THEORETICAL BASES AND EXPERIMENTAL MODELLING OF FOREST SOIL RESPONSE TO ATMOSPHERIC ACID DEPOSITION

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in ENGLISH на английском	на РУССКОМ in Russian

Participants Objectives Summary Research Publications Links Contacts

Research Project of the Russian Foundation for Basic Research (Biological Sciences) Project No 96-04-49164 January 1996-December 1998

Project Leader:		Dr. Galina Koptsik
		Faculty of Soil Science, Moscow State University
		for addresses click on the arrow

• Participants:

  Dr. Serguei Koptsik, Physics Faculty, Moscow State University

  Dr. Ludmila Morgun, All-Russian Institute on Nature Conservation

  Post-graduate Maria Zhuravleva, Soil Science Faculty, Moscow State University

  Post-graduate Svetlana Livantsova, Soil Science Faculty, Moscow State University

  Post-graduate Olga Gorlenko, Soil Science Faculty, Moscow State University

  M.Sc. Raisa Okuneva, Soil Science Faculty, Moscow State University

• Objectives:

  1. Evaluation of acid deposition effects on soils as a component of forest ecosystems.
  2. Theoretical and experimental investigations of the nature and mechanisms of soil buffer capacity to different types of acidifying pollutants.
  3. Estimation and prediction of forest soil response to acid deposition with simple process-based models.
  4. Development of methodological approaches to assessment of soil sustainability to acid deposition in Russia.

• Summary:

  The main objectives of the research project were to study soil-acid deposition interactions in forest ecosystems in European Russia. Present soil chemistry was considered for a number of forest soils. The interaction of various forest soils with different types of acidifying pollutants at different pollution regimes was studied both in field and laboratory experiments. Forest soil response to acid deposition, in particular the significance of soil organic matter in the processes of proton consumption, sulphur retention, aluminium and heavy metals mobilisation was investigated. Different approaches for estimation of forest soil sustainability to acid deposition, their advantages and limitations were compared. Computer simulation was used for describing soil acidification and critical load assessment. Critical loads of acid deposition and their exceedances were estimated and mapped for forest ecosystems of European Russia. Long-term response of forest soils to different deposition scenarios was evaluated.

• Research activities

  Concurrent to the project objectives four major activities can be distinguished as described below.

  	Field monitoring
  	Laboratory experiments
  	Mathematical modelling
  	Analysis and synthesis

  For detailed results see publications.

  ---

  (a) Field monitoring

  Three pollution types were examined:

  • atmospheric deposition of heavy metals and acidic compounds (northern taiga, the Kola Peninsula, surroundings of the Pechenganikel smelter);
  • acid S-containing precipitation (southern taiga, Novgorod region);
  • low load of acid deposition in background areas (middle and southern taiga, Vologda region, Moscow region).

  Near the local pollution sources field studies will be carried out at the plots situated along pollution gradient and characterised by similar parent rocks, soil compositions and relief positions. According to prevailing pollutants, the content of S and heavy metals (Ni, Cu, Co etc.) will be measured. A wide range of soil properties will be estimated, among them acidity, the content of exchangeable cations, buffer capacity, the content and composition of organic matter, S containing substances, heavy metals (exchangeable, ammonia acetate-soluble and acid-soluble forms, and total content).

  Both natural and anthropogenic factors determine high acidity and low content of exchangeable base cations in thin sandy podzols subjected to airborne pollution from the Pechenganikel smelter. The deep penetration of acidity and depletion of base cations from the topsoil seems to reflect the early stages of ongoing soil acidification within 30-40 km from the pollution source. The complex character of soil variable changes is connected with a variety of structural and functional relationships within and across ecosystems as well as with a high natural variability.

  (b) Laboratory experiments

  Laboratory experiments included simulation of sulphate, heavy metals and combined pollution of different intensity. Soil columns reconstructed podzol profiles and included the organic and mineral horizons from O to BC. The columns were watered by solutions with different acidity several times per month during one year. Column leachates and soil samples after the end of the experiment were analysed for organic C, S, base cations, heavy metal content and pH; element balances for every soil horizon were estimated.

