Dust info

      There are few detailed studies of the effects of dust deposition on ecology and agriculture. The effect that dust will have is determined by a number of variables, including:

• the concentration of dust particles in unsecured loans the ambient air and its associated deposition rates. Characteristics of the vegetation and leaf surface can influence the rates of dust deposition on vegetation, such as surface roughness and wetness;
• meteorological and local microclimate conditions and degree of penetration of dust into vegetation;
• size distribution of dust particles;
• dust chemistry - ranging from highly alkaline dusts e.g. from limestone quarries, to inert dusts, and acidic dusts, such as dusts from coal workings.

Dust may have physical effects on plants such as blockage and damage to stomata, shading, abrasion of leaf surface or cuticle, and cumulative effects e.g. drought stress on already stressed species. The chemical effects of dust, either directly on the plant surface or on the soil, are likely to be more important than any physical effects. Dust deposited on the ground may produce changes in soil chemistry, which may in the longer-term result in changes in plant chemistry, species competition and community structure. 

Many substances, such as chalk and limestone have traditionally been used in agriculture to increase crop sensitivity. Dust deposition levels are likely to be well below the level of agricultural applications, and therefore effects on agricultural bad credit loans crops are likely to be minimal. Areas of high ecological value or agricultural resources may be more sensitive to dusts than other areas. Examples of sensitive areas include designated nature conservation areas containing sensitive species, intensive horticultural areas, and fruit growing areas.