Impact of Simulated Acid Rain on Growth and Yield of Two Cultivars of Wheat

The present study reports the results of a field-basedexperiment conducted to assess the effect of simulated acid rain(SAR) of different pH i.e. 5.6 (control), 5.0, 4.5, 4.0 and 3.0on two cultivars of wheat (Triticum aestivum, Malviya 213(M213) and Sonalika). Shoot and root lengths significantlydeclined at pH 3.0 in both varieties. Leaf area declined at pH4.0 and 3.0 in M213 at both ages and at 75 days in Sonalika.Total biomass of 75 days plants declined significantly at pH range4.5–3.0 in M213 and at pH 4.0 and 3.0 in Sonalika. Netassimilation rate (NAR) declined significantly at pH 3.0 inboth varieties. Compared to control, yield of M213 showedsignificant reductions at pH 4.0 and 3.0, whereas Sonalikaresponded negatively at pH 3.0. The study showed that acid rainhas a significant negative effect on wheat plant performance.