Abstract |
The effects of acid precipitation on microbiological and chemical parameters in soils were investigated under field conditions. The study site consisted of three transects, each including three 75 sq. m. plots. One transect served as a control, the second one was irrigated with acid rain at pH 3.7 and the third one received acid rain at pH 3.0. Acid rain did not significantly alter enzyme activity, except for protease activity which increased at pH 3.0. Soil respiration was not significantly altered by acid treatment. However, nitrification rate was significantly reduced by acid precipitation at 3.7 and 3.0. Acid rain did also lead to substantial leaching of divalent cations such as Ca2, and Mg2 but did not affect the transport pattern of monovalent cations such as K+. |