Acidification of Swedish forest soils

Acidification of Swedish forest soils on glacial till was investigated along three transects representing southern, central and northern Sweden. The acidification follows closely the pattern of acid deposition over Sweden. In the southwest, acidification from acid deposition could be traced well below 2 m depth in the soil while the east coast is less affected. In northern Sweden acid deposition has no noticeable effect on soil acidification. The acidification has decreased the soil storage of base cations in central and southern Sweden. Adsorption of sulfate in the soils is considerable in many parts of the country and has reached saturation state in the west coast area. Even if deposition of acidity is halted several decades are needed before base cations can be restored to normal levels.