Discussion

In order for plants to achieve optimal health they need to grow in soil that gets sufficient sunlight, water, nutrients, air, and have a good temperature. Healthy soil includes a neutral pH, a moisture content that’s not too high or too low, and microorganisms that provide a symbiotic relationship with their ecosystem (Growing). In order for these to occur, the soil also needs a form of protection in order to lock in those things as well as not sustaining damage from external sources. For example, an excellent protector for soil is straw. It can “provide protection to microbes and reduce erosion” while ultimately improving the soil over time according to gardener Heather Buckner. Straw is also inexpensive compared to other soil protectors like plastic, it regulates moisture and temperature, and is relatively easy to work with (Buckner). Just like any mulch though it has its cons. Straw can promote “soil-borne diseases” and increase weed supply, so there are factors to consider for plants (Jay). There is also a possibility of attracting rodents to a garden with straw, but enough water can keep them away (Buckner). In this experiment, the group is determining whether soil protected by straw or soil without straw are in better conditions regarding nutrients, moisture content, pH, etc. to ultimately provide an optimal ecosystem for the plants.