Expert: Walter Hintz - 11/28/2009

Question
Sir,
   On 8/11/2004 you had suggested a project to Ruchi about the study of different commercial fertilizers on plant growth. I wish to do the same project as I too am in the same condition as Ruchi, but the only difference is that I am in class 11. But when I asked my teacher about this project, he said that the water that we pour to the plants has different minerals which may act differently with different commercial fertilizers as they have different chemical compositions. So I thought of distillation of water. But I came to know that in our school, distillation cannot be done as the equipment for distillation has been damaged. so, could you please suggest me any idea to solve this problem  

Answer
Hello Sohan
In the US distilled water is available at all grocery stores or hardware stores so I am assuming that it is available in India.  Even if you cannot get distilled water the mineral content of the water you use would be significant as long as you use the same water from the same tap at the same time. As long  as you do this the only variable is the fertilizer. Since water drawn from a tap may vary from day to day you may wish to draw a large amount of water at once.  It will be easier to check availability of distilled water at stores. If you wish keep me informed about you project.