What is one of the effects of acid rain on plants?

The impact of acid rain on plants is significant and detrimental. Acid rain is formed when sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are released into the atmosphere, often from industrial processes and vehicle emissions, and then combined with water vapor. When this acidic precipitation falls to the ground, it alters the pH of the soil, making it more acidic.

This increased acidity can harm plants in several ways. It can damage the protective outer layers of leaves, making them more susceptible to disease and pests. Additionally, acidic conditions can lead to nutrient leaching from the soil, particularly crucial minerals like calcium and magnesium. As essential nutrients are depleted, plants may struggle to grow or resist stress, ultimately leading to damage or death.

The physiological stress induced by acid rain can manifest as wilting, yellowing of leaves, and reduced growth. In severe cases, entire trees can be compromised, leading to widespread damage in forested areas. This understanding highlights the negative effects that acid rain can have on plant health and ecology.

In contrast, enhancing growth, boosting nutrient absorption, or neither enhancing nor damaging are not supported by the realities of how acid rain impacts plant life. Thus, the assertion that acid rain damages and kills trees and other plants accurately reflects its harmful nature.