Hydrochemical Budget Calculations for Parts of the Loch Fleet Catchment before and after Watershed Liming

Abstract

Input/output hydrochemical budgets have been calculated for areas within the Loch Fleet catchment, Galloway, S.W. Scotland and the UK which were limed in April 1986. Bulk precipitation inputs and stream water outputs are dominated by sea salt components. Calcium outputs over the first year post-liming increased dramatically and H⁺ ion outputs dropped. After the second year post-liming, Ca outputs have declined, although H⁺ outputs have remained very low and streamwater pH is still circumneutral. The continuation of budget calculations over the next few years, coupled with streamwater and soil chemistry analysis data, should allow estimates to be made of the duration over which of these land-based liming treatments may remain effective in acid mitigation.