Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hi my name is Heidi and I am 9 years old from Maryland. For my school project I have to ask a scientist what would happen if I pour acid (towel bowl cleaner-Hydrochloride) on living grass? I think it will kill the grass, my dad got sods for me to test my experiment on and I have been testing for two days now and the grass is turning brown and tan. What does a scientist think will happen please?
Thank you!
Heidi

Hi Heidi,

I, too, would expect that pouring acidic toilet bowl cleaner on grass would kill it. So, the results that you are getting sound very reasonable. Adding acid to the soil changes the chemistry of the soil in such a way that makes it difficult for the grass to carry out the processes that keep the grass alive.