Eutrophication trends in forest soils in Galicia (NW Spain) caused by the atmospheric deposition of nitrogen compounds

Abstract

We calculated the sensitivity of Galician forest soils to eutrophication caused by atmospheric deposition of nitrogen compounds, using the Simple Mass Balance (SMB) method as described by [Posch, M., de Vries, W., Hettelingh, J.-P., 1995. Critical loads of sulphur and nitrogen. In: Posch, M., de Smet, P.A.M., Hettelingh, J.-P., Downing, R.J. Calculation and Mapping of Critical Thresholds in Europe. Status Report 1995, Coordination Center for Effects, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands, pp. 31–42]. Deposition values were used to calculate critical loads exceedance. Galician natural forest ecosystems can support nitrogen deposition loads of more than 10 kg N ha −1 yr −1. The lowest critical loads (approximately 10 kg N ha −1 yr −1) mainly occurred in forest stands in the interior zone, while highest critical load values (approximately 68 kg N ha −1 yr −1) were observed in eucalyptus stands at low altitudes in the littoral area. Exceedances based on N deposition levels, calculated from data recorded in 2001, occurred in 40% of the forest soils, showing the need to control N emissions in these areas to prevent possible eutrophication of soils and waters. Analysis of rainfall bulk composition revealed that ammonium, probably derived from agricultural and cattle activities, was the main compound responsible for N deposition in Galicia.