Botanists, chemists and gardeners can conduct a simple test to determine the amount of nitrogen present in any given soil. Purchase a soil test kit that includes a nitrogen test. Collect 100mL of soil in a clear cup and add 100mL of distilled water. Stir to moisten evenly. Decant the sample by draining off water from the cup through a paper filter and into a glass jar. Let the soil sediment settle in the filter and remove. Transfer the liquid to a graduated cylinder and add one tablet of FLOC EX from the test kit so impurities will settle at the bottom of the liquid sample. Pour 10mL of sample into a beaker and add 40mL of distilled water. Open the nitrate package from the test kit and add one tablet. Stir vigorously for five minutes and determine the amount of nitrogen present in the soil by comparing the color of the sample to the color chart provided in the test kit.
Scientists can determine whether soil enriched with nitrogen and warming techniques will produce healthier vegetation. Prepare four soil samples in 15-quart clear plastic storage bins. Bury heating cables 10cm below the surface in the second sample, and mix 5g of an aqueous nitrogen solution into the third sample. Add 5g of nitrogen solution to the final sample and place heating cables 10cm below the soil surface. All heating cables must be connected to thermistors for monitoring and regulating temperature to constantly hold at 5 degrees warmer than the constant soil in the first sample. Plant bell pepper starter plants in each sample and monitor plant growth and fruit production for two months.
High school and college students interested in scientific research on the natural effects of increased worldwide levels of atmospheric nitrogen deposits over recent years, should design a long-term experiment for observation. Locate two trees near each other and two similar trees approximately one mile away. Prepare an aqueous nitrogen solution and add 5mg per month to the first pair of trees for a period of 12 months. Compare height, new growth and color between both pairs each week and record observations. Draw conclusions regarding the probability of increasing base cation loss, dangerous levels of soil acidification and advanced forest decline if atmospheric nitrogen deposits continue to increase.
Gather five tomato plants and soil samples. Determine the natural amount of nitrogen present in each soil using a soil test kit, and choose the sample with the highest natural nitrogen presence as the control. Collect four types of fertilizer with different nitrogen concentrations and apply one of each to the remaining soil samples. Fertilize weekly and observe fruit production of tomato plants. Record numbers produced and size measurements. Determine whether natural soil or nitrogen-enriched soil creates a healthier environment and whether the highest nitrogen concentration produces the greatest yield or if a lesser concentration is better.