Student Writing Handbook Fifth+Edition

Technical Report / 387

Welte, page 2

According to these statistics, then, since a pH below 5.6 is considered harmfully acidic, almost

any precipitation is potentially dangerous (Schultz 56).

In the Northeast, average rainfall has now reached a 4.2 pH value. At first, according

to Schultz, the 4.2 value was thought to be ten times more acidic than normal (55). Recently,

however, Chris Bernabo, executive director of the National Acid Precipitation Program, deter-

mined that the rainfall in the Northeast is only about 7 times more acidic than unpolluted rain-

fall (“Acid Rain Annual Report”). Best plant growth occurs in soils that are neutral or only slightly

acidic, with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0 (Wester 8).

Home gardeners can adjust the acidity of their soil by adding lime to reduce acidity or

organic matter and/or sulfur to increase acidity (Wester 9). The rest of the earth’s soil, however,

needs attention. Something desperately needs to be done to prevent future destruction, but

exactly what measures should be taken is still in question.

Purpose

The purpose of this experiment is to determine if acid rain has an effect on the growth

and development of bulbous flowers through the forcing and growing periods, and to determine

if water of varying pH values produces different effects on the growth of these bulbs.

Hypothesis

Water acidity hinders the growth of bulbous flowers.

PROCEDURE

On November 11, twelve each of five kinds of bulbs were planted in Baccto Potting Soil:

Keizerkroon and Appeldoorn Elite tulips, Dutch Master daffodils, grape hyacinths, and crocuses.