Effects of simulated acidic rain applied alone and in combination with ambient rain on growth and yield of field-grown snap bean

Abstract

Field-grown snap bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L. cultivar ‘Provider’) plants were treated with simulated acidic rain applied either alone or in combination with ambient rain and the effects on growth and yield were determined. In plots where ambient rain was excluded, a retractable canopy was activated to shield the crop. Four levels of acidity at pH values of 5.0, 4.2, 3.4 and 2.6 were applied in four replicate treatments and the experiment was conducted in two successive years (1981 and 1982). In plots that received only simulated rain, yield was not adversely affected by acidic rain; in 1981, a positive linear relationship was present between acidity of simulated rain and yield, but in 1982, no effect was found. In contrast, in plots that received both simulated and ambient rain, a negative linear relationship between acidity in simulated rain and yield was observed in both years. Changes in yield were due to effects on the number of pods per plant. Vegetative mass and size of pods were unaffected by acidity in simulated rain in either experimental condition. Apparently, acidic rain has no detrimental effect on growth or yield of snap bean, especially under conditions of normal water supply. Plant response to acidic rain, however, was altered by the presence of ambient rain. Consequently, previous research performed without exclusion of ambient rain should be re-evaluated, and current research should provide for control of water supply as well as deposition of hydrogen ions and other components in rain.