Study of the influence of Ca2+ content in soil on Brassica Chinensis L. crop yield under acid rain stress conditions

With the rapid development of economy, the frequency and intensity of acid rains is increasing, which is a growing global environmental concern, especially in China. In recent years, techniques to protect the crop yield under acid rain stress conditions have become a focus of attention. In this study, Brassica Chinensis L., one of the typical crops in the northeast of China, was selected to examine crop yield under acid rain stress conditions. Based upon two series of simulation experiments, (1) growth and physiological characteristics of Brassica Chinensis L. were determined under different acid rain stress conditions, and (2) it was examined whether supplementation with additional Ca2+ to soil was able to protect Brassica Chinensis L. under these conditions. The results showed that additional Ca2+ in soil improved growth and physiological characteristics of Brassica Chinensis L. through the increased total and pectic acid Ca2+ concentrations in plants. Acid rain stress decreased the yield of Brassica Chinensis L, while additional Ca2+ administered to soil enhanced the yield. Data suggest that adding Ca2+ to soil was effective in preventing the actions of acid rain on Brassica Chinensis L. growth.