Technical Bulletin No. 0518: Effects of Acidic Deposition on the Chemical Form and Bioavailability of Soil Aluminum and Manganese

Acidic deposition is hypothesized to cause changes in soil chemistry and to damage terrestrial ecosystems primarily through effects on soil acidification. The possible consequences of acidic deposition on soils are perceived to be greater for forest ecosystems than for more intensively managed agricultural ecosystems, principally because of the limited nutrient status and strong Al-buffering of many forest soils. Conceptually, the indirect effect of acidic deposition on forest ecosystems is often equated with accelerated development of acid soil infertility, which is manifested in the sometimes concurrent factors of H, Al, and Mn toxicities and Ca, Mg, and MO deficiencies.