3 Bottle planters: How roots reduce erosion

Experiment: How Roots Reduce Erosion

Cost: Less than $3.00

Difficulty: Low

Time: One hour for initial setup, then one hour again 2-3 weeks later

Objective:

To demonstrate how plant roots help reduce soil erosion using plastic bottle flower planters.

Materials:

• 3 empty plastic bottles
• Scissors
• Potting soil
• Grass seeds or small plants
• Water
• Ruler
• Clear plastic cups
• Labels and marker

Procedure:

1. Prepare the Bottles:
   • Cut the plastic bottles in half horizontally. Use the bottom halves as planters.
   • Poke a few small holes in the bottom for drainage.
2. Label the Planters:
   • Label the planters as “No Plants,” “Grass Seeds,” and “Small Plants.”
3. Fill with Soil:
   • Fill each planter with the same amount of potting soil.
4. Plant Seeds/Plants:
   • Leave the “No Plants” planter as is.
   • Sprinkle grass seeds evenly in the “Grass Seeds” planter and cover lightly with soil.
   • Plant small plants in the “Small Plants” planter.
5. Water the Planters:
   • Water each planter equally and place them in a sunny spot.
6. Observe Growth:
   • Over the next 1-2 weeks, water the planters regularly and observe the growth of the grass and plants.

1. Simulate Erosion:
   • Remove the caps from the bottles
   • Slowly pour water through each container, catching the water that pours out in clear plastic cups

1. Record Results:
   • Observe the differences in water quality for each

Discussion

Discuss how the roots of the grass and small plants helped hold the soil together and reduced erosion compared to the planter without plants.  Ask students to reflect on why the presence of roots in soil might reduce erosion.

Extension:

• Try using different types of plants to see if some are better at reducing erosion than others.

This experiment will help learning understand the importance of plant roots in preventing soil erosion in a fun and hands-on way. 🌱