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I used this site for research on the concept of solarization, to consider the possibility of it effecting poison parsnip seeds, so that they could possibly be made ineffective by destruction using heat. This site discusses the effects solarization can have on soilborne pathogens, weeds, beneficial microbes, and plant nutrients. Many people seeking to rid their gardens or certain areas of weeds or invasive species choose to use this technique, as it is better for the soil, doesn't leave residual chemicals in the soil, and solarization actually helps the soil become more fertile and accommodating, so that beneficial microbes can repopulate quicker, and the nutrients the soil yields are better. The site also gives people a general idea of how long this process (solarization) can take, and how to carry it out: moisturized soil is cleared of debris, a tarp placed on top of the soil in a time of year where temperatures can superheat the soil, and then left for around 2-4 weeks to kill all plant life and bacteria/pathogens under the tarp, so the soil is left fertile. This technique reminds me of how farmers used to burn their crops to ensure more fertile soil and the plants growing back healthier. It shares the same idea, but unlike with fire, this technique doesn't damage the soil and takes less time for the plant life to recover. This is an interesting idea, and I had heard of solarization before I began studying it, but I never understood exactly what it was good for. I will be able to use this site, if only to study the effects of solarization and possibly draw a connection to poison parsnip. This is a reliable education site, and it will be helpful for something to consider while I write my experimental procedure and begin my experiment.

This site also discussed the process of solarization. However, the site was centered more on the destruction of pests in the soil. I believe, though, that the same procedures used for extinguishing the pests could be used on seeds. One idea that intrigued me was the idea that a small container can be solarized, with plastic tarp on top, as I didn't really think of using a small container to solarize plants. As my plot of soil with the parsnip plant is very small, I don't think actually solarizing it would do anything, but as a possible alternative to my procedure of baking the seeds, if I had more time I could have solarized them in a small container. I could still do that, as a back-up to my procedure, with the remaining soil and seeds, and see how it affects the seeds, if I have sufficient time. Aside from this small bit of information, and a repeat of the instructions of how to do solarization of your own, I don't think I will use this site very often. The only good information it had was the information mentioned above. However, it is also a reliable educational source, and as such, it will most likely contain reliable information, as compared to a non-educational site.

The best solar energy pros and cons list you will find on the web. Well researched and properly referenced.

This site displays the planets orbiting the sun in realistic sizes and orbits. It also shows the stars and constellations, and how they change over time. This site is supposed to get people to realize the actual proportions of the solar system, because many people have an inaccurate picture of it in their mind. I would recommend this site because it is so clear about all its information, is educational, and looks cool. This site really made me understand both the solar system and the stars.

If you are interested in going green or moving off of the electrical grid this is the website for you. with all the information you'll need for solar schooling to price per unit breakdown and everything in between this is a very reliable and dependable site.

Out final project of the year for Science was to make a presentation on a moon or a planet in our solar system. I choose Triton. Before this project I knew absolutely nothing about Triton. Then I found this site. This site has the basic information that you would need to know to learn a little bit about Triton. This site was very helpful to me because it was just the information I needed to start off this project.