Design and Performance of an Experimental System to Determine the Effects of Rainfall Acidity on Vegetation

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Abstract
ACCURATE assessments of the effects of acidic precipitation on terrestrial ecosystems require experimental designs that (a) exclude ambient precipitation and (b) cause minimal microclimate alterations. The design and operation of rainfall exclusion shelters which cover vegetation within 60 s of activation by an automatic rain sensor are described. A simulated rain mixing and distribution system is also described. Simulated rainfalls are applied during early evening hours or during cloudy days. Since the test plots are only covered during ambient rain events and when treatments are applied, critical growth parameters such as incident solar radiation, air and soil temperature, wind speed, dew conditions, air quality, plant pests, and cultural practices are minimally affected. These systems coupled with appropriate experimental plot designs have provided data that document changes in crop yields due to simulated acid rainfall applications..

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