Abstract
Seeds and seedlings of five broad-leaved species were separately exposed to simulated acid rain at pH values of 2.0, 3.5, 5.0, and 6.0, or to distilled water (the control). The results showed that seed germination was remarkably inhibited by pH 2.0 treatment for three species. Significant foliar damage, decline in chlorophyll contents, and retardation of the seedlings growth of all the species, were observed at pH 2.0 treatment. The pH 2.0 treatment seemed to be a threshold level for inhibition of seed germination and seedling growth for all the treated species, while seedling was stimulated at pH value between 3.5 and 5.0.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Hong Zongwei. 1993. Influences of acid precipitation upon ecosystem—Studies on acid precipitation in southwestern China (in Chinese). Beijing: China Science and Technology Press, 177pp
Lee, J. and Weber, D.E.. 1979. The effects of simulated acid rain on seedling emergence and growth of eleven woody species. Forest Science,25(3): 393–398
Liao Liping and Chen Churong. 1992. Relationships between simulated acid rain, soil acidification and root growth of Chinese fir andSchima superba (Chinese with an English abstract). Chinese Journal of Ecology,11(1): 23–28
McColl, J. and Robert, G. 1983. Effects of simulated acid rain on germination and early growth of Douglas fir and ponderosa pine. Plant and Soil,74(2): 125–129
Pitelka, L.F. and Raynl, D.J. 1989. Forest decline and acidic deposition. Ecology,70(1): 2–10
Shan, Yunfeng and Hong Zongwei. 1989. Effects of simulated acid rain on seedlings ofCyclobalano glauca Oerst. (In chinese). In: Yang Hanxi (Ed), Acid rain and agriculture. Beijing: China Forestry Press, 174–178
Shriner, D.S. 1976. Effects of simulated rain acidified with sulfuric acid on host-parasite interactions. In: L. S. Dochinger and T. A. Seliga (Eds.), 1st Internat. Symp. Acid Precipitation and the Forest Ecosystem. U.S.D.A. Forest Service, Gen. Tech. Rep. No. NE-23, Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, 919–926.
Smith W.H.. 1981. Air pollution and forests: Interactions between air contaminants and forest ecosystems. New York: Springer-Veralg, 379pp
Tamm, C.O., Wiklander, G. and Popovic, B. 1976. Effects of application of sulphuric acid to poor pine forests. In: L. S. Dochinger and T. A. Seliga (Eds.), Ist Internat. Symp. Acid Precipitation and the Forest Ecosystem. U.S.D.A. Forest Service, Gen. Tech. Rep. No. NE-23, Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, 1011–1024.
Wood, T. and Bormann, F.H. 1976. Short-term effects of a simulated acid rain upon the growth and nutrient relations ofPinus strobus L. In: Dochinger, L.S. and T.A. Seliga (Eds.), Ist Internat. Symp. Acid Precipitation and the Forest Ecosystem. U.S.D.A. Forest Service, Gen. Tech. Rep. No. NE-23, Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, 815–826.
Wood, T. and Bormann, F.H. 1974. The effects of an artificial acid mist upon the growth ofBetula alleghaniensis. Britt. Environ. Pollut.,7(3): 259–268.
Xu Fukang and Hao Jiming. 1990. A review on the present situation of acid rain in China and establishment of countermeasures (in Chinese). Environmental Science,11(1): 61–66.
Yang Hanxi Ed. 1989. Acid rain and agriculture. Beijing: China Forestry Press, 191pp
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Responsible editor: Zhu Hong
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Houbao, F., Chuanrong, L. Effects of simulated acid rain on seedling emergence and growth of five broad-leaved species. Journal of Forestry Research 10, 83–86 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02855532
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02855532