The effects of soil p h on the growth of tomato plant (2)

1
The Effects of Soil pH
on the Growth of
Tomato Plant
1

2
Acknowledgements
We would like to thank the following:
First to God for giving us the strength, undying blessing, support and guidance in this undertaking
To Mr.Teodoro Siao without him none of this would happen.
To our adviser: Mr. Rene E.Aligonero, for leading us along the way.
And finally,
To our parents Mr. and Mrs. Aligonero and De Los Santos who supported & believed that we
could accomplish this task.
And to all those who helped us which we could not remember, Thank you and accept our most
humble apology.
Heartfelt thanks,
--* Airah Delos Santos & Albert Joseph Aligonero

3
CHAPTER I
The Problem of its Background
Introduction
The topic is all about the effects of pH level or acidity level of the soil on the tomato plant.
The researchers would like to find out what would be its effects and how it would affect the
production of tomato plant instead of using fertilizers and other alternatives.
The researchers will focus on how tomato plants react on varied pH levels of soil
particularly on growth rate.
Statement of the Problem
The study aims to find out the growth rate of tomatoes (lycopersicon esculentum) using
pH acids.
1) What is the growth rate of lycopersicon esculentum using?
a. ascorbic acid
b. carbonic acid with phosphoric acid
c. hydrochloric acid
d. ethanoic acid
e. water
2) Is there a significant difference in the growth rate between lycopersicon esculentum grown
using:
a. ascorbic acid
b. carbonic acid phosphoric acid
d. ethanoic acid

4
e. water (mineral)
Hypothesis
There is no significant difference in the growth rate of the lycopersicon esculentum using
the pH acids.
Assumptions
1) The seedlings studied were in good condition and in normal temperature.
2) The seedlings were from the same variant of lycopersicon esculentum.
3) It is assumed that water is a factor in the growth of plants.
Scope and Delimitation
The study focuses only on the effect of the effects of soil pH on the growth of tomato
plant. Furthermore, water, although not an acid but a universal solvent, is still considered in the
growth of any plant. Therefore, the inclusion of water is considered a control variable.
Significance of the Study
Researchers – The findings help the researcher to conduct similar studies related to acid
level of soil that could also be studied in relation to other variables aside from growth rare.
Scientists – serve as their basis or another experiment if ever they don’t know this yet for
them to improve or develop.
Farmers – they will be able to increase their knowledge and for them to be inquisitive.
School Officials – add in to their curriculum.
Science Teachers – share to their students.
DOST Officials – serve as their basis or another experiment if ever they don’t know this
yet.

5
CHAPTER II
Review of Related Literature
Conceptual Literature
Tomato (lycopersicon esculentum)
Young buds appear near the apical meristem to begin the formation of the flower truss or
flower cluster. As the flower buds develop, the core elongates and the new formed petals can be
seen between the sepals. The nature flower appears as a bright yellow open core and is ready for
pollination.
For “beef” tomatoes 3 to 5 flowers should be allowed to develop on a healthy truss.
Fertilized flowers are denoted by the appearance of bruises or the other core left by bumble bees
while clamping unto and pollinating the flower. At fruit set, flower petals and another senses
collie and fail away as a pea sized green fruit appear at each termination of the flower tress.
Typically it takes 45-50 more days from this point harvest. As a fruit enlarges, it remains light
green in color and very firm high turgor pressure. Fruit closest to the plant stem is them most
mature, and thus largest in size.
Ripening occurs as the fruit changes color from light green to off white, pink, red and
finally dark or orange/red. If pollen is not evenly distributed on the stigma, all the ovules are not
fertilized, preventing sections of the new fruit from developing, blossoms end rest, a leathery
brown pastel or the blossom end of the fruit, is a common nutrient deficiency disorder affecting
tomato plants if results from a lack a calcium reaching the developing fruit. (Giacomelli2002)

