BIOL 114: The effect of sandy soil on Arabidopsis thaliana Growth and Development
Location
Turner Gymnasium
Access Type
Campus Access Only
Presentation Type
Printed poster
Entry Number
5
Start Date
4-16-2026 12:00 PM
End Date
4-16-2026 1:15 PM
School
School of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Department
Biology
Keywords
Arabidopsis
Abstract
Soil composition is a key environmental factor that influences plant growth, development, and overall fitness. Previous studies have shown that Arabidopsis thaliana can grow in sandy environments; however, reduced nutrient availability and low water retention in sand often lead to decreased overall growth. The effects of mixed sandy-soil substrates on both wild-type and mutant genotypes, however, remain less well understood. In this study, we evaluated the impact of soil composition on plant growth by comparing wild-type and mutant A. thaliana grown in two substrates: a control consisting of 100% peat-based potting soil and an experimental treatment consisting of a 1:1 mixture of potting soil and sand. While wild-type plants grown in the sandy mixture exhibited increased bolting, and overall growth responses differed between genotypes. Similarly, mutant plants grown in the sandy substrate displayed the largest average rosette diameter (F₁,₇₉ = 5.46, p < 0.0219). These results suggest that sandy soil conditions may inhibit reproductive development (bolting) while promoting vegetative growth.
Primary Faculty Mentor(s)
Kari Benson
Primary Faculty Mentor(s) Department
Benson
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BIOL 114: The effect of sandy soil on Arabidopsis thaliana Growth and Development
Turner Gymnasium
Soil composition is a key environmental factor that influences plant growth, development, and overall fitness. Previous studies have shown that Arabidopsis thaliana can grow in sandy environments; however, reduced nutrient availability and low water retention in sand often lead to decreased overall growth. The effects of mixed sandy-soil substrates on both wild-type and mutant genotypes, however, remain less well understood. In this study, we evaluated the impact of soil composition on plant growth by comparing wild-type and mutant A. thaliana grown in two substrates: a control consisting of 100% peat-based potting soil and an experimental treatment consisting of a 1:1 mixture of potting soil and sand. While wild-type plants grown in the sandy mixture exhibited increased bolting, and overall growth responses differed between genotypes. Similarly, mutant plants grown in the sandy substrate displayed the largest average rosette diameter (F₁,₇₉ = 5.46, p < 0.0219). These results suggest that sandy soil conditions may inhibit reproductive development (bolting) while promoting vegetative growth.