Transcript Johnson County, Nebraska

Effect of Microgravity on
Nitrogen Fixation in Red Clover
(Trifolium pratense L.)
Johnson County Central High School, Johnson County, NE
Johnson County Central High School, Tecumseh NE
Principal Investigator
Rudy Pooch
Investigators
Isaac Buss
Keelee McClintock
Natalie Roddy
Mason Waring
Spencer Dorsey
Collaborators
Sara Kettelhake
Tashayla Dorn
Sopha Kongmanyvong
Teacher Facilitators
Nichole Justesen, Johnson County Central High School
Vicky Boone, Johnson County Central High School
Abstract
In order to grow our own food in space
we need fertile soil. Red clover is a
legume that uses bacteria in the soil to
naturally fixate nitrogen, making the
soil fertile. In this experiment we
planted both our sample and control,
and will compare how much nitrogen is
added to the soil by the clover.
Hypothesis
We believe that the clover exposed to
microgravity will release the same
quantities of nitrates as it would on Earth.
Experiment
Our experiment allowed the seeds to
germinate in space. The clamps were
opened on U-2. The seeds were planted
upon return to JCC, and the nitrogen
content will be tested throughout its life
cycle.
Materials:
Cotton, Soil (Contains Proteobacteria),
Red Clover (Trifolium pratense L), Water
Further Research
Week 1
Week 3
Week 2
ISS
Control
One
Control
Two
Descriptions
Week One
12
5
2
Mold in all 3
Week Two
12
1
2
CTL 1 Dry
Week Three
9
1
1
Moved outside
National Sponsors
State & Local Sponsors
JCC School District
JCC Board of Education
Tecumseh Foundation
Barb & Dennis Gottula
Ramsey Family Fountain
Noman & Ramona Boone
Sally Hutt
Questions