[Relationship between simulated acid rain stress and leaf reflectance].

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Plant Physiology
• Remote Sensing

Context:

• Acid rain poses a global environmental threat, particularly impacting subtropical forest health in China.
• Understanding the effects of acid rain on forest ecosystems is crucial for conservation efforts.

Purpose:

• To investigate the impact of simulated acid rain (SAR) on chlorophyll concentration and spectral reflectance of subtropical broad-leaved tree species.
• To analyze how different pH levels of SAR affect leaf optical properties and plant health.

Summary:

• Simulated acid rain treatments with pH 2.5 and pH 4.0 generally resulted in higher chlorophyll concentrations and lower spectral reflectance compared to pH 5.6.
• Visible wavelength spectral reflectance changes were most pronounced at the green peak and red edge.
• The studied subtropical tree species demonstrated relative insensitivity to acid rain stress, with some evidence of growth acceleration at higher acid concentrations.

Impact:

• Provides insights into the physiological and spectral responses of subtropical trees to acid rain.
• Contributes to the development of remote sensing techniques for monitoring forest health under environmental stress.
• Informs forest management strategies in areas affected by acid rain pollution.