Applying his wide ranging research to finding practical solutions, Carver experimented with seeds, soils, soil enrichment, and feed grains. "Soil enrichment, natural fertilizer use, and crop rotation" was his message to students and farmers. Carver developed fertilizers to produce more food and better cash crops. As yields improved, the creative researcher developed new products from crops such as sweet potatoes and peanuts. His plant hybridization, recycling, and use of locally available technology was ahead of his time. Carver's work on synthetic substitutes for petroleum products and paints was of great interest to industry. He also patented several inventions. All Carver's efforts were geared to increasing African-American farmers' economic independence.

George Washington Carver's laboratory set up
Laboratory set up of equipment that Carver used to do his experiments. Equipment included distilling apparatus, crucible holder, microscope, crucibles, reagent bottles, ring stand, steam heater, burner, peanut apothecary, grain scale, mortar and pestle, and centrifuge.

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