Calculation of Deposition Rates from the Flux Balance and Ecological Effects of Atmoshperic Deposition upon Forest Ecosystems

Abstract

Total wet and dry deposition of main and trace elements is calculated from the flux balance for precipitation fluxes of forest canopies for which precipitation fluxes above and below canopy as well as the flux coupled with litterfall has been measured. Retention and leaching of substances are estimated for groups of elements individually showing similar chemical and physiological behavior. It is shown that dry deposition may be very important and may even exceed wet deposition to forests in rural areas. Dry deposition rate in the same area depends clearly upon forest type, i. e. upon the surface quality. Ecological consequences of atmospheric deposition to forests are discussed.