Simulated forest response to chronic air pollution stress

Journal Article · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1980 · J. Environ. Qual.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2134/jeq1980.00472425000900010012x· OSTI ID:5411230

West, D C; McLaughlin, S B; Shugart, H H

A mathematical model (FORET) previously developed to examine the successional dynamics of eastern deciduous forests was applied to the study of long-term interactions of air pollution stress and forest community dynamics. Differential levels of growth reduction (0, 10, and 20%) were applied to trees in three pollution sensitivity classes to simulate changes in biomass of both individual species and the entire forest stand. The response of individual species in a forest stand may differ markedly from results predicted on the basis of responses determined in the absence of plant competition. Some species may show growth enhancement in spite of pollutant stress, since they may gain a competitive advantage as a result of greater impacts on other species with which they interact in the successional process. Other species may experience much greater than anticipated beneficial or injurious impacts due to reduced competitive potential. The results presented are intended to stress important considerations to be addressed in predicting the response of a forest to stresses such as air pollution. Responses described are not intended to be final quantitative answers.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Lab., TN
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-26
• OSTI ID: 5411230
• Journal Information: J. Environ. Qual.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Environ. Qual.; (United States) Vol. 9:1; ISSN JEVQA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

510200* -- Environment
Terrestrial-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
560303 -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology-- Plants-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AIR POLLUTION
BIOLOGICAL STRESS
CHRONIC EXPOSURE
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
FORESTS
GROWTH
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
PLANT GROWTH
POLLUTION
PRODUCTIVITY
SIMULATION