Growth parameter and yield component response of field corn to simulated acid rain

Technical Report · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1988

OSTI ID:7069866

Banwart, W L; Porter, P M; Ziegler, E L; Hassett, J J

Acid rain occurs in the midwest. Studies to date have suggested minimal yield response of field corn to acid rain. However, small but significant reductions in yield have been shown for some cultivars under extreme conditions. To define further these yield changes the study examined the effect of simulated acid rain on parameters associated with corn yield. Cultivars B73 x Mo17 and Pioneer 3377 were shielded from ambient rain by two movable rain exclusion shelters. Six simulated rain treatments were applied biweekly within these shelters through the use of a nozzle distribution system. For the most part, growth and yield parameters were unaffected by simulated rain treatment. While the only significant yield reduction was a contrast of pH 3.0 and the average of all other treatments for B73 x Mo17, the reduction appears to be the result both of slightly fewer ears and slightly less successful ear fill.

• Research Organization: Illinois Univ., Urbana, IL (USA). Dept. of Agronomy
• OSTI ID: 7069866
• Report Number(s): PB-90-125865/XAB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540120* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
540320 -- Environment
Aquatic-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
553000 -- Agriculture & Food Technology
60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES
ACID RAIN
ACIDIFICATION
AIR POLLUTION
ATMOSPHERIC PRECIPITATIONS
CEREALS
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
GRASS
GROWTH
LILIOPSIDA
MAGNOLIOPHYTA
MAIZE
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PH VALUE
PLANT GROWTH
PLANTS
POLLUTION
PRODUCTION
PROTEINS
RAIN
SEEDS
WATER POLLUTION
YIELDS