Abstract
BackgroundSoil acidification caused by acid rain (AR) can damage plant roots, which in turn negatively impacts plant health. In response to changing AR types, research efforts to elucidate their specific impacts on plants have become intense.MethodsFor this study, we investigated the effects of simulated sulfuric, nitric, and mixed AR on the root systems of Quercus acutissima Carr. and Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook. under different acidity levels.ResultsAs the AR S/N ratio and pH decreased, the height growth rate (HGR), basal diameter growth rate (DGR), total root length (TRL) and total root surface area (TRS) of C. lanceolata decreased, whereas the TRL and TRS of Q. acutissima remained the same. When the NO3− concentration in AR was increased, the root activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities of C. lanceolata roots revealed a downward trend; however, the root activity of Q. acutissima and the peroxidase (POD) activity of C. lanceolata roots revealed an upward trend. Further, redundant analysis and structural equation models indicated that AR pH had a greater impact on the HGR of Q. acutissima than that of C. lanceolata, while the impact of the AR S/N ratio on C. lanceolata growth rates was greater than that of Q. acutissima.ConclusionsOur results suggested that the root systems of different tree species had variable responses to AR, and the AR S/N ratio was an important factor affecting plant root growth. This might facilitate new strategies for the cultivation and protection of plantations in the future.
Highlights
Over the last few decades, in conjunction with its rapid economic growth, China has established the largest plantation area in the world (Tang et al 2015)
In accordance with earlier studies, we proposed our hypotheses as follows: (1) acid rain (AR) inhibits the root growth of Q. acutissima and C. lanceolata saplings; (2) this inhibition is exacerbated by higher concentrations of N O3−; (3) the root systems of different tree species have variable responses to higher AR acidity and NO3− concentrations
In contrast to C. lanceolata, the interaction of the AR S/N ratio and pH significantly impacted the growth of Q. acutissima (p < 0.05) (Fig. 1)
Summary
Over the last few decades, in conjunction with its rapid economic growth, China has established the largest plantation area in the world (Tang et al 2015). AR is a progressively serious environmental issue caused by anthropogenic urbanization and industrialization (Zhang et al 2017), which has negative impact on ecosystems, and significantly threatens human health and survival (Ma et al 2021). Liu et al Ecological Processes (2022) 11:8 nitrogen oxide (NOx) (Lv et al 2014), which dissolve in water to form sulfuric acid rain (SAR) and nitric acid rain (NAR) (Zhang et al 2007). In view of the more stringent control of sulfur emissions from factories since 1990 (Chan and Yao 2008), in conjunction with increased vehicular exhaust emissions caused by rapid economic development (Liu et al 2018c), the SAR in China is progressively transforming to NAR (Liu et al 2020). In response to changing AR types, research efforts to elucidate their specific impacts on plants have become intense
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