[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”5px||5px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”95%” custom_padding=”15px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
My name is Sonoma, a 16-year-old student at Brave Generation Academy, which is an international school located in Lagos, Portugal. This blog is the third part of the account of Mud Valley Foundation’s first junior internship program and our resulting research project, Compost Effect on Radish Growth<\/em>. In the previous blogs, I shared that, as a part of this internship, myself and three other secondary school students conducted an experiment in order to apply the knowledge we had gained from the program. Therefore, we decided to test the effects of two different composts and two different compost concentrations on the growth of radishes. The objective of this 6-week experiment was to study different methods of improving the Vale da Lama<\/a> market garden\u2019s soil, in order to determine the type of compost and concentration is the most effective. Our hypothesis was that the soil treatments with the highest concentration (40% compost), and the ones that contain worm castings, would result in the best radish growth and quality.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/mudvalley.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/WhatsApp-Image-2025-02-27-at-15.09.34-1.jpeg” alt=”Jr Internship Spring 2025″ title_text=”WhatsApp Image 2025-02-27 at 15.09.34 (1)” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”5px||||false|false” border_radii=”on|8px|8px|8px|8px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n You can read the previous blogs: [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” width=”95%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider divider_position=”center” divider_weight=”2px” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”50%” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_heading title=”The Methodology of the Research Project ” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n This experiment tested Raphanus sativus<\/em> radish growth in eight different soil types- two soils and six soil\/compost treatments. For the soils, we would use unamended soil taken from the control area on the farm (labelled AD), and soil from the farm\u2019s market garden (labelled MG). The six treatments consisted of market garden soil combined with one or both out of two kinds of compost- worm castings (also known as vermicompost) produced on the farm, or a thermophilic compost called Nutriverde\u00ae, which is made by a local company and already used on the farm. All of the treatments and their labels are listed below:<\/p>\n Radish seeds were seeded in 24 pots- three pots of each soil type used in the experiment- and were placed in Vale da Lama farm\u2019s greenhouse to best facilitate growth. We checked the seedlings every week for 6 weeks to water them and measure the height of their leaves to keep track of their growth. In the sixth week, we took the radishes out of their pots and measured their final weight, leaf height, and the length of their roots. Afterwards, we also conducted a taste test to determine if any difference in taste could be discerned. Our findings regarding the compost effect on radish growth are written below.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider divider_position=”center” divider_weight=”2px” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”50%” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_heading title=”The Results of the Research Project- Weight” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n On week 6 of the experiment, two types of radish weight were recorded- the weight with roots and the weight without. In the results, only the weight without roots was used, as the difference between the weights was not significant, and because radishes are sold without their roots. The following bar chart shows the average weight of the radishes grown in each type of soil. <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/mudvalley.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/6week_weight.png” alt=”Compost Effect on Radish Growth_ 6week weight” title_text=”6week_weight” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” module_alignment=”center” border_radii=”on|6px|6px|6px|6px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The chart shows that WAC– which consisted of a mixture of soil, worm castings, and Nutriverde\u00ae –<\/span> produced radishes with the highest average weight, followed by WC40, and then by AS40. AD performed the worst by far, with MG and MAT also being noticeably worse than the other five treatments. Radishes with higher weight are larger, which means they are of higher quality and are more likely to appeal to the consumers of the market garden\u2019s products. It also results in more profit for the farm, as radish pricing is based on weight.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider divider_position=”center” divider_weight=”2px” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”50%” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_heading title=”The Results of the Research Project- Leaf Height and Root Length” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||20px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Leaf height and root length are grouped together in this section so as to compare the ratio between the roots and the shoots of the radish seedlings. The leaf heights recorded here are the ones taken during week 6; for the seedling measurements taken from weeks 1 through 5, check the full project report. Note that the following chart takes the average from all three of the pots per treatment. <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/mudvalley.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/leafandrootlength.png” alt=”Compost Effect on Radish Growth leafandrootlength” title_text=”leafandrootlength” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” module_alignment=”center” border_radii=”on|6px|6px|6px|6px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||20px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The results show that WAC and WC40 had the highest leaf heights, whereas WC40 and WC20 were the treatments with the longest roots. Despite having a higher average leaf height, WAC had the third-shortest roots, with MG and MAT being shorter. AD was the only treatment with longer roots than leaves. Both variables are important in measuring the growth of the radishes, but leaf height may be more valuable, as consumers may judge the quality of a radish by how large and healthy the leaves look, while roots are not present at all at the market stall.