the following may change the results of the Mega

Plant:

Decrease the ml of Epsom Salt and Ammonia

Water plant once by-weekly with the Epsom Salt, Ammonia, and Water Solution.

Other Experiments Used of Solution:

Ammonia & etc. fertilizer... how much?

Brendi July 31, 2009 Forums2.gardenweb.com/discussions/1513696/ammonia-and-etc-fertilizer-how-much

I found this recipe for lawn fertilizer and was wondering if, since I am not much good at doing

math, could someone please help me break this down as to how much of it to place into ONE 32

fluid ounce hose-end sprayer; the kind that comes with pre-mixed weed and feed type container

that attaches to a garden hose. (Like the ones that can be bought at Walmart & etc.) I read that

ammonia is pure nitrogen. I need to be careful not to burn my lawn, which is why I am asking for

help. I do not need 32 gallons of it. I just want enough of it to go into a 32 fluid ounce container

and be able to use my garden hose attached to it. Thanks.

Bush Bean Plant by Kathy 12

To make 32 gallons/145 liters

16 tablespoons Epsom salts

8 fl. oz. /225ml household ammonia

Water

Combine the Epsom salts and ammonia in a clean jar. To use, mix 2 tablespoons of the mixture

with 16 pints/ 9 liters of water in a watering can. Sprinkle over 150-200 sqft/14-18.6 sqm of

lawn. For use with a hose attachment, pour into the sprayer container.

Elite Craft Homes: Custom Homes: The Grass is Always...

www.elitecrafthomes.com/outdoors/the-grass-is-always-greener/

Add three gallons of warm water and let steep in the sun for one week. You can then apply with your

hose sprayer or by sprinkling onto your lawn. RECIPE #3: Mix 16 tablespoons of Epsom salts with 8

ounces of household ammonia, ½ cup liquid dishwashing soap, and then water. Evenly spray across your

lawn.

Not only does a lush, green lawn look impressive and add wonderful curb appeal to your home, but it

helps the environment in ways you may not have guessed.  For example, a healthy lawn has a cooling

effect helping to keep the environment much cooler. It will also help trap dust and dirt which can be

responsible for allergies. And an area just 50 feet x 50 feet can help absorb ozone, carbon dioxide,

hydrogen fluoride, and sulfur dioxide while providing enough oxygen for a family of four.

Bush Bean Plant by Kathy 13

Conclusion:

After 31 days of observation of stages of plant growth using solution made of Epsom Salt,

Ammonia, and Water as a fertilizer; it has been discovered that this solution can be proven

wrong. That this solution is not always a great choose for a fertilizer. Trying the experiment

again, using different amounts of solution, and using the solution once or twice a month may

observe a different affect. The control plant when water is used only, have enough nutrients in

the topsoil to create a healthy plant. In conclusion, try the experiment observation again.

Bush Bean Plant by Kathy 14