Investigatory Project in Biology
Project Title: Effect of Fertilizers on Crops
Submitted by: ___________________________
Class: XII - Science
Session: 2024–2025
Certificate
This is to certify that __________________________ of Class XII has successfully
completed the investigatory project titled “Effect of Fertilizers on Crops” in the subject of
Biology during the academic session 2024–2025. This project is the outcome of their
sincere efforts and fulfills the requirements laid down by the CBSE for Class XII Biology
practical evaluation.
Signature of the Teacher
Date: ____________
Acknowledgment
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my Biology teacher for their invaluable
guidance and encouragement throughout the completion of this investigatory project. I
am also thankful to my school for providing the resources and support necessary to carry
out the practical aspects of the work. Lastly, I extend my sincere thanks to my family and
friends who helped and motivated me during this project.
Index
1. Introduction
2. Objectives
3. Materials Required
4. Methodology
5. Types of Fertilizers
6. Experimental Setup
7. Data Collection
8. Growth Analysis and Graphs
9. Results and Discussion
10. Conclusion
11. Bibliography
1. Introduction
Fertilizers play a pivotal role in modern agriculture by replenishing essential nutrients in
the soil that are crucial for optimal plant growth and yield. In India, agriculture forms the
backbone of the economy and food security. With increasing population and decreasing
land availability, enhancing crop productivity through sustainable means is vital.
This project explores the effects of different types of fertilizers—chemical, organic, and
biofertilizers—on the growth and yield of common Indian crops: wheat, jowar
(sorghum), and corn (maize). Each fertilizer type contributes differently to plant
development, soil health, and environmental impact.
The need to balance productivity with ecological sustainability is critical. Overuse of
chemical fertilizers may lead to soil degradation, water pollution, and reduced
biodiversity, whereas biofertilizers and organic manures promise long-term soil
enrichment. This study investigates not just which fertilizers yield the best results, but
also their environmental footprints.
2. Objectives
This project aims to:
1. Study the differential effects of various fertilizer types on wheat, jowar, and corn.
2. Compare plant growth parameters—height, leaf count, and biomass—under different
treatments.
3. Identify which fertilizer or combination results in the highest yield.
4. Analyze the environmental impact of each fertilizer type and assess sustainability.
3. Materials Required
The experiment used the following materials:
- 60 pots (20 for each crop)
- High-quality potting soil (same volume in each pot)
- Seeds of wheat, jowar (sorghum), and corn (maize)
- Chemical fertilizers: Urea, Single Super Phosphate (SSP), Muriate of Potash (MOP)
- Biofertilizers: Rhizobium and Azotobacter cultures
- Measuring tape (for plant height)
- Digital weighing scale (for final biomass)
- Watering cans and consistent water source
- Sunny outdoor space for uniform exposure
4. Methodology
1. **Pot Preparation**: 20 pots were prepared for each crop with equal soil quality.
2. **Grouping**: Each crop was divided into 4 treatment groups:
- Control (no fertilizer)
- Chemical fertilizers (Urea + SSP + MOP)
- Biofertilizers (Rhizobium + Azotobacter)
- Combined (reduced chemical + biofertilizers)
3. **Uniform Conditions**: All plants were given equal water and sunlight.
4. **Observation Period**: Weekly measurements and qualitative observations were
recorded for 6–8 weeks.
5. **Final Measurement**: After the experiment, plants were harvested, dried, and
weighed to determine biomass.
