The deposition of sulphur (161.1 eq. ha(-1) per year), nitrogen (49.9 eq. ha(-1) per year), and ammonium (176.8 eq. ha(-1) per year) from the atmosphere were calculated for both wet and dry deposition in Agra region of India. Seven sampling sites located at Bichpuri, Bah, Fatehabad, Shamsabad, Nunhai, Dayalbagh; and St. John's College were used. The values for critical load of sulphur and nitrogen for soil with respect to Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) and Black siris (Albizzia odoratissima) were calculated. The methodology employed involved the steady state mass balance (SSMB) method. The values of actual acidity were compared with the RAINS-Asia model. On comparing the acidity, it was found that the values computed by RAINS-Asia model are higher for this area. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.