Evolution of soil solution chemistry in temperate forests under decreasing atmospheric deposition in Flanders

Elevated depositions of non-marine sulphate (SO42-) and inorganic nitrogen (N), as a consequence of air pollution, resulted in a progressive acidification and eutrophication of Flemish forests. Since the 1980s emission abatement reduced the acidifying and eutrophying emissions and depositions in Flanders. This thesis aimed to evaluate the impact of the evolution in depositions on soil solution chemistry, using long-term data collected in 5 plots of the ICP Forests monitoring (Level II) network in Flanders. The sharp decrease of SO42- and ammonium (NH4+) depositions made that abiotic N status s... Mehr ...