Biogeochemistry of Forested Catchments in a Changing Environment : A German Case Study

Berlin

Springer

2004

498 S.

Bandaufführung

3-540-20973-5

130158

Ecological Studies : Analyses and Synthesis, 498 S.

The stability of forest ecosystems is affected by changes of environmental conditions, e.g. increasing temperatures, increasing atmospheric CO2 and decreasing deposition rates of nutrients and acidity. This volume integrates the results of long term interdisciplinary ecosystem research on two forested watersheds in Germany. In doing so, special emphasis has been placed on the biogeochemistry of carbon, dissolved organic matter and minerals elements in response to changing environmental conditions and management. Despite the reduction in acidic deposition, forest ecosystems are still threatened by soil acidification, nutrient depletion and eutrophication, and criteria of sustainability are not yet achieved. The results highlight the complex interactions between vegetation, animals and soils in terrestrial ecosystems, which are triggered by changes in environmental conditions.