scholarly journals Stream acidification and base cation losses with grassland afforestation

2008 ◽  
Vol 44 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathleen A. Farley ◽  
Gervasio Piñeiro ◽  
Sheila M. Palmer ◽  
Esteban G. Jobbágy ◽  
Robert B. Jackson
Keyword(s):  
Base Cation ◽  
Stream Acidification

Site classification in a mixed hardwood forest (Hallerbos, Belgium) with a homogeneous ground vegetation dominated by Hyacinthoides non-scripta (L.) Chouard ex. Rothm.

1994 ◽  
Vol 59 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Maddelein ◽  
B. Muys ◽  
J. Neirynck ◽  
G. Sioen
Keyword(s):  
Tree Species ◽  
Ph Value ◽  
Soil Analysis ◽  
Base Cation ◽  
Site Quality ◽  
Ground Vegetation ◽  
Site Classification ◽  
Species Classification ◽  
Tree Species Composition ◽  
Understorey Vegetation

The  forest of Halle (560 ha), situated 20 km south of Brussels is covered by a  beech (Fagus sylvatica)  forest, locally mixed with secundary species (Tilia,  Fraxinus, Acer, Quercus,... ). In almost all  stands, herbal vegetation is dominated by bluebell (Hyacinthoides  non-scripta).     The research intended to classify 36 plots of different tree species  composition according to their site quality. Three classification methods  were compared: the first one based on the indicator value of the understorey  vegetation, a second one on the humus morphology and a last one on some  quantitative soil characteristics. According to the plant sociological site  classification, the plots have the same site quality. However, humus forms  differ apparently and significant differences were found in pH value and base  cation saturation of the soil, abundance and biomass of earthworms and  biomass of the ectorganic horizon. Tree species proved to be the main cause  of these differences.     The results illustrate that the herbal vegetation is not always a reliable  indicator of site quality. In the case of a homogeneous vegetation dominated  by one or more indifferent species, classification on humus morphology or  soil analysis are more appropriate. In the forest of Halle, the tree species  is probably the main cause of the observed differences in site quality.

Base cation saturation ratios vs. sufficiency level of nutrients: a false dichotomy in practice

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steve W. Culman ◽  
Caroline Brock ◽  
Douglas Doohan ◽  
Douglas Jackson‐Smith ◽  
Catherine Herms ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Base Cation ◽  
False Dichotomy

scholarly journals Current, steady-state and historical weathering rates of base cations at two forest sites in northern and southern Sweden: a comparison of three methods

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 281-304 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie Casetou-Gustafson ◽  
Harald Grip ◽  
Stephen Hillier ◽  
Sune Linder ◽  
Bengt A. Olsson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Steady State ◽  
Soil Depth ◽  
Base Cations ◽  
Base Cation ◽  
Mineral Weathering ◽  
Soil Horizon ◽  
Soil Horizons ◽  
Weathering Rate ◽  
Weathering Rates ◽  
Forest Sites

Abstract. Reliable and accurate methods for estimating soil mineral weathering rates are required tools in evaluating the sustainability of increased harvesting of forest biomass and assessments of critical loads of acidity. A variety of methods that differ in concept, temporal and spatial scale, and data requirements are available for measuring weathering rates. In this study, causes of discrepancies in weathering rates between methods were analysed and were classified as being either conceptual (inevitable) or random. The release rates of base cations (BCs; Ca, Mg, K, Na) by weathering were estimated in podzolised glacial tills at two experimental forest sites, Asa and Flakaliden, in southern and northern Sweden, respectively. Three different methods were used: (i) historical weathering since deglaciation estimated by the depletion method, using Zr as the assumed inert reference; (ii) steady-state weathering rate estimated with the PROFILE model, based on quantitative analysis of soil mineralogy; and (iii) BC budget at stand scale, using measured deposition, leaching and changes in base cation stocks in biomass and soil over a period of 12 years. In the 0–50 cm soil horizon historical weathering of BCs was 10.6 and 34.1 mmolc m−2 yr−1, at Asa and Flakaliden, respectively. Corresponding values of PROFILE weathering rates were 37.1 and 42.7 mmolc m−2 yr−1. The PROFILE results indicated that steady-state weathering rate increased with soil depth as a function of exposed mineral surface area, reaching a maximum rate at 80 cm (Asa) and 60 cm (Flakaliden). In contrast, the depletion method indicated that the largest postglacial losses were in upper soil horizons, particularly at Flakaliden. With the exception of Mg and Ca in shallow soil horizons, PROFILE produced higher weathering rates than the depletion method, particularly of K and Na in deeper soil horizons. The lower weathering rates of the depletion method were partly explained by natural and anthropogenic variability in Zr gradients. The base cation budget approach produced significantly higher weathering rates of BCs, 134.6 mmolc m−2 yr−1 at Asa and 73.2 mmolc m−2 yr−1 at Flakaliden, due to high rates estimated for the nutrient elements Ca, Mg and K, whereas weathering rates were lower and similar to those for the depletion method (6.6 and 2.2 mmolc m−2 yr−1 at Asa and Flakaliden). The large discrepancy in weathering rates for Ca, Mg and K between the base cation budget approach and the other methods suggests additional sources for tree uptake in the soil not captured by measurements.

