Subject: Re: Sulphur smoke on vines - long term effects

From: "Dr. R.D. Kane" <[email-masked]>
Date: 27 Jan 1996 17:39:40 GMT

The most likely consequences would be acidification of the precipitation 
(i.e. rain and dew) on the foliage.  Dew is usually the worst since it 
typically has the lowest pH.  It would also have the eventual effect of 
lowering soil pH if the condition was particularly bad (about the same as 
adding a good dose of sulfur to the soil). This condition could last 
for a long period. For plants that like acid, it would probably do well. 
However, for plants that like more neutral or basic soil it could be 
devistating.  The extent and duration would be related to how severe the 
situation was. pH measurements would be a good way to determine the 
efects.  They sell test kits, meters and litmus papers that will assist 
in this determination.

-- 
Russell D. Kane
CLI International, Inc.
The Materials & Corrosion Specialists
"and amature plant person"

Corrosion & Materials Web Site:
http://www.clihouston.com

InterCorr/96 - The 1st Global Internet & Corrosion Conference at:
http://www.clihouston.com/intercor.html

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From: [email-masked]
Date: 26 Jan 1996 11:22:30 GMT

A sulphur dump in our area caught alight, burning for 18 hours.
The effects of the fumes can be seen in plant-life up to 30 kms
away.

The most damage was caused to vineyards closer to the fire, with
degrees of defoliation depending on the cultivar and topology.

With insurance claims in mind, we would like to know of any studies
which have been done on the long term effects on vines exposed to 
sulphur fumes.
Perhaps on vineyards close to industrial areas.....

The short term effects are crop losses this year. What about next
year? and the year thereafter?

Any help would be appreciated,
THeo Potgieter
Nietvoorbij
Institute for Viticulture and Oenology.