AI Article Synopsis

  • Ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) levels in the Retezat Mountains were low during the summer of 2000-2002, posing no toxicity threat to forest trees, while ammonia (NH3) levels increased in 2001 and 2002, hinting at higher nitrogen deposition.
  • Over 90% of rain was acidic, with pH levels below 5.5, leading to increased soil acidity; while the crown condition of Norway spruce and European beech was generally good, defoliation rose from 9.1% in 2000 to 16.1% in 2002.
  • Drought and frequent acidic rainfall during this time likely contributed

Article Abstract

In the Retezat Mountains concentrations of O3, NO2 and SO2 in summer season 2000-2002 were low and below toxicity levels for forest trees. While NH3 concentrations were low in 2000, the 2001 and 2002 concentrations were elevated indicating possibility for increased N deposition to forest stands. More than 90% of the rain events were acidic with pH values <5.5, contributing to increased acidity of soils. Crown condition of Norway spruce (Picea abies) and European beech (Fagus sylvatica) was good, however, defoliation described as >25% of foliage injured increased from 9.1% in 2000 to 16.1% in 2002. Drought that occurred in the southern Carpathians between fall 2000 and summer 2002 and frequent acidic rainfalls could cause the observed decline of forest condition. Both Norway spruce and European beech with higher defoliation had lower annual radial increments compared to the trees with low defoliation. Ambient O3 levels found in the Retezat did not affect crown condition of Norway spruce or European beech.

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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2005.01.040DOI Listing

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