Effect of cement kiln dust on the radiation balance and yields of plants

Abstract

Changes in the radiation balance (albedo) of maize polluted with cement dust were measured at the Agrometeorological Research Station, Keszthely, Hungary, during 1982–1984. The radiation intake of polluted plants was increased, and this increased plant temperature and evapo-transpiration. Higher radiation values did not have a positive effect on dry matter production; in fact, fertilisation was found to deteriorate and yields on average decreased by 16·2% during the three years.