Primary papers are studied that are directly from the researcher, these types of papers have the original researchers methodology, results acquired from their experiments that which is subject to interpretation and in the writings explaining what was observed. These papers are then reviewed among their peers, hence the the term “Peer reviewed”, the papers are checked to see if they can be replicated results and the theories being it, once this has been approved it can then be published for all to read. One example of a primary research paper is “Bioactive carbon improves nitrogen fertilizer efficiency and ecological sustainability”, this paper looks at stimulating the soil to have more nitrogen present in the soil.
Secondary sources of information are usually presented as journals, books which are centered around primary sources or use them specifically to review concepts of which the data, helps address the basis of their topics. The secondary sources either directly review the papers they are based on, for example a scholarly review, or can be using can be using the primary articles for their own reports from which they are using data. An example of a secondary article is “A transgenic approach to enhance phosphorus use efficiency in crops as part of a comprehensive strategy for sustainable agriculture”, this article makes uses of multiple primary sources to deliver evidence of said viewpoint.
Tertiary sources, these can be in the form of textbooks, blogs, handouts, anything that uses primary and secondary information. The information here is usually very modified and simplified where it becomes smaller and easier to digest and is available to everyone. An example of a tertiary source would be “Radosevich, Steven R. et al. Ecology of Weeds and Invasive Plants : Relationship to Agriculture and Natural Resource Management . 3rd ed. Hoboken, N.J: Wiley-Interscience, 2007. Print.” this source explores into the realm of invasive plants and how they contribute towards the ecosystems.
Primary Source – Espie, P., Ridgway, H. Bioactive carbon improves nitrogen fertiliser efficiency and ecological sustainability. Sci Rep 10, 3227 (2020). https://doi-org.ezproxy.library.yorku.ca/10.1038/s41598-020-60024-3
Secondary Source – Gaxiola, Edwards, Elser. A transgenic approach to enhance phosphorus use efficiency in crops as part of a comprehensive strategy for sustainable agriculture. Chemosphere Vol 84 Issue 6 August 2011 pg 840- 845 https://doi-org.ezproxy.library.yorku.ca/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2011.01.062
Tertiary Source – Radosevich, Steven R. et al. Ecology of Weeds and Invasive Plants : Relationship to Agriculture and Natural Resource Management . 3rd ed. Hoboken, N.J: Wiley-Interscience, 2007. Print. Stacie Stacks
Applied Plant Ecology Winter 2020 