TITLE: The Effects of simulated Acid Rain on Lettuce Plants

AUTHOR: Amity

SCHOOL: Wachusset Regional High School

SCHOOL ADDRESS: Holden, MA 01520

My project is the effects of simulated acid rain on lettuce plants. Through my reserach I have found that acid rain does not kill plants. Acid rain is like AIDS, it does not kill the plants directly, it weakens them so other stresses and illnesses can kill them easier.

In the 1950's acid rain was first recognized as a problem in the United States and through the years many scientists have conducted experiments to find the effects of various plants. Most of the experiments were done on forest plants. Here in New England acid rain is a major problem. With acid rain being such a problem scientists have conducted many experiments on the forest of New England, but what about the every day gardener? Is the rain falling from the sky really best for their plants, or is it slowly killing them? There are all questions I wanted to find the answers to. Maybe farmers who produce lettuce as a means of income are not getting the most out of their plants.

I conducted my experiment to find the answer to my many questions. I did find very surprising results, so far. I found that one of the more acidic groups did better than the neutral. Right now I am still conducting my experiment. I will have my final conclusion after the lettuce plants harvest.