Long-term changes in pH of forest soils in southern Sweden

Abstract

Changes in pH in 22 forest soils (Fagus, Carpinus, Quercus, Picea) and one Calluna health from southern Sweden were examined in 1984 by repeating studies originally made in 1949-1970. The topsoil had become more acid in 1984 with pH decreases in the old profiles of more than 1.0 in less acid soils and of 0.5 in acid soils. Younger profiles also showed pH decreases, although of a smaller magnitude. Soil pH had, on the whole, declined, and acid deposition is probably a main contributor. Acidification has also occurred in deeper horizons, most markedly in 30-35-year-old horizons. Podsols had largest pH decreases in deeper horizons, and grey-brown soils in the upper profile.