Influence of SO₂ emission from high sulfur gas fields on growth and yield of rice

The influence of SO₂ from the high sulfur gas field on the growth, yield and quality of rice were studied through sampling of soil and rice in both polluted and non-polluted areas. The results show that SO₂ in the air emitted from the high sulfur gas field, can increase sulfur content in the grain and leaves of rice, and significantly reduce the 1000-grain weight and rice yield. Rice yield decreases by 16.6%~28.2% in polluted areas, compared with the non-polluted areas. Sulfur absorbed by rice vegetative organs and accumulated in the reproductive organs, can significantly debase rice quality by the inhibition of protein, starch and fat formation. Compared with the non-polluted areas, rice protein content in contaminated areas decreases by 8.6%~22.3%, starch content decreases by 27.4%~53.6%, fat content decreases by 45.6%~71.7%, while the ash content is increased by 52.2%~69.4%.