  The simulated rain at pH 4.5 did not alter chemical properties of soils and soil solutions. As much as 95-99% of the applied protons were retained by soils and appeared in the percolates after a treatment period that depended on acid load and soil thickness. Ca and Mg in soil solutions were highly sensitive to acid loading. Simulated acid rain enhanced the leaching of exchangeable base cations out of root zone. Acid inputs resulted in decreased pH, amount of exchangeable base cations and base saturation, in elevated exchangeable acidity and it's Al fraction in soil solid phase. The most significant changes occurred in O and E horizons. Cation exchange, mineral weathering, sulphate adsorption, Al compound transformation and nonexchangeable protonation of soluble and insoluble organic substances were considered as the most significant soil buffering mechanisms.

  (c) Mathematical modelling

  Computer simulation was used for mathematical analysis of obtained data and model application. The stability of forest soils to acid deposition was assessed using the steady-state mass balance principle implemented as the Simple Mass Balance method for main study areas and the PROFILE model for the permanent monitoring plots. The maps of critical loads and areas where they are exceeded were prepared for forest ecosystems of European Russia. According to calculations critical loads of acidity and sulphur are exceeded in the significant part of the Kola Peninsula (40%). Long-term response to acid deposition of poor sandy podzols under pine and birch forests near the nickel smelter in the Kola Peninsula was evaluated with the dynamic SMART model. The present acid load does not effect considerably on forest soils in background areas. The dramatic shift in soil chemistry near the smelter is expected within several decades. At least 90% of the total SO₂ emissions has to be reduced to avoid exceedance of critical values of soil chemical properties and possible serious ecological consequences.

  (d) Analysis and synthesis

  The role of different soil processes was examined on the base of literature reviews and obtained experimental data to get information on soil buffering to acid deposition. The main attention was paid to development of methodology and methods of assessment of soil sustainability to acidifying pollutants and their critical loads for a wide range of forest soil types throughout the different parts of Russia to predict possible negative changes in ecosystems.

• Publication List:

  Following is a record of publications prepared on the Project topic, listed with the most recent contribution first.

  In press:

  • Koptsik, G., Koptsik, S., Venn, K., Aamlid, D., Strand, L., Zhuravleva, M. Changes in acidity and cation exchangeable properties of forest soils under atmospheric acid deposition. Pochvovedenie (In Russian).
  • Koptsik, S., Koptsik, G., Strand, L., Venn, K., Aamlid, D. Multivariate analysis of acidity and cation exchangeable properties of forest soils in conditions of atmospheric acid deposition. Pochvovedenie (In Russian).
  • Koptsik S., Koptsik G. Multivariate statistical analysis of forest litter response to air pollution. Ecologiya (In Russian).
  • Koptsik G., Koptsik S., Zhuravleva M. Changes in chemical state of forest litter under air pollution impact. Lesovedenie (In Russian).
  • Koptsik G., Pervova, N. Analysis of structure and functions of soils in forest ecosystems of southern taiga as a base for soil-ecological monitoring. Lesovedenie (In Russian).
  • Koptsik, G., Koptsik, S., Aamlid, D. Transformation of plant element composition in northern taiga forest ecosystems under air pollution impact. Vestnik of Moscow State University, Soil Science (In Russian).
  • Koptsik, G.N., Bagdasarova, T.V., Gorlenko, O.V. Relationships between floristic diversity and soil properties in southern taiga ecosystems. Bulletin MOIP (In Russian).

