In the germination test, two group members tested their own batch of seeds. For experiment A there were two plastic bags. Both contained a paper towel with three seeds inside. Bag 1 had a wet paper towel while Bag 2 had a damp paper towel but there was half a cm of water inside the bag. There was not enough water for total submersion so that the seeds would not drown. Three seeds were placed inside each bag making a total of six potential sprouts. The germination process began on a Tuesday, September 19th and the germination process was complete Friday, September 22nd.

The image on the left was from the damp paper towel trial, while the image from the right is from the damp paper towel with some water at the bottom. Based on observation the root growth was more prominent in the seeds that were inside the Bag 2 that contained about a cm of water.

Here are the seeds which were soaked overnight, and then removed from water and wetted twice a day for two days, this method yielded 100% chit production, though these chits were not very pronounced.

Here is a side-by-side comparison of the two methods. The left side shows the seeds which were soaked overnight only and then re-wetted twice daily. The right side shows the other method which was to place the seeds between two paper towels which were kept wet continuously for 3 days.

Here are the 12 seeds from the continuous wet paper germination attempt that did not produce chits.

Here is a side by side comparison of the two methods after completion. Again, the left side shows the overnight soak and the right side shows the wet paper towel method, respectively. On each plate, going clockwise around the clock follow these descriptions: seeds from 12 to 4 or 5 are the seeds which were determined to be viable and with the appropriate chit growth, seeds at 6 were not sprouted or over-sprouted, and the seeds from 7 or 8 back to 12 are either un-sprouted or over-sprouted again. It should be noted that for the right side, in the wet paper towel trail, the germination process was misunderstood, specifically when to stop the germination process and the over-sprouted seeds are a result of continual soaking instead of stopping which could likely be avoided in the future.

Anti-Clumping Results

After much discussion and 3-4 separate trials of varying methods of germination which were carried out by members: Kimberly Stehno and Nick Wideman the following was determined:

• Due to the drying process where the chits should theoretically fall off after the barley is dried, it was decided that the clumping is overall not a critical factor as was previously thought to be.
• We did decide that clumping does occur however if the grain is not agitated during germination which could potentially lead to mold. This is easily remedied by agitation via vibration or by a simple combing or raking action.
• We also determined from close examination of the roots that the tiny hairs protruding from them could also "Velcro" themselves into a mesh or fabric bag which would increase the potential for clumping. Further testing is necessary to determine if this question of material will present issue throughout the entire malting process or if it will resolve itself in the drying process.