Element dynamics of oak ecosystems on acid-sulphurous mine soils in the Lusatian lignite mining district (Eastern Germany)

Abstract

Seepage water chemistry and input–output budgets of major ions are investigated within an oak chronosequence ( Quercus petraea Liebl., 3 years; Quercus rubra L., 26 and 37 years) on acid-sulphurous soils of lignite mining. Due to declining intensity of weathering and deep percolation, the leaching rates of Fe, Al, Mn, Mg, Ca, NH 4 and SO 4-S from soil decline drastically within 34 years. Moreover, an enrichment of NH 4-N, NO 3-N, PO 4-P and K can be noticed, resulting from the accumulation of living biomass.