  Books:

  • Acid Deposition and Forest Soils. V.V. Nikonov, G.N. Koptsik (eds.). 1999. Apatity. 325 p. (In Russian).
  • Koptsik, G.N., Makarov, M.I., Kiseleva, V.V. 1998. Principles and Methods of Assessment of Soil Sustainability to Atmospheric Acid Deposition. M.: Moscow University Publishing House. 96 p. (In Russian).
  • Grishina, L.A., Koptsik, G.N., Morgun, L.V. 1991. Organization and Realization of Soil Investigations for Ecological Monitoring. M.: Moscow University Publishing House. 82 p. (In Russian).
  • Effects of Air Pollution on Soil Properties. 1990. L.A. Grishina, M.I. Makarov, G.N. Koptsik et al. M.: Moscow University Publishing House. 205 p. (In Russian).
  • Grishina, L.A., Koptsik, G.N., Makarov, M.I. 1990. Transformation of Soil Organic Matter. M.: Moscow University Publishing House. 88 p. (In Russian).

  Papers:

  • Koptsik, G., Teveldal, S., Aamlid, D. and Venn, K. 1999. Calculations of weathering rate and soil solution chemistry for forest soils in the Norwegian-Russian border area with the Profile model. Applied Geochemistry 14(2): 95-107.
  • Koptsik, G., Koptsik, S., Gorlenko, O. 1999. Prediction of long-term response of forest soils to atmospheric acid deposition with the SMART model. Pochvovedenie. No 2 (In Russian).
  • Koptsik, G., Nedbaev, N., Koptsik, S., Pavlyuk, I. 1998. Heavy metal pollution of forest soils by atmospheric emissions of Pechenganikel smelter. Eurasian Soil Science 31 (8): 896-903.
    Translated from Pochvovedenie, 1998, N 8, pp. 988-995.
  • Koptsik, S., Zhuravleva, M. 1998. Multivariate analysis of space variability in soil chemical properties. CD Proceedings of 16 World Congress of Soil Science. Montpellier, France. 20-26.08.1998. 7+1 p. (\bdd\symp17\2392-t.pdf and \bdd\symp17\2392-r.pdf).
  • Koptsik, S. 1997. Simulation of acid snow and rain impact on forest soils in the Kola Peninsula, north-western Russia. Proceedings of International Congress of Acid Snow and Rain 1997. Niigata, Japan, October 6-8, 1997. P. 404-409.
  • Vasil'evskaya, V.D., Kalisheva, O.V., Koptsik, G.N. 1997. Resistance of soils in Moscow suburb to antropogenic effects. Vestnik of Moscow University, Soil Science. N 3. P. 3-6 (In Russian).
  • Koptsik, G. and Silaeva, E. 1996. Buffering capacity of forest litters to acid atmospheric precipitation. Eurasian Soil Science 28 (10): 124-136.
  • Koptsik, G., Koptsik, S., Moiseev, B., Makarov, M., Morgun, L. 1996. Critical loads of acid deposition on forest soils in European Russia on different regional scales. ICEP-3. Budapest. P. 176-187.
