Stream acidity in some areas of Wales in relation to historical trends in afforestation and the usage of agricultural limestone

Journal Article · Fri Mar 01 00:00:00 EST 1985 · J. Environ. Manage.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5447381

Ormerod, S J; Edwards, R W

Winters values of pH and alkalinity were significantly lower in 1983-85 at four sites on soft-water streams draining afforested catchments of the River Wye than at two sites on neighboring streams draining moorland. There was a decline in mean measured pH at all the sites between 1964-70 and 1983-85, more pronounced in afforested (-1.7 units) than in moorland streams (-0.7 units). The chemical results are discussed in relation to historical patterns in afforestation and the usage of agricultural limestone. The former peaked in Wales, and on the study catchments, between 1950 and 1970. Lime usage in the UK, greatest between 1959 and 1963, had decreased by 46% by 1982; in Wales, a 55% decrease had occurred by 1970. Calculations indicate that agricultural liming could have a substantial effect on the mineral concentrations of soft water streams, although further experimental data are required. 28 references, 6 figures, 1 table.

• Research Organization: UWIST, Cardiff, Wales
• OSTI ID: 5447381
• Journal Information: J. Environ. Manage.; (United States), Vol. 20:2
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ACID RAIN
STREAMS
ACID NEUTRALIZING CAPACITY
PH VALUE
UNITED KINGDOM
AGRICULTURE
FORESTS
LIMESTONE
ATMOSPHERIC PRECIPITATIONS
CARBONATE ROCKS
CHEMISTRY
EUROPE
INDUSTRY
RAIN
ROCKS
SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
SURFACE WATERS
WATER CHEMISTRY
WESTERN EUROPE
520200* - Environment
Aquatic- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)