A Comparison Between Peach Tree and Tomato Plant Soil Bacterial Biodiversity 

Purdue University

Landon Shellhaas, Cael Hinde, Avery Parrish

Our Purpose 

Our project aimed to compare the diversity of bacteria in soil samples collected from the Lincoln Sharing Garden's tomatoes and peach tree. We sought to provide insights into soil quality through an examination of these differences, with the goal of enhancing plant health and soil management in the garden. Improving the microbiome of a plant can help protect the plant and yield more food (DOE Explains...The Plant Microbiome, n.d.). This improvement can help expand the coverage of the Lincoln Garden, supplementing the mental and physical health of those residing in the Lafayette area by providing an affordable and organic food source with the added benefit of enhanced mental health (Dunnett and Qasim).

In addition to providing fresh produce, the Lincoln Sharing Garden offers substantial mental health benefits by giving people a place to decompress, feel accomplished, and connect with nature. Community gardens can improve mental health, according to studies, particularly for people who are struggling with anxiety, depression, or other issues. People from different backgrounds who are interested in sustainability and healthy living come together through gardening, which cultivates a sense of empowerment, community, and purpose. The garden offers inexpensive food and a sense of community to people in Lafayette, particularly those living in underprivileged areas, enhancing their general physical and mental well-being. By improving soil health, our project hopes to contribute to the garden's long-term success and help it develop into a community-wide resource.