MadSci Network: Botany
Query:

Re: can you tell me why potatos can grow in a glass of water, without soil?

Date: Wed May 30 22:35:15 2001
Posted By: David Hershey, Faculty, Botany, NA
Area of science: Botany
ID: 991099202.Bt
Message:

What you have is an example of hydroponics, the growth of plants without soil. 
Plants roots do not actually require soil. Roots only require the water, 
oxygen, about 14 mineral nitrients, and anchorage that the soil provides. If 
you anchor or support the plant in another way, plant roots can get oxygen, 
water and mineral nutrients from a nutrient solution. If you are using just tap 
water, the potato must rely on its stored mineral nutrients and what few there 
may be in your tap water. Plant growth in hydroponics is often better when air 
is bubbled through the solution to increase the oxygen level.

Scientists often use hydroponics, also called solution culture, in research. 
For example, it is a good way to study mineral nutrient deficiencies. 
Hydroponics has a fascinating history (Hershey 1994) and will probably be used 
to grow plants in outer space. There are many online companies that sell 
hydroponic systems and supplies.  


References

Hershey, D.R. 1995. Plant Biology Science Projects. New York: Wiley.

Hershey, D.R. 1994. Solution culture hydroponics: History and inexpensive 
equipment. American Biology Teacher 56:111-118.

Hershey, D.R. 1990. Pardon me but your roots are showing. Science Teacher 57
(2):42-45. 

Hydroponics


Potato Science Projects


Color Pictures of Mineral Deficiencies in Potato



Current Queue | Current Queue for Botany | Botany archives

Try the links in the MadSci Library for more information on Botany.



MadSci Home | Information | Search | Random Knowledge Generator | MadSci Archives | Mad Library | MAD Labs | MAD FAQs | Ask a ? | Join Us! | Help Support MadSci


MadSci Network, webadmin@www.madsci.org
© 1995-2001. All rights reserved.