Changes of Atmospheric Chemistry and Effects on Forest Ecosystems A Roof Experiment Without Roof

About this book

This volume summarises the result of an interdisciplinary research programme entitled 'Rehabilitation of the Atmosphere of the New States of Germany - Effects on Terrestrial Ecosystems'. Before the unification of Germany, emission loads of SO₂ and dust particles were up to 18-fold higher in East than in West Germany. However, emission rates have decreased significantly since reunification in 1990, due to the breakdown of a large number of industrial and particularly lignite- fired powerplants and the implementation of clean air technologies.In order to study the effects of these dramatic changes in atmospheric chemistry on terrestrial ecosystems, comprehensive field studies were conducted in pine forest ecosystems along an historic gradient of atmospheric deposition rates in the northeastern lowlands of Germany. The fast and dramatic reduction of dust particle and SO₂ emissions offers a unique opportunity to test the role of SO₂ and alkaline particle deposition with regard to changes or damage to forest ecosystems and whether the forest stands return to a state of resilience. In this respect, this ecosystem experiment can be looked upon as a roof experiment without a roof.

Contents

- Introduction to the SANA-Project; K. Bellmann, R. Grothe
- Site description; R.F. Huttl, K. Bellmann
- Nutrient element distribution in the above-ground biomass of Scots pine stands; H.-P. Ende, R.F. Huttl
- Response of sulphur- and nitrogen-containing compounds in Scots pine needles; H. Schulz, et al.
- Photosynthetic capacity, respiration and water use efficiency in Scots pine stands; G.E. Dudel, et al.
- Tree canopy and field layer transpiration in Scots pine stands; D. Luttschwager, et al.
- Hydraulic architecture of Scots pine; S. Rust, et al.
- Estimating fine root production of Scots pine stands; F. Strubelt, et al.
- Mycorrhizal morphotypes of Scots pine stands; B. Munzenberger, R.F. Huttl
- Decomposition of needle, herb, and root litter and Of-layer humus in Scots pine stands; C. Bergmann, et al.
- Seasonal variability of organic matter and N input with litterfall in Scots stands; C.Bergmann, et al.
- Soil chemical response to drastical reductions in deposition and its effects on the element budgets of Scots pine ecosystems; M. Weisdorfer, et al.
- Radial increment growth of Scots pine stands; U. Neumann, G. Wenk
- Modelling of carbon, nitrogen, and water balances in Scots pine stands; R. Grote
- The long-term change of the soil status under the influence of industrial deposition in Scots pine stands of the Dubener Heide; A. Konopatzky, C. Freyer
- A landscape model for the investigation of atmogenic pollution effects on the dynamics of Scots pine ecosystems; M. Erhard, M. Flechsig
- Synopsis; K. Bellmann, R. Grote
- Concluding remarks; K. Bellmann, R.F. Huttl

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