Salinization99 Salinization Lab

Background:

Farmers in the Central Valley of California have serious problem of salt buildup in the soil because of their reliance on imported water that has high salt concentrations. The germination of the seedlings they plant can be adversely impacted at high salt levels. Since over 40 million acres of land is cultivated in the U.S. most of which is irrigated this is an important issue to both farmers and consumers who must pay for the increased costs of agricultural production.

Methodology:

Your task is to develop a procedure to test the germination of seedlings at varying salt concentrations. You will need to make salt solutions of:

4%,2%,1%, and 0.1% .

Your report must have:

1. Hypothesis- regarding how salt concentrations affect germination.

2. Procedure- a description of the design and steps involved. Include your calculations of the dilutions performed. Please include illustrations.

3. Data- A table reporting the results.

4. Conclusion- a statement of whether or not your hypothesis is supported or rejected. Include graphs or charts which show how increasing concentrations of salt affect the germination of your seeds. A statement indicating the threshold level for your germinating seeds.

Your lab can be performed in lab groups, however, each person must turn in an individual lab report. Only the data and procedure should be shared.

Materials Provided:

Petri dishes water paper towels graduated cylinders seeds

Balances salt beakers

Due Date: TBA