Abstract
Recent environmental controversy has focused on the role of forestry practices in stream acidification, with conflicting claims regarding interception mechanisms, altered site hydrology, etc. While it is generally accepted that there are strong correlations between some parameters, for example aluminium in stream water and coniferous afforestation, there is less consensus on the reaction of trees to pollutants with consequences on the crucial production and mobility of anions, especially sulphate. Examination of data from Scottish studies has shown that Sitka spruce is capable of intercepting atmospheric SO2, leading to accumulations of excess sulphate in tree foliage. This sulphate is readily soluble and when leached by rainfall produces increases in tree throughfall sulphate concentrations in Sitka spruce compared with other species.
Published Version
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