A PROPOSED METHODOLOGY FOR ASSESSING THE RELATIVE IMPACT OF ACID RAIN AND NITROGEN FERTILIZERS ON ACIDITY OF AGRICULTURAL SOILS IN CANADA

1989 ◽  
Vol 69 (3) ◽  
pp. 611-627 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. R. COOTE ◽  
S. SHAH SINGH ◽  
C. WANG
Keyword(s):  
Acid Rain ◽  
Agricultural Soils ◽  
Field Measurements ◽  
Base Cation ◽  
Microbial Reduction ◽  
Base Saturation ◽  
Nitrogen Fertilizers ◽  
N Fertilizers ◽  
Reduction Plant ◽  
Sulfate Leaching

Acid rain and N fertilizers both contribute to soil acidity, but no method has been available to compare their relative impacts. A simple model (SOLACID) is presented to assess quantitatively the acidifying effects of precipitation and N fertilizers on agricultural soils. Acid rain has been treated as a dilute solution of NH4NO3, (NH4)2SO4 and associated acids. Soil and plant pathways are considered for [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]and [Formula: see text] by way of leaching, gaseous losses from microbial reduction, plant uptake and removal, and organic immobilization and mineralization. Leaching of [Formula: see text] was the factor to which the model was most sensitive. A relationship between base saturation and base cation leaching is described. Field data reported from 21 treatments at six experimental sites were used to test the model, which provided reliable estimates of final pH (r2 = 0.92**) and of changes in base saturation (r2 = 0.86**). Compared with previously published methods, the model provided the best estimates of lime requirements as computed from field measurements (r2 = 0.87**). Key words: Ammonia, sulfate, leaching, nitrification

Base cation and silicon biogeochemistry under pine and scrub oak monocultures: implications for weathering rates

Geoderma ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 126 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 353-365 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.L. Johnson-Maynard ◽  
R.C. Graham ◽  
P.J. Shouse ◽  
S.A. Quideau
Keyword(s):  
Base Cation ◽  
Weathering Rates ◽  
Scrub Oak ◽  
Silicon Biogeochemistry

scholarly journals Are there signs of acidification reversal in freshwaters of the low mountain ranges in Germany?

2001 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 367-378 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Alewell ◽  
M. Armbruster ◽  
J. Bittersohl ◽  
C. D. Evans ◽  
H. Meesenburg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Water Supply ◽  
Extreme Values ◽  
Stream Water ◽  
Base Cation ◽  
Drinking Water Supply ◽  
Mountain Ranges ◽  
Acid Neutralising Capacity ◽  
Freshwater Acidification ◽  
Low Mountain Ranges

Abstract. The reversal of freshwater acidification in the low mountain ranges of Germany is of public, political and scientific concern, because these regions are near natural ecosystems and function as an important drinking water supply. The aim of this study was to evaluate the status and trends of acidification reversal after two decades of reduced anthropogenic deposition in selected freshwaters of the low mountain ranges in the Harz, the Fichtelgebirge, the Bavarian Forest, the Spessart and the Black Forest. In response to decreased sulphate deposition, seven out of nine streams investigated had significantly decreasing sulphate concentrations (all trends were calculated with the Seasonal Kendall Test). The decrease in sulphate concentration was only minor, however, due to the release of previously stored soil sulphur. No increase was found in pH and acid neutralising capacity (defined by Reuss and Johnson, 1986). Aluminum concentrations in the streams did not decrease. Thus, no major acidification reversal can currently be noted in spite of two decades of decreased acid deposition. Nevertheless, the first signs of improvement in water quality were detected as there was a decrease in the level and frequency of extreme values of pH, acid neutralising capacity and aluminium concentrations in streams. With respect to nitrogen, no change was determined for either nitrate or ammonium concentrations in precipitation or stream water. Base cation fluxes indicate increasing net loss of base cations from all ecosystems investigated, which could be interpreted as an increase in soil acidification. The latter was due to a combination of continued high anion leaching and significant reduction of base cation deposition. No major improvement was noted in biological recovery, however, initial signs of recovery were detectable as there was re-occurrence of some single macroinvertebrate species which were formerly extinct. The results of this study have important implications for water authorities, forest managers and policy makers: the delay in acidification reversal suggests a need for ongoing intensive amelioration of waters, a careful selection of management tools to guarantee sustainable management of forests and the reduction of nitrogen deposition to prevent further acidification of soils and waters. Keywords: freshwater, acidification reversal, drinking water supply, forested catchments, Germany

scholarly journals Riparian zone control on base cation concentration in boreal streams

