CONTENTS

Sl.No Subject Page Number

1 Aim of The project
2 Introduction
3 Hypothesis
4 Plant Development
5 Germination Of Seeds
6 Conditions Required for seed
Germination
7 Urea and its effects on plants
8 Apparatus Required
9 Procedure
10 Observation Table
11 Inference
12 Results and Analysis
13 Conclusion
14 Bibliography
INTRODUCTION
Recently increases the demands of the fresh vegetables in day to day life of human
being because the vegetable plants and human being have unique relationship since
time immemorial and they played vital role in the human life. People should
consume several hundred grammes of plant-based diet a day since it is a good
source of nutrients and dietary fibre. A plant-based diet – focusing mainly on
vegetables, fruits and whole grains – has become one of the most important
guidelines for lowering the risk of human diseases. Therefore, need to improve the
nutritive value of the final products of vegetables plant. The important
contributions of the nineteenth Century, experimental plant physiology to
agriculture was discovery that soil fertility and crop yields could be increased by
adding several nutrients to the soil. Even though crop plants require micronutrients
in very minute quantities, their deficiencies may affect fundamental physiological
and biochemical processes, leading to drastic reductions in yield . Hence, some
common fertilizers are used to increase the crop production. One of the most
important and common fertilizers in them is urea. It is also called as the king of
fertilizers since it has the ability to supply plants with adequate nitrogen and it can
adapt to all types of soils.
AIM OF THE PROJECT
To study the effect of different concentrations of urea on the rate of
germination, elongation of hypocotyl and the length of root.
HYPOTHESIS
Fertilizers like urea increase the growth rate of plants, both epigeal and
hypogeal. However there is a limit to nutrient intake and excess use of
fertilizers can have negative effects on plant growth.

APPARATUS REQUIRED
• Bean seeds,
• five Petri dishes,
• beaker,
• cotton,
• measuring cylinder,
• weighing balance and
• urea as a fertilizer.

PROCEDURE
1) Around 10 bean seeds were soaked in water for a day.

2) 5 Petri dishes A, B, C, D, E were taken and moist cotton was kept in them.

3) Different concentrations i.e. 0.5%, 1.5%, 2.5% and 3% solutions of urea were

made by dissolving 0.5 gm, 1.5 gm, 2.5gm, 3gm, of urea in 100ml of water

respectively.

4) 2 castor beans were put in each Petri dish. 0.5%, 1.5%, 2.5% and 3% of

prepared urea solution was put in 4 Petri dishes A, B, C, D respectively. No

urea was put in E as it is the control.

PLANT DEVELOPMENT

• COTYLEDONS- It is the embryonic leaf in seed-bearing plants, one or

more of which are the first leaves to appear from a germinating seed.
• HYPOCOTYL – The part of shoot below cotyledons is called
hypocotyls.
• EPICOTYL- The part of shoot above cotyledons is called epicotyls.
• RADICLE- The radicle is the first part of a seedling (a growing plant
embryo) to emerge from the seed during the process of germination.
OBSERVATION TABLE
S. No Features Days Control Fertilizers

0.5% 1.5% 2.5% 3%

1 Length of hypocotyl(in cm) 1 1 1.5 2.0 1.4 0.8

2 2 1.5 2.5 2..8 2 1.5

3 3 2.2 3.8 4.0 2.5 1.8

4 4 2.6 4.6 5.0 2.8 2.0

Length of root(in cm)

1 1 2.2 2.8 2.6 2.3 2.1

2 2 3.4 4.0 3.6 3.0 2.8

3 3 5.0 5.3 4.8 4.0 3.7

4 4 7.0 6.8 5.8 5.2 4.7

INFERENCE
In the first day of observation the length of hypocotyl of the control was around 1
cm and showed normal growth on successive days. On the other hand in the plant
where only 0.5% urea was used grew faster than the control. The plant having a
slightly high concentration of urea i.e. 1.5% grew even faster and better, producing
impressive results. The length of its hypocotyl reached around 3 cm on the fourth
day. This accounts to four times the normal growth rate of the hypocotyl of the
control. Surprisingly the plant with 2.5% of urea content was not able to grow as
fast as the one with 1.5% urea. This contrary to the assumption that high
concentration of urea implies high growth rate. This in other words means that
there is always a capacity to nitrogen intake in plants. The last plant with 3.0%
urea showed negative growth results to our surprise. It had stunted growth of
hypocotyl, even less than the control. Although the hypocotyl grew quickly in case
of the plants with high urea concentration their leaves were very late to grow
properly. The leaves of the control grew properly. This observation depicts the
negative effects of excess urea on plant growth.