6
Plant Nutrition
Calcium Deficiency- youngest leaves looked bleached, especially at tips of the leaves.
Leaf tips rolls & appear Scorched. Along the edges of the leaves the veins remain green while leaf
looked bleached out. New leaves may be distorted in shape. Old leaves turn brown and die.
Growth is started, new buds don’t grow. In vegetables you get blossom end not * black spots in
things like celery, carrots & cabbage. Usually only occurs in every help soil. Calcium is usually
needed to build plant cells walls, & to help more nutrients through out the plant. Calcium is in
need not a problem. If your soil PH is between 6-8 too much or too little water can also affect
calcium levels in the plant. Magnesium deficiency or older leaves became yellow, while veins
remain green. Leaves drop of plant. Leaves may curl up at the edges & edges become red-brown-
purple in color leaving a green surrounded shape in the center of the leaf. Magnesium is needed
for photosynthesis it is the main element in the chlorophyll molecule. It helps the plant up take
iron & also to more nutrients around the plant.
(Hold Epson salt 1 teaspoon per gallon twice a year to fix a magnesium deficiency). Sulfur
deficiency is youngest plants.
Organic Farming
Organic farming can be defined as an approach to agriculture where the aim is to create
integrated, humane, environmentally and economically sustainable agricultural production
system. Maximum reliance is placed on locally or farm derived renewable resources and the
management or self-regulating ecological * biological processes and interjectors in order to
provide acceptable levels of crop, livestock and human nutrition, protection from pests ,diseases
and an appropriate return to the human and other resources employed.

7
Reliance all external inputs, whether chemical or organic is reduced as far as possible. In
many European countries, organic agriculture is known as ecological agriculture, reflecting this
reliance on ecosystem management rather than external inputs. (Jenson2008)
Nutrient Compound of Soil
The major nutrients that make up a plant are carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Godspeed
explains. These three are currently free, coming from water and the air. The roots are vital in the
up take of oxygen, and if the soil is water logged on simply over watered. It can delete the plant
of needed oxygen and cause serve damages or even death. The next nuts in highest demand are
nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. These are the three elements found in a typical bag or
fertilizer. The next three elements in demand, calcium, magnesium & sulfur, are not normally
fertilizer. The researchers added that in Northern Utah, namely if ever they here a problem with
calcium and magnesium. It has other benefits, but is seldom deficient enough in our soils to
require an extra application for plant growth.

8
CHAPTER III
Methodology
EXPERIMENT # 1
Cloudy Weather
Soil: LOAM
The researcher used egg tray to separate the seedlings.
When they grow, the researcher measures each seedling before the researcher separates
them to small pots.
The researchers only use 2ml of water for each seedling.
A. Materials used:
Tomato seedlings (lycopersicon esculentum)
Egg tray
LOAM soil
08/30/09
The researchers separate the plants to small pots.
The researchers measure their initial height:
Plant Height
1 6.5cm
2 5.0cm
3 6.1cm
4 6.2cm
5 6.2cm
B. Acids mixed in 1.5L of water.
Ethanoic acid in 200ml
Carbonic acid & phosphoric acid in 300ml
Ascorbic acid 50g
Hydrochloric acid 50mg

9
1.5L of plain water
C. Preparation of plants
The plants were prepared by moving them from the egg tray then placed in
separated pots. The plants were gently removed from the soil.
D. Observations
The plants were observed for 21 days. The researchers measured the physical
changes of the plant for instance the height, and recorded the gross appearance to be
able to compute the growth rate.
Computation for the growth rate
Growth Rate = Final height – initial height
21 Days

10
E. Flow chart
Conceptual Framework
Input Process Output
Tomato plant growing the seedling a comparative study
Different kinds of acids on the growth rate of
application of variables
tomatoes (lycopersicon
esculentum) using different
kind of acids
Development of tomatoes data gathering kind of acids

11
At exactly 4:31 in the afternoon the researcher watered the plants.
Morning 9:35 08/31/09
Afternoon 4:30
(After 2 days) 09/01/09
Morning 7:32
Afternoon 6:28
Morning 7:050 9/02/09
Afternoon
09/03/09
Date Morning Afternoon
9/04 7:15 6:45
9/05 6:25 5:42
9/06 7:35 4:30
9/07 7:22 5:45
9/08 6:32 6:55
9/09 7:48 6:45
9/10 7:28 6:23
9/11 7:20 6:48
9/12 7:21 5:21
9/13 7:15 4:38
9/14 7:05 5:42
9/15 7:32 4:30
9/02-03 (c. hydrochloric acid)
Plant (3)
The plant starts to wilt and leaves starting to get dry.
The stem is thin.
9/02-03 The researcher noticed the plant (1) (ascorbic acid) leaves became thicker.
Compare with the other plants, its leaves are lesser than the others.

