What effects does acid rain have on plants?
Acid rain is mostly caused by human emissions of sulphur and nitrogen compounds which react in the atmosphere to produce acids. In recent years, many governments have introduced laws to reduce these emissions. Plants and crops are badly affected by acid rain. Roots are damaged causing the growth of the plant to be reduced, or even in its death. Nutrients in the soil are destroyed by acidity. Useful micro-organisms which release nutrients from decaying organic matter are killed off, resulting in less nutrients being available for the plants. The acid rain fall damages the waxy layer on leaves making the plant vulnerable to disease. The cumulative effect means that even if the plant survives it will be very weak and unable to survive strong winds, heavy rainfall, or a short dry period. Plant germination and reproduction is also inhibited by acid rain.