  • Koptsik, G. and Koptsik, S. 1995. Critical loads of acid deposition for forest ecosystems in the Kola Peninsula. Water, Air and Soil Pollution 85: 2553-2558.
  • Koptsik, G. and Mukhina, I. 1995. Effects of acid deposition on acidity and exchangeable cations in podzols of the Kola Peninsula. Water, Air and Soil Pollution 85: 1209-1214.
  • Koptsik, G. 1995. Forest soil response on air pollution in the North-Western part of Kola Peninsula. 10^th World Clean Air Congress. Helsinki, 1995. P. 419-422.
  • Koptsik, G., Silaeva, E., Mukhina, I., Nedbaev, N. 1995. Forest soil buffering to acid deposition. In: Effect of Air Pollutants on Terrestrial Ecosystems in the Border Area between Norway and Russia. Proceedings from the second symposium, Svanvik, Norway, 3-5 October 1994. P. 36-44.
  • Koptsik, G., Koptsik, S. 1995. Assessment of critical loads of acidity for soils in the Kola Peninsula. In: Effect of Air Pollutants on Terrestrial Ecosystems in the Border Area between Norway and Russia. Proceedings from the second symposium, Svanvik, Norway, 3-5 October 1994. P. 124-132.
  • Aamlid, D., Tшmmervik, H., Gytarsky, M., Karaban', R., Venn, K., Rindal, T., Vassilieva, N., Koptsik, G., Lшbersli, E. 1995. Determination of exceedance of critical levels in the border area between Norway and Russia. In: Effect of Air Pollutants on Terrestrial Ecosystems in the Border Area between Norway and Russia. Proceedings from the second symposium, Svanvik, Norway, 3-5 October 1994. P. 19-24.
  • Koptsik, G., and Teveldal, S. 1995. The main mineralogy in 9 profiles from Kola (6) and Finnmark (3). Norwegian Forest Research Institute. NISK Report. 78 p.
  • The effect of acid deposition on soils and ecological consequensies of changes in soil prperties. Grishina, L.A. et al. 1994. In: Soil-ecological monitoring. M.: Moscow University Publisshing House. P. 32-60 (In Russian).
  • Koptsik, G., Niedbaiev, N.P. 1992. Effect of atmospheric deposition on forest soils in the Northwestmost part of Kola Peninsula. In: Effect of Air Pollutants on Terrestrial Ecosystems in the Border Area between Russia and Norway. Proceedings from the first symposium, Svanvik, Norway. 18-20.03.1992. P. 48-55.
  • Koptsik, G., Sokolova, T.A., Terekhin, V.G. 1992. Estimation of forest soil buffering to acid deposition. In: Effect of Air Pollutants on Terrestrial Ecosystems in the Border Area between Russia and Norway. Proceedings from the first symposium, Svanvik, Norway. 18-20.03.1992. P. 177-184.
  • Grishina, L.A., Koptsik, G.N., Pervova, N.E. 1991. About methods of study of soil properties in forest ecosystems for monitoring (typified by Zvenigorod' biostation). Ecologiya. N 5. P. 14-20 (In Russian).

