Abstract |
The economic impact of air pollution on vegetation in New Jersey was studied for a second year, from May 1972 through May, 1973. Direct losses to agronomic crops and ornamental planting were evaluated; crop substitution and indirect yield reduction were not accounted for. The total losses to these crops for 1972-73 amounted to $128,019. Forty-seven percent of the plant damage was caused by oxidants, 18% by hydrogen fluoride, 16% by ethylene, 4% by sulfur dioxide and 1% by anhydrous ammonia. Cumberland, Warren, Atlantic and Salem Counties sustained the greatest degree of injury. Damage reported in this survey was only 11% of that reported for 1971-1972 in New Jersey. (See PB-214 100). Reduced losses did not result from decreased air pollution concentrations but rather from altered environmental conditions. The unusual rainfall patterns in 1972 placed the plants under water stress and probably protected them from air pollution injury. The report also documents unknown problems, and assesses research needs. (Author) |