Evolution of Forest Cover and Sol Chemistry at 16 Swedish Forest Sites Following Future Deposition Scenarios
Abstract
The high levels of atmospheric sulfate and nitrogen deposition due to human activities have had a visible impact on forest ecosystems in Sweden. Although these emissions are already being reduced as a result of the introduction of transboundary air pollution protocols, the recovery of forest ecosystems may take a long time. This study describes the development of 16 forest ecosystems in Sweden during and after the emissions peaks. It is found that most of the sites are recovering from the acidification effects, but that the recovery process is very slow. The recovery is found to be slower in southern sites with richer soil than in northern sites. This is probably due to the higher buffering capacity of the southern soil.