Impacts of Acid Rain on Base Cations, Aluminum, and Acidity Development in Highly Weathered Soils of Thailand

Abstract

The impacts of simulated acid rain on leachability of major plant nutrients, toxic element [aluminum (Al)], and acidity development in highly weathered tropical soils of Thailand were studied. Leaching experiments were conducted on soil columns with acidic solutions of pH 5.0, 4.0, 3.0, 2.0, and with water of pH 7.0 as a control treatment. Leaching losses of base cations from all soils increased with the decrease in pH associated with simulated acid rain (SAR) additions, and were found to be quite high under SAR with pH 2.0. The leaching removal of these cations was lesser at pH 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0 but greater than that in pH 7.0. The leaching of base cation from the soils depended not only on acid rain pH but also on soil properties, especially cation exchange capacity, soil texture, and initial base content. The significant losses of major plant nutrients [such as potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+), and magnesium (Mg2+)] from the plant root zone over extended periods could cause nutrient imbalance and lower soil productivity.