EFFECT OF pH ON SEED GERMINATION
A PROJECT REPORT IN BIOLOGY (044) SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL
FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE COMPLETION OF
AISSCE 2025 – 2026
BY
ROLL NUMBER :
Under the Supervision of
GURUKUL PUBLIC SCHOOL
Chandikhol, Odisha
GURUKUL PUBLIC SCHOOL
HARIDASPUR, CHANDIKHOL
JAJPUR, Odisha, India - 755024
CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the investigatory project entitled “Effect of pH on Seed
Germination” is an original work carried out by ______________________student of
Class XII, Gurukul Public School, Chandikhol with Roll No _______________under the
supervision of ____________________________________. This project is submitted to
the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the examination 2025 - 2026.
Teacher In-Charge: _____________ Principal: _______________
Practical Examiner: ____________ School Stamp
ABSTRACT
This study investigates how different pH environments affect germination
percentage and seedling vigor. Mung bean (Vigna radiata) seeds were exposed to pH
4, 5.5, 7.0 (control), 8.5, and 10 using buffer/diluted solutions. For each pH, three
replicates of 20 seeds were observed for 7 days under controlled temperature and
moisture. Germination percentage and mean shoot/root lengths were recorded.
Results show optimum germination near neutral pH and reduced germination and
seedling growth at strongly acidic (pH 4) and basic (pH 10) conditions. The findings
highlight the importance of soil pH in agriculture and seedling establishment.
AIM OF THE EXPERIMENT: To study the effect of pH on seed germination.
PRINCIPLE:
pH is one of the most important factors that controls the composition of flora and
fauna in different terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. pH of soils is essentially
controlled by the amount and type of various minerals and also by the quality and
quantity of humus (dead, decaying organic matter) present in it.
Seed germination is controlled by pH of the germinating medium. Seeds of different
species prefer a specific range of pH for maximum germination. pH not only controls
the germination of seeds but also growth and development, reproduction and
various other metabolic activities, of the plant.
OBJECTIVES:
After completing the project, the students will be able to
1. Plan out an experiment and understand the use of appropriate chemicals,
apparatus and equipment, and learn the preparation of solutions.
2. Understand research methodology.
3. Generate, analyse and interpret the data and draw conclusions.
4. Conceive and choose other different themes related to pH and plant growth.
MATERIALS REQUIRED:
1. 125 seeds each of sunflower, mustard, green moong, alfa alfa, fenugreek and
barley (selection of seeds of different species may be made as per their availability)
2. Phosphate buffers
3. Distilled water
4. Petridishes of 7.5 cm diameter (15 pairs)
5. Blotting papers cut into circular discs to the size of petridishes
PROCEDURE
(i) Prepare a range of pH buffers using Na2 HPO4 and KH2 PO4 .
(ii)Wash the seeds with water and blot them dry.
(iii) Select an appropriate place in the laboratory where there is sufficient light.
Arrange petridishes in three horizontal lines, with 5 dishes in each line. Arrange
petridishes horizontally in three rows A, B and C with seven dishes in each row.
(iv) Place one blotting paper disc in each petridish.
(v) Wet the blotting papers with small quantities of buffer solution of 4.0 pH for
petridish No. 1, 5.0 pH for petridish No. 2 and so on till all the blotting papers in
petridishes No. 1–5 in row 'A' are wet with appropriate buffer solution.
(vi) Repeat the process for rows B and C also.
(vii) Spread selected seeds in each of the five petridishes in such a way that each
petridish contains 25 seeds in row 'A'.
(viii) Repeat the process for rows B and C using two other types of seeds.
(ix) Cover the petridishes and record your observation after every 24 hours for 7
days.
OBSERVATION
Observe the emergence of radicle as an indicator of germination and record in the
table. Calculate the percentage of germination every day.
Number and percentage of Total % of seed Germination
seed Germination
pH Day Day Day Day Day Day Day A. B. C.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
4 A=1 A=0 A=1 A=2 A=0 A=0 A=3 8 = 32% 6 =24% 9 = 36%
B=0 B=1 B=0 B=2 B=0 B=1 B=2
C=1 C=2 C=1 C=3 C=1 C=0 C=1
5 A=0 A=3 A=1 A=4 A=2 A=0 A=5 15 = 60% 14 = 56% 16 = 64%
B=2 B=0 B=0 B=4 B=3 B=5 B=0
C=0 C=3 C=2 C=5 C=0 C=4 C=2
6 A=2 A=0 A=4 A=8 A=5 A=2 A=0 21 = 84% 20 = 80% 21 = 84%
B=0 B=3 B=5 B=4 B=4 B=2 B=2
C=1 C=4 C=2 C=3 C=0 C=7 C=4
7 A=0 A=3 A=5 A=7 A=2 A=3 A=2 23 = 92% 23 = 92% 24 = 96%
B=4 B=6 B=3 B=2 B=4 B=1 B=3
C=3 C=4 C=7 C=5 C=3 C=1 C=1
8 A=0 A=0 A=1 A=3 A=4 A=1 A=5 14 =56% 12 = 48% 13 = 52%
B=0 B=1 B=2 B=0 B=4 B=2 B=3
C=0 C=2 C=1 C=3 C=0 C=6 C=1
CALCULATION
Percentage of germination =
RESULT
The maximum germination and seedling growth occurred at pH 7.0 (neutral).
Both acidic and alkaline conditions inhibited germination and reduced seedling
length.
CONCLUSION
Neutral pH (around 7.0) is most suitable for seed germination in all tested seeds.
Extreme acidity or alkalinity adversely affects the process due to enzyme inhibition
and nutrient unavailability.
PRECAUTIONS
1. Use healthy, viable seeds of uniform size.
2. Keep all Petri dishes under identical temperature and light.
3. Do not flood the filter papers — just moisten them.
4. Handle buffer solutions carefully.
5. Record data at the same time each day.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
• CBSE Biology Practical Manual (Class XII)
• NCERT Biology Textbook (Class XII) •