12
9/02-03 The researcher noticed that the plant (2) (carbonic and phosphoric acid)
It leaves has a pleasant smell compare to the other.
9/02-03 Plant (4) (ethanoic acid) the researcher noticed its slow growth and development.
9/02-03 Plant (5) (water) no changes.
September 21, Monday morning
9:39am
The first experiment was successfully done and the results were acceptable. The
researcher continuously watered the plant and observed until the tomato produced fruits.
Over the past few days when the plants bloomed, the researchers observed changes from
leaves, stem, color, and even the smell of the plants as they react in the acids.
(See results in chapter 4)

13
EXPERIMENT # 2
November 15, 2009
The researchers consulted Mr. Rene E. Aligonero and he advised the team how to start and
conduct the second trial on the effects of soil pH on the growth of tomato plant.
October 10, 2009
The researcher planted seeds from tomato fruit using same variants.
(Same size of pot in each plant, same type of plant in each pot, same type and amount of soil in
each pot)
November 3, 2009 ----- First day
The researcher decided that it was the right time to choose which of the plants can be use
for our experiment.
For plant A it measure : 5.4 cm
Plant B it measure : 3.5 cm
Plant C it measure : 4.9 cm
Plant D it measure : 5.0 cm
Plant E. it measure : 4.5 cm
(According to its initial height)
At exactly in the morning the researcher transferred the plants into their pots and watered
each plant according to its assigned acid.

14
The researcher used the same acids as the first trial here been used, as well as the soil were
we planted the plants. After the transferring the researcher assured that the plants received /
receiving enough sunlight…
Plant A water
Plant B carbonic acid with phosphoric acid
Plant C ethanoic acid
Plant D ascorbic acid
Plant E hydrochloric acid
1st
Day
Before the day ends the researcher noticed & observed that the leaves of plant A, D & E
get bigger &
healthier, while the stems of plant B & D gets thicker & the leaves & stems of plant C gets thinner
& looks like it will get will.
2nd
Day
Plant C
Getting wilt
3rd
Day
Getting wilt
4th
Day
Plant A
Tallest
Plant C
Getting Withered

15
Plant D
Getting taller stems
Plant E
It looks like that its stems and leaves are getting wilt
5th
Day
Plant A & E
No changes
Plant B & D
Getting Healthier
Plant C
Withered
6th
Day
Plant A
Tallest
Plant B
Next in Plant A’s height
Plant C
Decomposing
Plant D
Increased in number of leaves but some of its leaves are getting wilt
Plant E
Smallest plant according on its height

16
7th
Day
Plant A
No changes
*consistent in height
Plant B
No changes
Plant C
Decomposing
Plant D
Getting Wilt
Plant E
Smallest and slowest growth rate
8th
Day
Plant A
Highest and has the fastest growth development
Plant B
No changes
Plant C
Decomposing
Plant D
Withered

17
Plant E
Some of its leaves were getting dry
9th
Day
Plant C & D
Decomposing
Plant E
Leaves of it were getting Dry even more
10th
Day
Plant C & D
Decomposing
Plant B & E
Its stems were getting thin
11th
Day
Plant C
Nothing’s left
Plant D
Decomposing
Plant B & E
Its stems were getting thin
Another leaf is withered
12th
Day
Plant C
Decomposed

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Plant D
Decomposing
Plant B & E
Withering; its stems and leaves were becoming dry
13th
Day
Plant A
Healthiest
Plant B
Surviving
Plant C and D
Decomposed
Plant E
Withered
14th
Day
Plant A
No changes
Plant B
Surviving, It stems were getting thinner and almost all of its leaves were dry, it won’t stay and
live longer
Plant C and D
Decomposed

19
Plant E
Decomposing
15th
Day
Plant A
Healthiest
Plant B
Unfortunately, the plant died.
Withered
Plant C and D
Decomposed
Plant E
Decomposing
16th
Day
Plant A
No changes
Plant B
Decomposing
Plant C and D
Decomposed
Plant E
Decomposing
The researcher can conclude now but then as it stated that we must wait until on its 21st
Day.
17th
Day
Plant A
No changes
Plant B and E
Decomposing

20
Plant C and D
Decomposed
18th
Day
Plant A
Consistent
Plant B
Decomposing
Plant C, D and E
Decomposed
19th
Day
Plant A
Consistent
Plant B
Decomposing
Plants C, D and E
Decomposed
20th
Day
Plant A
Consistent
Plant B
Decomposed
Plant C, D and E
Decomposed
21st
Day
Plant A
SURVIVOR
Plant B, C, D and E
Decomposed
The Researchers can therefore conclude now.

