What are the effects of acid rain on soil fertility?

What Effect Does the Soil and Underlying Bedrock Have on Acid Rain? ... If the soil is rich in limestone or if the underlying bedrock is either composed of limestone or marble, then the acid rain may be neutralised. This is ... These effects occur because acid rain leaches many of the existing soil nutrients from the soil. read more

These effects occur because acid rain leaches many of the existing soil nutrients from the soil. The number of micro-organisms present in the soil also decreases as the soil becomes more acidic. This further depletes the amount of nutrients available to plant life because the micro-organisms play an important role in releasing nutrients from decaying organic material. read more

Soils containing calcium and limestone are more able to neutralise sulphuric and nitric acid depositions than a thin layer of sand or gravel with a granite base. read more

The corrosive effect of acid rain on soil is seen famously on the bald peaks of the Appalachian Mountains. The soil of these peaks is soaked from acidic fog, as are many high-elevation forests. While rain is always somewhat acidic due to oxidation, air polluted with nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide increase the pH of the rain to a harmful level. read more