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider divider_position=”center” divider_weight=”2px” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”50%” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_heading title=”The Results of the Research Project- Taste Test ” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||20px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Our hypothesis did not include anything regarding the taste of the radishes originally- however, we decided that taste was an important factor in determining the quality of our products because the purpose of a radish is to be consumed. Therefore, after the previous measurements were taken, we conducted a taste test of the radishes in order to determine if there was a compost effect on their flavor, texture, or spice level. Eight people participated in this test- us four interns, our two internship advisors, and two members of the farm\u2019s staff. Interestingly, there did seem to be an effect- our notes on the treatments and how they affected the radish\u2019s flavor profile are as follows.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/mudvalley.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Tastetest_H.png” alt=”Compost Effect on Radish Growth TasteTest_H” title_text=”Tastetest_H” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” module_alignment=”center” border_radii=”on|6px|6px|6px|6px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider divider_position=”center” divider_weight=”2px” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”50%” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_heading title=”Overall Results ” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||20px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Considering all three categories of weight, leaf height, and root length, it was found that WAC, WC40, AS40, and WC20 treatments performed best, while AD, MG, and MAT were consistently in the lower end of rankings. AS20 was ranked in the middle, never appearing in either the top or bottom three for each category. From this, it can be determined that worm castings were more effective than the thermophilic Nutriverde\u00ae<\/span>.<\/p>\n Treatments with a 40% concentration of compost performed better than those with a 20% compost concentration. However, it only performed around 9-11% better, raising the question over whether procuring an extra 20% of compost is worth the additional cost.<\/p>\n The poor performance of the MAT treatment- which consisted of market garden soil with a layer of Nutriverde\u00ae<\/span> on top- is interesting to note. Its initial growth was one of the fastest, but after week 3 of measurements its growth halted significantly. This implies that it is important to mix the compost in with the soil, especially in the case of root vegetables, where the vegetable would grow underneath the area affected by the compost.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/mudvalley.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/WhatsApp-Image-2025-04-29-at-13.01.46-rotated.jpeg” alt=”Compost Effect on Radish Growth finalradishes” title_text=”WhatsApp Image 2025-04-29 at 13.01.46″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” module_alignment=”center” border_radii=”on|6px|6px|6px|6px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider divider_position=”center” divider_weight=”2px” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”50%” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_heading title=”Conclusion- Compost Effect on Radish Growth” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||20px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n From the results of our research, we can conclude the following:<\/p>\n Regarding which treatment of compost produced the highest quality radish, the WAC and WC40 treatments produced the radishes with the highest weight, root length, and leaf height- however, an important aspect of radish quality is also the taste. Due to taste preferences being subjective, it cannot be measured which treatment created the radish that tastes the best. However, the group of taste-testers used in this experiment preferred the AS20 and AS40 radishes.<\/p>\n The full written report, Compost Effect on Radish Growth<\/em>, can be found in the resources section of this blog.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider divider_position=”center” divider_weight=”2px” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”50%” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_accordion _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-cc499c27-c030-4e8d-8ebc-4d395eef777a” width=”100%” module_alignment=”left” hover_enabled=”0″ border_width_all=”0px” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-cc499c27-c030-4e8d-8ebc-4d395eef777a%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Resources” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Project Report- Compost Effect on Radish Growth\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n Presentation- Compost Effect on Radish Growth<\/a><\/p>\n Mud Valley Foundation Junior Internship Schedule<\/a><\/p>\n Video- Healthy Soils for a Healthy Planet<\/a><\/p>\n Article- Soil health: Why it is important and how to protect it<\/a><\/p>\n Video- The Soil Biome with Dr. Cristina Cruz<\/a><\/p>\n Soil Week 2024- Mud Valley Foundation<\/a><\/p>\n Video- Water Movement in Soil<\/a><\/p>\n Ecosystem Restoration Communitites Soil Framework- updated November 2024\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n Research paper- inspiration for internship project<\/a><\/p>\n A radish experiment- inspiration the internship project<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Scientific article example- Soil fertility and plant nutrition in an organic olive orchard after 5 years of amendment with compost, biochar or their blend<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Mud Valley Foundation Soil Lab<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Biodynamic Farming and Compost Preparation by ATTRA<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n
Blog 1: The Junior Internship at Mud Valley Foundation here<\/a>
Blog 2: My Research Project and Junior Internship Journey here<\/a><\/p>\n\n
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