21
November 23, 2009
7:30AM
The researcher 2nd
trial of experimenting was successfully done. The results are
acceptable. Even though it does not tally on our first experiment and does not shows the same
results as the first trial show.
As the first trial goes still the plant A, water survived, most even though on the 2nd
trial
only Plant A, water survived and still alive, continuously growing.
The researchers think that this maybe the possible causes:
1) Unripe seeds
2) Burrowing placement of the seeds, might be too deep that’s roots aren’t able to
expand
3) Changing in weather
4) Infection /unhealthy because of weather condition
5) Soil composition, maybe not the same with the other soil
a) sandy soil and rocky soil
6) Soil maybe lack of nitrogen fixing bacteria or over nitrogen fixing bacteria.
7) External forces around
8) Parasites
9) Harmful insects
10) Not enough leaves to produce food for the plan.

22
Experiment # 3:
December 21, 2009
The researchers planted new seeds from tomato fruit using same variant.
- Tomato Fruits (seeds)
- Soil
Fair Weather
December 28, 2009
Researchers noticed that 6 seeds sprouted.
December 29, 2009
Researchers saw the possible new set of plants that can use for our 3rd
trial.
(Same size of pot in each plant, same type of plant in each pot, same type and amount of soil in
each pot)

23
First day
January 13
The researchers decided that it was the right time to choose which of the plants can we
Use for our experiment.
Plant A it measure : 5.1 cm
(According to its initial height)
At exactly in the morning the researcher transferred the plants into their pots and watered
each plant according to its assigned acid.
The researcher used the same acids as the first trial here been used, as well as the soil were
we planted the plants. After the transferring the researcher assured that the plants received /
receiving enough sunlight…
Plant A water
Plant B carbonic acid with phosphoric acid
Plant C ethanoic acid
Plant D ascorbic acid
Plant E hydrochloric acid

24
Experiment # 4:
We planted 12 tomato seedlings but we only use 5 of them, to know more about our
experiment, we decided to use the other plants so that we can start two experiments at the same
time and day. By doing this we can compare our experiments.
Plant A it measure : 5.4 cm
Our 3rd
and 4th
experiment was prepared at the same day and time but we observed it in
separate place, by doing this, we can compare our experiments.
(See results in chapter 4)

25
CHAPTER IV
Presentation, Analysis and Interpretation of Data
This chapter represents data gathered and tabulated by the researchers from the
experiments to determine the growth rate of tomato (lycopersicon esculentum) using different
kinds of acids.
Table 1: EXPERIMENT # 1
plant Initial height Final height growth rate (cm/day)
a water 6.5cm 18.1cm 0.552380952
b carbonic and phosphoric
acid
5.0cm 18.6cm 0.647619047
c ethanoic acid 6.1cm the plant died
d ascorbic acid 6.2cm 18.9cm 0.604761904
e hydrochloric acid 6.2cm 12.0cm 0.276190476
Table 1 presents that plant A grew using water has the average daily growth rate of
0.55 cm, while plant B grew using carbonic and phosphoric acid has the average daily growth rate
of 0.648 cm. Plant C grew using ethanoic acid died after three (3) days, while plant D grew using
ascorbic acid has the average daily growth rate of 0.605 cm and plant E grew using hydrochloric
acid has the average daily growth of 0.276 cm.
Plant Initial height Final height growth rate (cm/day)
a water 5.4cm 10.5cm 0.242857143
b carbonic and phosphoric
acid
3.5cm the plant died
d ascorbic acid 5.0cm the plant died
e hydrochloric acid 45cm the plant died

26
Table 2 presents that plant A grew using water has the average daily growth rate of
0.24cm, while the plant B, C, D & E died.
Plant
Initial
height
Final height
Growth rate
(cm/day)
a water 5.1cm 11.5cm 0.257142857
b carbonic and phosphoric acid 5.7cm 11.9cm 0.247619048
Table 3: presents that plant A grew using water has the average daily growth rate of
0.25 cm, while plant B grew using carbonic and phosphoric acid has the average daily growth
rate of 0.24 cm. Plant C grew using ethanoic acid died after three (3) days, while plant D grew
using ascorbic acid has the average daily growth rate of 0.30 cm and plant E grew using
hydrochloric acid has the average daily growth of 0.13 cm.
plant
initial
height
final height Growth rate (cm/day)
a water 5.4cm 11.2cm 0.276190476
b
carbonic and phosphoric
acid
5.5cm 11.6cm 0.29047619

27
Table 4: presents that plant A grew using water has the average daily growth rate of
0.27 cm, while plant B grew using carbonic and phosphoric acid has the average daily growth rate
of 0.29 cm. Plant C grew using ethanoic acid died after three (3) days, while plant D grew using
ascorbic acid has the average daily growth rate of 0.31 cm and plant E grew using hydrochloric
acid has the average daily growth of 0.17 cm.
Findings:
1. Tomatoes (lycopersicon esculentum) died immediately after transfer using ethanoic
acid.
2. Tomatoes (lycopersicon esculentum) using ascorbic acid grew faster than carbonic and
phosphoric acid.
3. Tomatoes (lycopersicon esculentum) using hydrochloric acid has the slowest growth
development & has the least growth rate.

