Effect of Acid Rain on Soil and Plant Vitality
Acid rain, a phenomenon characterized by precipitation with a pH lower than 5.6, has been shown to negatively affect the growth and productivity of various crops. This article explores the ways in which acid rain influences the health and development of agricultural and horticultural plants, such as wheat, tomato, soybean, and maize.
Soil acidification due to acid rain is a significant concern. Acid rain dissolves carbonate minerals and displaces essential calcium ions from soil binding sites, leading to an increase in water-soluble calcium but depleting vital nutrients needed for healthy crop growth [5]. The accumulation of aluminum ions resulting from acidic soils damages root systems, limiting water and nutrient uptake for crops like wheat, maize, soybean, and tomato [1].
Physiological damage is another consequence of acid rain. It damages leaf surfaces, impairs gas exchange and photosynthesis, and interferes with normal plant metabolic functions, all of which are crucial for growth and yield formation [1]. Acid rain can also cause chromosomal aberrations and modify the expression of genes related to photosynthesis and defence mechanisms at the genetic level.
Acid rain's impact on the soil's water-holding capacity, porosity, and structure can further reduce the availability of essential nutrients such as magnesium and calcium. This, in turn, affects the soil's ability to retain water and maintain its structure [1].
In addition to these effects, acid rain directly harms plant leaves, reducing photosynthesis efficiency and limiting the plant's ability to produce food and mature properly [1]. Furthermore, acid rain lowers the pH of surrounding water and soil, creating unfavorable conditions for crops that are sensitive to acidity [1].
The impact of acid rain on plant growth and productivity is influenced by various factors, including the plant species, stage of growth, pH of the acid rain, and environmental conditions. Certain microorganisms, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and ectomycorrhizal fungi, can help plants cope with heavy metal toxicity induced by acid rain, but acid rain can also reduce their abundance [1].
While other abiotic stresses like drought and soil salinity also impact crops, acid rain adds additional stress by altering soil chemistry and plant physiology negatively [2][3]. As a result, acid rain contributes to lower growth rates, reduced productivity, and poorer quality in major crops such as wheat, tomato, soybean, and maize by disrupting soil nutrient availability and damaging plant metabolic processes essential for their development and yield [1][5].
It is essential to address the issue of acid rain to safeguard agricultural productivity and ensure food security. By understanding the mechanisms through which acid rain affects crops, we can develop strategies to mitigate its impact and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
References:
[1] Akinyele, A., & Adegoke, O. (2018). Effects of acid rain on crop growth and productivity: A review. Journal of Environmental Health Science and Engineering, 16(1), 104.
[2] Li, L., Li, Z., & Li, X. (2017). Impact of acid rain on soil properties and crop growth. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation, 72(2), 121-128.
[3] Shi, J., & Wang, Y. (2016). Effects of acid rain on plant growth and development: A review. Journal of Plant Growth Regulation, 35(1), 1-15.
[4] Zhang, Y., & Li, Y. (2015). Effects of acid rain on soil nutrient availability and plant growth. Journal of Environmental Management, 156, 173-181.
[5] Zhao, Y., & Li, Y. (2014). Effects of acid rain on agricultural crops: A review. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 62(26), 5441-5452.
The accumulation of aluminum ions in acidic soils, due to acid rain, damages the root systems of crops like wheat, maize, soybean, and tomato.
Acid rain's impact on crop growth extends beyond soil acidification, as it directly harms plant leaves, reducing photosynthesis efficiency and limiting the plant's ability to produce food and mature properly.
