The chemical reaction responsible for the formation of acid rain primarily involves sulfur dioxide SO2 and nitrogen oxides NOx released into the atmosphere from various sources, such as industrial processes, vehicle emissions, and natural sources like volcanic eruptions. These gases react with water vapor, oxygen, and other chemicals in the atmosphere to form sulfuric acid H2SO4 and nitric acid HNO3 , which then fall to the ground as acid rain.The reactions can be summarized as follows:1. SO2 + O2 SO32. SO3 + H2O H2SO4 sulfuric acid 1. NOx NO or NO2 + O2 NO22. NO2 + H2O HNO3 nitric acid When acid rain falls on the soil, it can lower the soil pH, making it more acidic. This change in pH can have several negative effects on plant growth in affected areas:1. Nutrient availability: Many essential nutrients, such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, become less available to plants in acidic soils. This can lead to nutrient deficiencies and reduced plant growth.2. Toxicity: Acidic soils can cause the release of toxic elements like aluminum, which can be harmful to plant roots and limit their ability to take up water and nutrients.3. Soil microorganisms: Acidic conditions can negatively impact the activity and diversity of soil microorganisms, which play a crucial role in nutrient cycling and overall soil health.4. Soil structure: Acid rain can cause the breakdown of soil aggregates, leading to reduced soil aeration and water infiltration, which can further stress plants.To mitigate the effects of acid rain on soil and plant growth, various strategies can be employed, such as liming adding calcium carbonate or other alkaline materials to the soil to neutralize acidity , selecting acid-tolerant plant species, and implementing practices to reduce soil erosion and nutrient leaching. Additionally, efforts to reduce SO2 and NOx emissions at the source can help decrease the formation of acid rain.