Illustrated Guide to Home Biology Experiments

Chapter 21. Observing the Effect of Rhizobia on Plant Growth

Equipment and Materials

You’ll need the following items to complete this lab session. (The standard kit for this book, available from www.thehomescientist.com, includes the items listed in the first group.)

Materials from Kit

• Ammonium nitrate¹

• Fertilizer, nitrogen-free (concentrate A)

• Fertilizer, nitrogen-free (concentrate B)

• Fertilizer, nitrogen-free (concentrate C)

• Graduated cylinder, 10 mL

• Inoculating loop

• Rhizobia inoculum¹

• Ruler, mm scale

• Seeds, bush lima bean

Materials You Provide

• Gloves

• Balance

• Chlorine laundry bleach

• Foam cups, 16 oz./500 mL

• Lamp, fluorescent plant (optional)

• Paper towel

• Pencil

• Plastic wrap (Saran or similar)

• Soft drink bottle, 2-liter

• Vermiculite (or other sterile growth medium) ...