Effect of simulated acid rain on seedling emergence and growth of eleven woody species

Journal Article · Sat Sep 01 00:00:00 EDT 1979 · For. Sci.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5059005

Lee, J J; Weber, D E

Seeds of eleven woody species were exposed to 2.3 cm/wk of simulated sulfuric acid rain at pH values of 3.0, 3.5, or 4.0, or to a simulated control rain at approximately pH 5.6. All treatments also contained a neutral mixture of cations and anions based on concentrations reported for Hubbard Brook, N.H. Seeds or seedlings were subject to ambient conditions, except deposition. Seeds were planted in winter, 1977; seedlings were harvested the following summer. The dry weights of the top and roots of each seedling were recorded. Although eight species were affected by simulated acid rain, the direction and magnitude of effects varied with species and with treatment. Seedling emergence was stimulated by at least one acid treatment for four species, while root growth was inhibited for one species. Except for one species, whose emergence rate and top growth were both affected, effects were confined to one measured parameter.

• Research Organization: Corvallis Environmental Research Lab., OR
• OSTI ID: 5059005
• Journal Information: For. Sci.; (United States), Vol. 25:3
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
ACID RAIN
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
PLANT GROWTH
SENSITIVITY
SEEDLINGS
SEEDS
BIOLOGICAL VARIABILITY
PH VALUE
ROOTS
SPECIES DIVERSITY
SULFURIC ACID
ATMOSPHERIC PRECIPITATIONS
GROWTH
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
INORGANIC ACIDS
RAIN
560303* - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology- Plants- (-1987)
510100 - Environment
Terrestrial- Basic Studies- (-1989)
010900 - Coal
Lignite
& Peat- Environmental Aspects