What is a common consequence of acid rain on the environment?

What is a common consequence of acid rain on the environment?

• A. Reduced soil fertility
• B. Increased plant resistance to disease
• C. Encouragement of fish population growth
• D. Enhancement of soil pH balance

Answer: (A)

Reduced soil fertility is a significant consequence of acid rain on the environment because acid rain lowers the pH of the soil, leading to increased acidity. This change in soil chemistry can result in the leaching of essential nutrients such as calcium and magnesium, which are critical for plant growth. As these nutrients are washed away, the soil becomes less capable of supporting healthy plant life, ultimately leading to reduced fertility. In contrast, the other options present outcomes that do not occur with acid rain. Acid rain does not increase plant resistance to disease; in fact, weakened plants may become more susceptible to diseases. It does not encourage fish population growth since the acidity can harm aquatic ecosystems, affecting fish reproduction and survival rates. Lastly, acid rain does not enhance soil pH balance; it does the opposite by making the soil more acidic, thereby disrupting the delicate balance necessary for optimal soil health.

Reduced soil fertility is a significant consequence of acid rain on the environment because acid rain lowers the pH of the soil, leading to increased acidity. This change in soil chemistry can result in the leaching of essential nutrients such as calcium and magnesium, which are critical for plant growth. As these nutrients are washed away, the soil becomes less capable of supporting healthy plant life, ultimately leading to reduced fertility.

In contrast, the other options present outcomes that do not occur with acid rain. Acid rain does not increase plant resistance to disease; in fact, weakened plants may become more susceptible to diseases. It does not encourage fish population growth since the acidity can harm aquatic ecosystems, affecting fish reproduction and survival rates. Lastly, acid rain does not enhance soil pH balance; it does the opposite by making the soil more acidic, thereby disrupting the delicate balance necessary for optimal soil health.