Changes in Soil Solution Chemistry, Seepage Losses, and Input–Output Budgets at Three Beech Forests in Response to Atmospheric Depositions

摘要: Atmospheric depositions have increased substantially since industrialisation and affected many forest properties. Forest soils of low buffering to the acid load as those sandy or silty texture significantly declined in soil pH some essential nutrients during last decades (see Chap. 21) causing a controversial discussion about stability such ecosystems (Ulrich 1981, 1987, 1992, 1994b). Of 1,700 studied survey programme Germany, 60% all pH(H2O) <4.2 (Wolff Riek 1997a, b). N deficiency, which has been common feature stands temperate region (Tamm 1991), does not occur any more due high deposition rates Europe (except north east Europe). On contrary, supply indicated by contents tree foliage surface organic layer samples (Tietema Beier 1995; Alewell et al. 2000b; McNulty 1991; Wolff 1997a). Nitrate losses with seepage water at locations (Dise Wright Bredemeier 1998; Matzner 2004; Borken 2004), led saturation forests nitrogen (e.g. Agren Bosatta 1988; Tamm Gundersen Aber 1998). However, political actions European countries noticeable decline atmospheric sulphur 1980s 1990s (Ferrier 2001) raising questions recovery from acidification. A general alkalinity lakes streams was observed regions (Stoddard 1999) except sites central where significant delay aquatic acidification (Alewell 2000a) observed. Recovery can take decades, because release previously stored sulphate storage capacity for continues leading systems (Matzner 2004). Moreover, are experiencing changes so-called “climate change” phenomenon. For example, climate Solling site air temperature precipitation recorded project established 1966 2). All these impacts on constitute basis extensive research most promising tool is long-term monitoring element budgets representative ecosystems. This allows one follow development under changing environmental conditions.