  Abstracts:

  • Koptsik, S., Koptsik, G. 1998. Quantitative assessment of surface soil pollution patterns in boreal forest ecosystems. In: Environmental Forest Science. Extended Abstract Volume of IUFRO Division 8 Conference Proceedings. 19-23 October 1998. Kyoto, Japan. P. 57-58.
  • Koptsik, G., Zhuravleva, M., Livantsova, S. 1998. Soil Diversity as a Base of Biodiversity in Boreal Forest Ecosystems. In: Environmental Forest Science. Extended Abstract Volume of IUFRO Division 8 Conference Proceedings. 19-23 October 1998. Kyoto, Japan. P. 59-60.
  • Koptsik, G., Aamlid, D. and Koptsik, S. 1997. Soil organic horizon as indicator of forest ecosystem pollution near nickel smelter. In: Fourth International Conference on the Biogeochemistry of Trace Elements. June 23-26, 1997. Berkeley, California, USA. P. 367-368.
  • Koptsik, S., Koptsik, G. 1997. Model assessment and prediction of soil acidification in the Kola Subarctic, Russia. In: The AMAP International Symposium on Environmental Pollution in the Arctic. Extended abstract. Tromsш, Norway, June 1-5, 1997. P. 317-318.
  • Vasil'evskaya, V.D., Zborischuk, Yu.N., Koptsik, G.N., Kalisheva, O.V. 1997. Distribution of heavy metals in soils of north-western Russia. In: Cryopedology'97. Int. conf. Syiktyivkar. P. 165-166.
  • Koptsik, G., Kalisheva, O., Koptsik, S. 1996. Long-term response of forest soils to acid deposition in North-Western Kola. In: Environment in the Barents Region. 3^rd International Barents Symposium. 12-15 September 1996. Kirkenes, Norway. P. 43.
  • Koptsik, S. 1996. Simulation of forest soil response to acid deposition in North-Western Russia. In: Stress Factors and Air Pollution. Proc. of 17^th International Meeting for Specialists in Air Pollution Effects on Forest Ecosystems. September 14-19, 1996. Florence, Italy. P. 86.
  • Koptsik, S., Koptsik, G. 1996. Application of the PROFILE model to the Valday Integrated Monitoring site in Russia. In: Stress Factors and Air Pollution. Proc. of 17^th International Meeting for Specialists in Air Pollution Effects on Forest Ecosystems. September 14-19, 1996. Florence, Italy. P. 218.
  • Koptsik, G., Nedbaev, N., Pavlyuk, I. 1996. Effects of sulphur and heavy metals deposition on forest soils in the Kola Peninsula, Russia. In: Stress Factors and Air Pollution. Proc. of 17^th International Meeting for Specialists in Air Pollution Effects on Forest Ecosystems. September 14-19, 1996. Florence, Italy. P. 85.
  • Koptsik, G., Mukhina, I. 1995. Effects of acid deposition on acidity and exchangeable cations in podzols of the Kola Peninsula. In: Acid Reign '95? Proceedings of the 5^th International Conference on Acidic Deposition. Gothenburg, Sweden. P.149.
  • Koptsik, G., Koptsik, S. 1995. Critical loads of acid deposition for forest ecosystems in the Kola Peninsula. Acid Reign '95. In: Proceedings of the 5^th International Conference on Acidic Deposition. Gothenburg, Sweden.
  • Koptsik, G., Koptsik, S., Silaeva, E. 1995. The contribution of organic matter to buffering of acid deposition by forest soils in the Kola Peninsula. In: Organic-Mineral Interactions in Soils and Sediments. University of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. P. 36.
  • Koptsik, G., Silaeva, E. 1994. Buffering of acid deposition by forest soil. In: EERO Symposium on Chemical Risk Assessment: New Approaches and Opportunities. 13-17 September 1994. Moscow. P. 6.
  • Koptsik, G., Moiseev, B., Koptsik, S., Makarov, M., Morgun, L. 1994. Critical loads of acid deposition for forest ecosystems in the European part of the former Soviet Union. In: EERO Symposium on Chemical Risk Assessment: New Approaches and Opportunities. 13-17 September 1994. Moscow.
  • Koptsik, G., Makarov, M., Morgun, L. 1992. Approaches to weathering rate estimation for critical load assessment. In: Ecological standardisation. P. 67-68 (In Russian).
  • Koptsik, G. 1991. Changes of soil biochemical properties under antropogenic acid load. In: Soil Biology in Antropogenic Landscapes. Proc. of the 1^st All-Union sc. conf. Dnepropetrovsk (In Russian).

• Links:

  Soil Science Faculty, Moscow State University, Russia	soil.msu.ru/projects/norway/ soil.msu.ru/projects/norway/link/ soil.msu.ru/projects/pollution/
  Norwegian Forest Research Institute, Norway	www.skogforsk.no
  Norwegian University of Life Sciences	www.nlh.no/
  International Union of Forestry Research Organisations (IUFRO)	iufro.boku.ac.at
  European Forest Ecosystem Research Network (EFERN)	ifff.boku.ac.at/efern
  International Institute of Applied Systems Analysis, Austria	www.iiasa.ac.at
  National Institute of Public Health and the Environment, the Netherlands	www.rivm.nl/en/
  Alterra Wageningen University and Research Centre, the Netherlands	www.alterra.wur.nl
  Department of Soil Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Science, Sweden	www.mv.slu.se
  Dept. of Chemical Engineering, University of Lund, Sweden	www2.chemeng.lth.se

• Contact person

  Dr. Galina Koptsik, Soil Science Faculty, Moscow State University

  Postal address:	Soil Science Faculty
  	Moscow State University
  	Moscow, 119899
  	Russia
  Tel.:	+7 495 939 3573
  Fax:	+7 495 939 0989
  E-mail addresses:	koptsik@phys.msu.ru
  	koptsikg@mail.ru

Address of this page: http://soil.msu.ru/projects/acidification/