Effects of acid precipitation on nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems of southern Appalachian and Piedmont watersheds (Task Force project T-20). Douglass, J. EPA/NCSU National Acid Precipitation Assessment Program Effects Research Review, Raleigh, NC, February 21-24, 1983, 1983.
Effects of acid precipitation on nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems of southern Appalachian and Piedmont watersheds (Task Force project T-20) [pdf]Paper  abstract   bibtex   
At the Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory, a 1,600-ha experimental forest maintained by the Forest Service in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, the effects of man's use of the forest on the quality and quantity of streamflow has been under study for 50 years. Because future productivity of the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems are dependent on management practices applied to the landscape, detailed studies of mineral cycling on selected undisturbed and managed watersheds was begun 15 years ago. Atmospheric deposition is a major source of nutrients for forests, but chemical composition of precipitation, particularly its high acid content, can adversely impact terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Therefore, a network was established to quantify and monitor long term atmospheric input to the basin. Studies were begun to quantify the nutrient budgets for selected watersheds, to describe the cycling of nutrients through the system, and to determine changes in cycle produced by management, natural disturbances, or changes in atmospheric input. In perspective, acid deposition is one component of a larger research effort to define the nutrient budget of forested ecosystems in order to properly manage them. Description of recent acid precipitation research follows.

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