The Effect of Acid Rain on Soil Nutrient Levels and Plant Growth.

Pollution, caused by burning fossil fuels in power plants and automobiles, releases nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere. Sulfuric and nitric acid solutions cause rainwater to become overly acidic. Acid rain decreases the pH of the soil, causing its acidity to increase, which decreases the level of important nutrients found in the soil. This process can negatively affect the nutrition and overall growth of crops. Acid rain was a problem for the United States in the 1960's and 70's but the Clean Air Act, passed in 1970 with additional amendments in 1990, has led to less sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides in the atmosphere which makes rainwater less acidic. However, within the last decade, acid rain has become a problem in India as more polluting gasses are emitted from automobiles and power plants around the country. This experiment will imitate the effect of acid rain on soil and crops. Three different solutions of acidic water will be created using pH buffers in order to analyze their effects on the level of nutrients found in soil as well as the growth of wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum). The buffers will be mixed with spring water to create solutions with pH of 4, 5, 6, and 7, or neutral. (rainwater with pH below 5.65 is considered acidic) The solutions will be used to water the wheatgrass seeds throughout the entirety of the experiment. The results will be displayed in various data charts and graphs.