Exceedance of Forest Soils Buffering Capacity

FIGURE 3 Distribution of exceeded forest soils buffering capacity, (a) today (1980-1990) and (b) (2040-2050). Red areas show forest soils with an exceeded buffering capacity while the green areas show the not-affected areas of acid sensitive and nutrient deficient forest soils. See also color insert. 

Nitrogen Deposition in Nutrient-Deficient and Acid-Sensitive Soils 

For 2040-2050, nearly 54% of the forest ecosystems on acidified soils are projected to receive a nitrogen load greater 5 kg N ha year Because of better soil conditions the affected area is smaller in India, Eastern North America, and Europe. In absolute numbers, the forests in the Eastern North America will be affected most, followed by those in Southeast Asia and China (see Eig. 4). 

Greatest changes in aerial distribution and increase of concentration will occur in the Asian region (see Fig. 4). Regions with acid-sensitive soils and high N-depositions are concentrated to China and Southeast Asia, Western and Central Europe, and 

Eastern North America. Again, in absolute numbers Eastern North America shows the largest distribution of forest areas with an exceeded soil buffering capacity and high nitrogen deposition, followed by Southeast Asia, China, and Europe. 

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