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U.S. Department of Energy
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Nitrogen deposition to forest ecosystems: Forms, regional inputs, and effects

Conference ·
OSTI ID:10139034
The transfer of anthropogenically produced compounds from the atmosphere to vegetation has been identified as a possible causal factor leading to changes in natural ecosystems. This ``nitrogen loading`` is the combined result of the wet deposition of nitrate and ammonium ions in precipitation together with the dry deposition of N-containing particles and gaseous nitrogen compounds. This paper identifies the types and characteristics of reactive nitrogen compounds likely to be deposited to forest ecosystems, summarizes total nitrogen deposition to selected locations in North America and Europe, and discusses the potential direct and indirect effects that nitrogen deposition might be having on terrestrial ecosystems. In addition, the current status of the ``critical load`` concept for nitrogen deposition is addressed.
Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-84OR21400
OSTI ID:
10139034
Report Number(s):
CONF-9206114--6; ON: DE92011773
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English