In this project we were lab testing our soil samples. We were looking for the levels of nitrogen,phosphorus,potassium and pH levels in our soil samples. All these fertilizers are essential for plant growth and health. Nitrogen is associated with the green color of the plant and the leafy vegetative growth. Nitrogen is part of a molecule called Chlorophyll, this molecule gives the plants their green color and is also involved in creating food for the plant through photosynthesis. The lack of nitrogen occurs in soil when organic matter is not decomposed enough. The organic matter that is not being decomposed can use the nitrogen from the soil in order to decompose properly.

Phosphorous is involved in a process that is responsible for transferring energy from the top of the plant to the roots of the plant. It is a critical part in root development and plant flowering. Phosphorus is part of the nucleic acid structure of plants, which regulates protein synthesis. Adding phosphorus to soil promotes root growth and makes the plant mature quickly. The lack of phosphorus causes plants to look smaller and have an abnormal dark-green color because sugars can accumulate and cause pigments called anthocyanin pigments to develop and produce a reddish-purplish color causing the green pigment of the plant to look abnormal and stunt plant growth.

Potassium regulates the opening and closing of stomata, regulating the amount of carbon dioxide which helps the process of photosynthesis. Potassium activates a (ATP) biochemical which provides energy in order to go through a chemical processes called the “excretion” of waste materials in the plants. It also plays a role in regulating salts in plant tissue and cells, this process is called osmoregulation. Potassium also makes protein and starch synthesis easier as well. The lack of potassium in plants may cause yellowing leaves, stunted growth and a poor resistance to ecological changes.

Soil pH is a very important because it influences many soil factors that affect plant growth such as soil bacteria. Some bacteria help plants by providing nutrients, while the plant provides a food source. However, if the pH is too high or too low, the bacteria dies off and the plant will not be able to obtain the nutrients it needs to survive.