# Influence of Atmospheric Pollutants and Weather Conditions on Agricultural Productivity in Italy
## 1 Introduction  
Air quality and in general the effect of pollutants on various matrices is among the topics most frequently addressed by scientific research. The harmful effect of pollutants on the human body is extensively documented and widely acknowledged, with numerous studies linking it to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular conditions, and premature mortality [1; 2]. This consensus is backed by a substantial body of evidence highlighting how pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide adversely affect human well-being. On the other side, the effects of air pollution on agriculture are still being actively explored. Researchers across the globe are conducting various studies to understand how pollutants impact crop yield, soil health, and overall agricultural productivity [3; 4]. These investigations are crucial for developing strategies to mitigate the negative effects of air pollution on food security and agricultural sustainability, as the exact mechanisms and extent of the damage are not yet fully understood. Although the agricultural sector contributes considerably to pollution with the formation of particulate matter due to the burning of biomass residues [5] and represents about 96% of national NH\({}_{3}\) emissions [6], it is among the sectors most affected by climate change and the effects of pollution of the planet's limited resources (air, water, and soil). Dependence on the climate has led to innumerable negative impacts on the agricultural system and on food securityand the agri-food chain. Knowledge of the pollutants' impact and other factors, such as meteorology, on crop growth is of fundamental importance for correct crop management to maximize agricultural yield [7]. The pollutants' impact such as ozone on cereal crops (wheat, rice, soy, and corn) and on fruit and vegetable crops (grapes) has highlighted their influence on the decrease in the wheat and rice production [8] and a reduction in vine growth [9]. High levels of pollutants like NO\({}_{2}\) and O\({}_{3}\) can modify the fruits' growth, like navel oranges [10] and tomatoes [11], influencing their organoleptic characteristics and flavor. Air pollution can affect food quality and subsequently impact human health, as airborne contaminants can settle on crops and contaminate soil and water used in food production. These pollutants may accumulate in food items, reducing their nutritional value and introducing harmful substances into our bodies, potentially leading to respiratory issues, cardiovascular diseases, and other health problems [12]. The particulate matter reaches the vegetation through sedimentation, by dry and wet deposition, and particularly PM2.5 (particulate matter with an equivalent diameter of less than 2.5 \(\upmu\)m) has a significant negative effect on wheat production [13]. Nitrogen dioxide (NO\({}_{2}\)) is one of the most phytotoxic greenhouse gases because its high-water solubility favors its absorption by the plants' roots, while sulfur dioxide (SO\({}_{2}\)) absorption occurs via the stoma causing tissue paralysis with swelling of chloroplasts and carbon monoxide (CO) causes a decrease in the photosynthesis rate. The synergy between gaseous (NO\({}_{2}\), SO\({}_{2}\), CO) and solid (PM10) pollutants can lead to a reduction in plant growth, photosynthesis, and therefore a decrease in agricultural production [14]. On the other hand, plants play a crucial role in reducing pollution through several mechanisms. They absorb carbon dioxide (CO\({}_{2}\)) during photosynthesis, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change by lowering atmospheric CO\({}_{2}\) levels. Additionally, plants can filter pollutants from the air, such as particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides, by trapping these substances on their leaves and surfaces. In fact, some specific species are used in urban forestry to increase environmental benefits and mitigate the effects of climate change [15]. Moreover, in their 2023 study, [PERSON] et al.