I am an AP biology student testing how magnesium effects the rate of photosynthesis in a plant. However since my class period is only one hour long I highly doubt if i add epsom salt to the soil ( after mixing it with water) i will see an immediate increase in the rate of photosynthesis. So i need to know how long should i wait to test photosynthesis rates after adding an epsom salt solution to the soil of a plant. Or how long does it take for magnesium to be incorporated into a plants rate of photosynthesis. Thanks in Advance!
Magnesium sulfate (or magnesium sulphate) is an inorganic salt (chemical compound) containing magnesium, sulfur and oxygen, with the formula MgSO4. It is often encountered as the heptahydrate sulfate mineral epsomite (MgSO4·7H2O), commonly called Epsom salt, Magnesium is part of the chlorophyll in all green plants and essential for photosynthesis. It also helps activate many plant enzymes needed for growth. Rate of photosynthesis does not depend upon any single factor . so it is futile to expect it should increase after addition of epsom salt to soil in solution form . Because first it should be incorporated in chlorophyll molecule . That depends upon formation of new leaves . Old leaves already have it ( formula of chlrophyll a = C55 H72 O5 N4 mg ) That is the requirement is just one atom per molecule . what to do with excess ? Unless the soil is deficient in Mg . It it useless to add it . soil pH is another factor to be considered = Soil pH (a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of the soil) Soil pH is one of the most important soil properties that affects the availability of nutrients. Macronutrients tend to be less available in soils with low pH. Micronutrients tend to be less available in soils with high pH. www.ncagr /cyber/kidswrld/plan...
