Abstract
The typical values and probable ranges of acid-precipitation are evaluated in terms of their theoretical effects on pH and cation exchange equilibrium of soils characteristic of the humid temperature region. The extent of probable change in soil pH and the time required to cause such a change are calculated for a range of common soils. Hydrogen ion input by acid precipitation is compared to cation inputs from nutrient cycling and other sources. For example it can be calculated that 100 yr of acid precipitation (10000 cm at pH 4.0) could be expected to shift the percentage base saturation in the top 20 cm of a typical midwestern forest soil location exchange capacity of 20 meq 100 g−1 downward 20%, thus lowering the pH of the Al horizon by approximately 0.6 units, if there are no countering inputs of basic materials.
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McFee, W.W., Kelly, J.M. & Beck, R.H. Acid precipitation effects on soil pH and base saturation of exchange sites. Water Air Soil Pollut 7, 401–408 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00284134
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00284134