Recovery Processes of Acidic Soils Experiencing Decreased Acidic Deposition

Abstract

Reductions in acidic deposition rates through legislative actions in North America and Europe have stemmed further environmental degradation and shifted the focus to potential recovery. In the early 2000s, it had become clear that recovery of surface waters was being slowed by the long-term effects of acidic deposition on soils, which were only then becoming well documented. As a result, recovery of soils from acidic deposition has drawn considerable attention with respect to both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, particularly in the most recent decade. Recovery of surface waters is proceeding, but soil recovery appears to be in an early stage and impacts on water chemistry and aquatic biota remain in the most affected regions even though acidic deposition has decreased to levels approaching those of the early 1900s.

Keywords

forest soil, soil water, acidification, recovery

Citation

Lawrence, Gregory B.; Bailey, Scott W. 2021. Recovery Processes of Acidic Soils Experiencing Decreased Acidic Deposition. Soil Systems. 5(2): 36. 4 p. https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems5020036.