28
CHAPTER V
Summary, Conclusion, and Recommendations
Summary
Plants were grown by watering different kinds of acids, ascorbic acid, carbonic and
phosphoric acid, hydrochloric acid and ethanoic acid. The plants were place in separated pots.
The plants were observed for 21 days and compared the growth rate. To calculate the growth rate
we use this formula.
Growth Rate = Final height – initial height
Number of days (21 days)
Major findings (5)
Based on the study, the following are the results:
1. The plant watered by water has the most number of leaves and its stem is thicker than the
other plants.
2. The plant watered by carbonic and phosphoric acids has a pleasant odor.
3. The plant watered by ethanoic acid produce molds in its soil and because of this acidity it can
also kill plants.
4. The plant watered by ascorbic acid has the most healthy stem and leaves and fastest growth
rate.
5. The plant watered by hydrochloric acid has the slowest growth rate and unpleasant odor.

29
Conclusion
Based in the findings of the study, the researchers hereby conclude that:
1. There is a significant difference in the growth rate of tomato (lycopersicon esculentum)
using different kind of acids namely:
a. ascorbic acid
b. carbonic acid with phosphoric acid
d. ethanoic acid
e. water (mineral)
2) There is a significant difference in the growth rate between lycopersicon esculentum grown
Using:
a. ascorbic acid
b. carbonic acid phosphoric acid
d. ethanoic acid
e. water (mineral)
Recommendations
Based on the study, the researcher recommends the following:
1. A comparative study shall be conducted using tomato (lycopersicon esculentum) and
kangkong.
2. A similar study that includes the other variables of the physical development of plants like
color of leaves, the number of leaves, maturity.

30
3. A similar study using different kinds of backyard plants using different acids to determine
the same variable used in the previous study.
4. A study to conduct a soil analysis to determine the initial amount of pH level prior to
adding different acids.
5. A similar study using different legumes.
6. A similar study conducted among hydroponic plants.
7. Recommend different criteria in evaluating variables aside from growth rate.
8. A comparative study between legumes, hydroponic plants, and soil-grown plants.

31
GRAPHS & PICTURES
First trial:
Growing / surviving
Withered

32
Second trial:
Growing / surviving
Withered

33
FIRST TRIAL
Measuring cup 25 ml
- Use to measure acids
Tomato
- Where we get seeds

35
FIRST DAY
GERMINATION
SPROUTS

36
TRANSFERRING OF SEEDLINGS INTO THEIR POTS

40
0.552380952
0.647619047
0.604761904
0.276190476
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
A B C D E
GROWTH RATE

41
SECOND TRIAL’s
FIRST DAY
SEVERAL SEEDS SPROUTED

43
TRANSFERRING OF SEEDLINGS INTO THEIR POTS

47
Chart 2: Experiment #2
0.242857143
0
0.05
0.1
0.15
0.2
0.25
0.3
A B C D E
GROWTH RATE

48
Third and Fourth Trial
Plants are separated after 24 days

54
Chart: 3 Experiment # 3
Chart: 4 Experiment # 4
0.257142857 0.247619048
0.30952381
0.138095238
0
0.05
0.1
0.15
0.2
0.25
0.3
0.35
A B C D E
GROWTH RATE
0.276190476
0.29047619
0.314285714
0.176190476
0
0.05
0.1
0.15
0.2
0.25
0.3
0.35
A B C D E
GROWTH RATE

55
Appendix
Component
H2O
Water
H2CO3
Carbonic Acid ;
H3PO4
Phosphoric Acid
CH3COOH
Ethanoic Acid
[< a-2
+ scorbutic]
Ascorbic Acid
HCl
Hydrochloric Acid


Bibliography
Books:
Addison Wesley, biology second edition Essenfeld Gontang Moore.
Vibal - Science and Technology series, Conceptual and functional chemistry modular approach.
Microsoft, Encarta premium encyclopedia and dictionaries,
Phoenix, science and technology integrated science I, Religioso Vengo

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