The scenario was a bit different when the root of the plants was accounted for. The
plant with 0.5% urea accounted for 2.8cm of root length on the first day of
observation, only 0.6cm more than that of the control. In the plant where 1.5% of
the urea was used, showed a better root growth than control and the one with only
5% urea. But the plant with 2.5% urea and 3.0% urea showed less growth than the
first two. The last plant with 3.0% urea showed lesser root growth even in
comparison with the control. Hence our hypothesis that there is always a capacity
for nitrogen intake holds true and high nitrogen intake affects the plants too in
many ways. Most importantly it was noticed from observations that in the plants
where urea was used, the difference in root lengths in successive days more
compared to that of control. In other words the length of root in successive days
increased.

RESULTS AND ANALYSIS

When nitrogen is applied to the soil as urea, it sets off a series of reactions. First,
enzymes in the soil transform the urea nitrogen to ammonia nitrogen, which reacts
with soil to become ammonium nitrogen. The microorganisms then convert the
ammonium into nitrate nitrogen. Hence the plants with concentrations of urea grew
faster due to availability of nitrogen and showed impressive results. But as stated
in the inference there is always a limit to hydrogen intake in plants. Also H+ ions
are released during the conversion of nitrogen to water soluble forms, which if in
excess affect the pH of the system. A slight increase or decrease in pH can affect
the growth of plants adversely. Hence we see negative growth i.e. growth less than
the control in case of the plant with 3% urea concentration. Additionally, Urea kills
off all beneficial soil bacteria which are needed to breakdown the nutrients needed
by plants. High level of nitrogen due to plants is like ‘force feeding’ and eventually
leads to other side effects. High Nitrogen High nitrogen causes rapid growth.
Rapid growth without proper nutrition causes more stress which in turn restricts
more nutrition from being absorbed by plants. High nitrogen also attracts insects
that have mutated to handle plants that have such rapid growth.

Energy used for large leaf growth stifles the root system below with high nitrogen
soil levels. Roots slow their naturally spreading habit since they do not have the
necessary nutrients to use as energy as the elements are redirected upward. As a
result, the plant may be destabilized in its soil position; if it is tall enough, it may
blow over in heavy winds. Additionally, stressed roots invite disease through soil
pathogens as well. In the end, both leaves and roots succumb to nitrogen-induced
stresses that damage the plant throughout its length.
As the concentration of urea decreased in the system with time the roots grew
longer since it nitrogen was not as easily found in the top layer and not as
comfortably available for them. This explains our inference that ‘the difference in
root lengths in successive days more compared to that of control’.

CONDITIONS REQUIRED
FOR SEED GERMINATION
Some of the major factors necessary for seed germination in plants are as
follows:

External Factors:
1. Water:
Germination cannot occur unless and until the seed is provided with an external
supply of water.

Water is absorbed by a dry seed through the micro Pyle and the seed coat. Water
performs a number of functions during the germination of seeds.

(a) It softens seed coat and makes it permeable. Increased permeability allows
better gaseous exchange.
(b) Water activates the protoplasm of the seed cells.

(c) Insoluble food materials get solubilised in the presence of water which then
diffuses from the storage region to the embryo axis.

(d) Several enzymes which are essential for growth and germination develop only
in the presence of water.

2. Oxygen:
Aeration of the soil is absolutely necessary for the germination of the seed because
oxygen is necessary for the aerobic respiration by which the seeds get the requisite
energy for the growth of the embryo.
3. Temperature:
Seeds normally germinate within a wide temperature range. However, freshly
harvested seeds of several plants germinate only within a narrow temperature range
which widens only when after-ripening has taken place.

4. Light:
Plants differ as to the effect of light on their germination. Seeds of many plants are
light indifferent or nonphotoblastic, i.e., they are not influenced in the germination
by the presence or absence of light. Most of our important crop plants belong to
this category. The seeds which are affected by light are described as photoblastic.

Sensitivity to light is a specific character. The photoblastic seeds are of two types,
positively photoblastic or light sensitive and negatively photoblastic or light hard.
The positively photoblastic seeds require light for germination, e.g., lettuce,
tobacco, many grasses and several epiphytes. The negatively photoblastic seeds
cannot germinate in the presence of light e.g., Tomato, Onion, Lily, etc.
5. Other factors:
Many orchids and other plants exhibit seed germination only when an appropriate
fungus partner is available. Seeds of some parasitic plants will similarly grow only
in the vicinity of their host roots because the latter excrete certain growth
hormones. Seeds of some aquatic plants germinate only at low or acidic pH.

Internal Factors:
1. Vitality:
The ability of a seed to germinate when provided with optimum condition is
described as vitality of the seeds. It is dependent upon its stored food, size, health,
etc.
2. Longevity or viability:
With the passage of time a seed loses it power to germinate. Thus each seed has
longevity or a period within which it can show renewal of growth or germination.
Most of the crop plants lose their viability within 2-5 years.
Legumes ordinarily retain their viability for longer periods. A number of seeds
have been recorded to remain viable even after 100 years, (e.g., Trifolium,
Astragalus, Mimosa species). Many species remain viable only for one season,
e.g., Birch, Elm, tea.