2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 3849-3868 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. L. J. Ledesma ◽  
T. Grabs ◽  
M. N. Futter ◽  
K. H. Bishop ◽  
H. Laudon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stream Water ◽  
Temporal Stability ◽  
Base Cations ◽  
Base Cation ◽  
Forest Harvesting ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Integration Model ◽  
Groundwater Levels ◽  
Zone Control ◽  
Precipitation Regimes

Abstract. Riparian zones (RZ) are a major factor controlling water chemistry in forest streams. Base cations' (BC) concentrations, fluxes, and cycling in the RZ merit attention because a changing climate and increased forest harvesting could have negative consequences, including re-acidification, for boreal surface waters. We present a two-year study of BC and silica (Si) flow-weighted concentrations from 13 RZ and 14 streams in different landscape elements of a boreal catchment in northern Sweden. The spatial variation in BC and Si dynamics in both RZ and streams was explained by differences in landscape element type, with highest concentrations in silty sediments and lowest concentrations in peat-dominated wetland areas. Temporal stability in BC and Si concentrations in riparian soil water, remarkably stable Mg/Ca ratios, and homogeneous mineralogy suggest that patterns found in the RZ are a result of a distinct mineralogical upslope signal in groundwater. Stream water Mg/Ca ratios indicate that the signal is subsequently maintained in the streams. Flow-weighted concentrations of Ca, Mg, and Na in headwater streams were represented by the corresponding concentrations in the RZ, which were estimated using the Riparian Flow-Concentration Integration Model (RIM) approach. Stream and RZ flow-weighted concentrations differed for K and Si, suggesting a stronger biogeochemical influence on these elements, including K recirculation by vegetation and retention of Si within the RZ. Potential increases in groundwater levels linked to forest harvesting or changes in precipitation regimes would tend to reduce BC concentrations from RZ to streams, potentially leading to episodic acidification.

scholarly journals Effects of five years of frequent N additions, with or without acidity, on the growth and below-ground dynamics of a young Sitka spruce stand growing on an acid peat: implications for sustainability

2004 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 377-391 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. J. Sheppard ◽  
A. Crossley ◽  
F. J. Harvey ◽  
U. Skiba ◽  
P. Coward ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Water ◽  
Positive Response ◽  
Base Cation ◽  
Sitka Spruce ◽  
Organic Soil ◽  
N Deposition ◽  
Foliar N ◽  
Below Ground ◽  
Four Blocks ◽  
S Deposition

Abstract. A field manipulation study was established to demonstrate effects of simulated wet N and S deposition on a young (planted 1986) stand of Sitka spruce growing on a predominantly organic soil in an area of low (8–10 kg N ha-1 yr-1) background N deposition in the Scottish borders. From 1996, treatments (six) were applied to the canopies of ten-tree plots in each of four blocks. N was provided as NH4NO3, either with H2SO4 (pH 2.5) at 48 or 96 kg N ha-1 yr-1 inputs or without, at 48 kg N ha-1 yr-1 along with wet (rain water) and dry controls (scaffolding) and a S treatment (Na2SO4). Positive responses (+ >20% over 5 years) with respect to stem area increment were measured in response to N inputs, irrespective of whether acid was included. The positive response to N was not dose related and was achieved against falling base cation concentrations in the foliage, particularly with respect to K. The results suggest young trees are able to buffer the low nutrient levels and produce new growth when there is sufficient N. Inputs of 96 kg N ha-1 yr-1, in addition to ambient N inputs, on this site exceeded tree demand resulting in elevated foliar N, N2O losses and measurable soil water N. These excessive N inputs did not reduce stem area growth. Keywords: acid, canopy application, nitrogen, acid organic soil, simulated wet deposition, soil water, sulphur, young Sitka spruce

Assessing the Birkenes Model of stream acidification using a multisignal calibration methodology

1988 ◽  
Vol 24 (8) ◽  
pp. 1308-1316 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard P. Hooper ◽  
Alex Stone ◽  
Nils Christophersen ◽  
Ed de Grosbois ◽  
Hans M. Seip
Keyword(s):  
Stream Acidification
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