The biogeochemistry of two forested catchments in the Black Forest and the eastern Ore Mountains (Germany)

Abstract

The biogeochemical input-output fluxes of two forested catchments with contrasting levels of atmospheric deposition were investigated in Germany. This paper focuses on the effects of recent changes in atmospheric inputs on the chemical composition in the soil solution and stream. The catchment 'Schluchsee' (Black Forest; SW Germany) is characterized by relatively low atmospheric inputs whereas 'Rotherdbach' (Ore Mountains; E Germany) received significant amounts of acid deposition (mainly originating from SO2 emissions) until recent years. Both sites reveal decreases in H+ and S deposition during the 1990s. This pattern is typical when compared to trends in Europe. In response to the reduced S deposition, soil solution and streamwater SO42− concentrations decreased significantly. A net release of SO42− (output > input) was observed at both sites due to the release of S previously stored in the soil. The level of N deposition was more or less constant at both sites. At Schluchsee, NO3− concentration in streamwater remained more or less unchanged, whereas a decrease at Rotherdbach was observed. A recovery from acidification was found in seepage water as indicated by increasing acid neutralizing capacity (ANC). Streamwater ANC increased only in the permanently acidified Rotherdbach. No change of ANC was observed in the Schluchsee stream, which was characterized by episodic acidification during high-flow conditions. Nevertheless, the key factor controlling the recovery from surface water acidification was the type, amount and distribution of stored S pools in the ecosystem. Thus, time series analysis of long-term data of input-output chemistry can be a valuable instrument in order to improve the understanding of linked terrestrial-aquatic systems and give useful clues for modeling efforts.