3. Dormancy:
It is due to the internal conditions of the seed. It is, therefore, also described as
the inhibition of the germination due to the internal conditions in an otherwise
viable seed. These internal restrictions must be offset before germination can
occur in dormant seeds.
Germination of seeds
Germination is the beginning of growth of a seed. The seed must have the right
level of warmth and moisture to begin to germinate. First, the seed leaves absorb
moisture which allows the food reserves to become available to the new plant. It
can then produce a root so that it can find its own water, followed by a shoot which
develops from the plumule, which will allow it to absorb light. The plant needs
both water and light to grow.

Sometimes, the seed leaves, or cotyledons, remain below the surface of the soil, as
in germination of a Pea, below. This is called Hypogeal Germination.

In some species, the seed leaves remain on the new shoot and are brought above
the ground, as in germination of the Ash tree, below. This is called Epigeal
Germination.
UREA AND ITS EFFECT ON
PLANTS
Urea is an inexpensive form of nitrogen fertilizer with an NPK (nitrogen-
phosphorus-potassium) ratio of 46-0-0. Although urea is naturally produced in
humans and animals, synthetic urea is manufactured with anhydrous ammonia.
Although urea often offers gardeners the most nitrogen for the lowest price on the
market, special steps must be taken when applying urea to the soil to prevent the
loss of nitrogen through a chemical reaction.

How to Use Urea

When urea is placed on the surface of the soil, a chemical reaction takes place that
changes the urea to ammonium bicarbonate. The ammonium will convert into a
gas, which is then lost if not protected. This means that urea should be mixed in
with the soil for maximum effectiveness. This may be done either by broadcasting
the urea then plowing it into the soil immediately or by injecting the urea into the
soil. This may also be done by broadcasting urea then irrigating heavily to push
dissolved urea into the soil.
Advantages of urea
In general, urea will provide the most nitrogen at the lowest cost. It is easy to store
and does not pose as a fire risk for long-term storage. Urea may be mixed with
other fertilizers or may be applied on its own. For plants that love acidic soils, urea
is one of the top fertilizers for acidifying soils. For gardeners who grow crops like
corn, strawberries, blueberries and other heavy nitrogen feeders, urea will supply
immediate and powerful applications of nitrogen.
Negative Effects of Chemical Fertilizers
The biggest issue facing the use of chemical fertilizers is groundwater
contamination. Nitrogen fertilizers break down into nitrates and travel easily
through the soil. Because it is water-soluble and can remain in groundwater for
decades, the addition of more nitrogen over the years has an accumulative effect.
At the University of Wisconsin, Madison, they discovered the effects of chemical
fertilizers are compounded when mixed with a single pesticide. They discovered
altered immune, endocrine and nervous system functions in mice, as well as
influence on children's and fetus's developing neurological, endocrine and immune
systems. These influences "portend change in ability to learn and in patterns of
aggression."1
One popular fertilizer, urea, produces ammonia emanation, contributes to acid rain,
groundwater contamination and ozone depletion due to release of nitrous oxide by
denitrification process. With it's increased use and projections of future use, this
problem may increase several folds in the coming decades.2
Groundwater contamination has been linked to gastric cancer, goitre, birth
malformations, and hypertension3; testicular cancer4 and stomach cancer.5
Excessive air- and water-borne nitrogen from fertilizers may cause respiratory
ailments, cardiac disease, and several cancers, as well as can "inhibit crop growth,
increase allergenic pollen production, and potentially affect the dynamics of
several vector-borne diseases, including West Nile virus, malaria, and cholera."6
Perhaps one of the scariest effects of chemical fertilizers is something called
methemoglobinemia. In infants it is alternatively known as Blue Baby Syndrome.
The risk most often occurs when infants are given formula reconstituted with
nitrate contaminated water. The condition causes a decrease in oxygen in the blood
and results in a blue-grey skin color, causes lethargy and/or irritability and can lead
to coma or death.
Nitrogen groundwater contamination also contributes to marine "dead zones". The
increase in the water-soluble nitrates creates an influx of plant-life, which eats up
oxygen and starves out fish and crustaceans. This has an impact not only on the
aquatic ecosystem, but on local societies who depend on food sourced from those
areas.
CONCLUSION
Fertilizers like urea when used in the required concentrations increase the growth
rate and are very useful as far as productivity is concerned. However, when they
are used in excess, may harm the plants in many ways. Additionally they can have
harmful affects to the environment as well. Most of the chemical fertilizers are
discharged to natural water reservoirs and pollute the water. This can prove fatal
on drinking .Also the qualities of foods are affected due to chemical fertilizers.
Hence organic farming should be encouraged for a better yield as well to ensure
our healthy lifestyle and environment.

BIBLIIOGRAPHY
• Wikipedia.org
• http://www.wisegeek.org/
• www.drugs.com\
• Encyclopedia of soil science by Ratan Lal