Abstract:
The experimenter planted fifteen rye grass seeds in two different flower pots. One pot was labeled "A" for the experimental group and the other "B" for the control group. A solution of caustic soda and water was mixed in a clean, one gallon milk jug. The control group was watered every other day with tap water. The experimental group was watered with caustic soda water.
Introduction:
The experimenter expected the experimental group to grow longer by the end of the experiment as a result of the caustic soda raising the pH of the soil and making for more favorable conditions for growth.
Methods:
Subjects: 30 rye grass seeds
Apparatus: (2) plastic flower pots
(2) equal portions of potting soil
tap water
caustic soda
gallon milk jug
Procedures:
The two groups of rye grass seeds were planted the same day. Both groups were watered every other day. Both groups were in the same room. After sixteen days, the grass was measured. The Mann Whitney-U was used to calculate the correlation.
Results:
The U critical (72) was smaller than the U obtained (619); therefore, I failed to reject the null hypothesis.
Discussion:
My hypothesis was that rye grass would grow longer in length if caustic soda was added to the soil. My results proved otherwise. The group which received tap water grew longer.