Re: What is the effect of electricity on plants

Jacob, There are several correct answers for your question. Most people will look at plant growth as a means to measure the effect of the electricity to plants. As part of your hypothesis you will need to define specifically how you expect to do your project. Are you going to run a current through your plant (top to bottom, or leaf to leaf), will the current be DC from a battery, or AC from a transformer of some type. One could run the electricity through the soil also. The effects can be measured in increased oven dry weight, or plant length, or the product they produce if you take the plant to yield. Your question is good, but needs to be defined more. I hope this is for a 2010 science fair project, as there is not much time left in the spring of 2009 for a good project. (I have already judged four science fairs this year.) I suggest you decide which species plant you want to use. (Corn & Soybeans are good), be sure and use several plants in each part of your project (more than 2 or 3 for each variable). Decide what source of electrical power, and kind of power you’re going to use. Dale Softley Forensic Agronomist Lincoln, NE