Demonstration of Ozone Impacts on Crop Species in the San Joaquin Valley: Open Top Chambers at Kearney Agricultural Center

摘要

The San Joaquin Valley exceeds state and federal air quality standards for ozone. Agricultural interests are politically and socially important, yet despite documented crop damage and yield loss due to ozone, this segment of the population has been less supportive of air quality regulatory activity than others. A research and demonstration project was designed to increase recognition of ozone symptoms in crops of the ozone problem in general. The object was to increase participation in air quality improvement initiatives. Plants were exposed in Open Top Chambers and a web site was developed for non-specialist and specialist adults, and for children. Visits, site tours and other activities were hosted at the University of California Kearney Agricultural Center in Parlier. Research activity provided demonstration materials. Outreach was limited during the period of the project as economic pressure cancelled many tours and air quality regulatory issues contentious. Useful outreach materials and a continuing physical and web-based presence were established.