Blog 2

This project is an experiment as I am seeing the effect of manipulated treatments on the response variables. In this experiment, I am comparing apricot trees exposed and not exposed to earthworm castings. 14 apricot trees are used in each group, totaling 28 apricot trees. All trees have been controlled for as they all have compost and the same drip irrigation system. Every 5 weeks, I will analyze soil and plant growth metrics between the 2 groups. For soil metrics, I will assess nutrient content of the soil. I will do this by using online test kits and sending my soil to Labs to get an accurate understanding of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, etc. levels in the soil. I will also conduct water retention and soil profile analysis tests. For plant growth, I will look at budding count, number of fruits that develop on the trees, and stem length. Additionally, I will use leaves (leaf extracts coupled with paper chromatography) to assess the chlorophyll content off the trees and differences between the 2 groups. The goal of this project is to gather a lot of data to track over time in these 5 week periods to see if earthworm casting application has significant effects on soil and plant metrics of these trees.