Deposition of sulphur, measured as throughfall, is high above critical loads all over southern Sweden. Deposition of sulphur does not show any significant variation depending on geographical site within southern Sweden) . Measured differences are mainly explained by tree species, age of the stand and site in the terrain. Deposition of nitrogen is at present stimulating on growth over large areas of southern Sweden, but there is an obvious risk that some other substances will be growth-limiting on a long- term scale. The highest deposition of nitrogen has been measured in coastal areas of southern Sweden. Besides conditions of the soil, atmospheric deposition of different substances mainly directs production ability of the forest soils. The forest soils in southern Sweden mainly consists of nutrient-poor morain, with low pH and a buffering system dominated by aluminium. Leakage of nitrogen from forested areas in southern Sweden is with todays knowledge unusual, apart from relatively small areas in coastal parts with high deposition. An important matter in order to avoid future leakage of nitrogen from forested areas are vital stands with large ability to absorb nitrogen. High growth rate in nitrogen-rich surroundings might however create deficiences concerning other substances; such as magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus, leading to a demand for vitalization or other soil treatments.
