Overview and Synthesis

Acidification of forest ecosystems is a complex process controlled by numerous hydrologic, geochemical, and biological factors. In the context of soil genesis, acidification is a normal consequence of mineral weathering, biological activity, and base cation leaching in humid environments (precipitation exceeds evapotranspiration). Relevant time scales are decades to millenia. In the context of ecology and environmental science, acidification may result from biomass harvest, land use conversions, natural changes in vegetation, and intentional or unintentional inputs of acidifying compounds, especially those of sulfur and nitrogen. Relevant time scales range from days to centuries.

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