A dynamic modelling approach for estimating critical loads of nitrogen based on plant community changes under a changing climate

Belyazid, S; Kurz, D; Braun, S; Sverdrup, H; Rihm, B; Hettelingh, JP

HERO ID

2579517

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2011

Language

English

PMID

21145634

HERO ID 2579517
In Press No
Year 2011
Title A dynamic modelling approach for estimating critical loads of nitrogen based on plant community changes under a changing climate
Authors Belyazid, S; Kurz, D; Braun, S; Sverdrup, H; Rihm, B; Hettelingh, JP
Journal Environmental Pollution
Volume 159
Issue 3
Page Numbers 789-801
Abstract A dynamic model of forest ecosystems was used to investigate the effects of climate change, atmospheric deposition and harvest intensity on 48 forest sites in Sweden (n = 16) and Switzerland (n = 32). The model was used to investigate the feasibility of deriving critical loads for nitrogen (N) deposition based on changes in plant community composition. The simulations show that climate and atmospheric deposition have comparably important effects on N mobilization in the soil, as climate triggers the release of organically bound nitrogen stored in the soil during the elevated deposition period. Climate has the most important effect on plant community composition, underlining the fact that this cannot be ignored in future simulations of vegetation dynamics. Harvest intensity has comparatively little effect on the plant community in the long term, while it may be detrimental in the short term following cutting. This study shows: that critical loads of N deposition can be estimated using the plant community as an indicator; that future climatic changes must be taken into account; and that the definition of the reference deposition is critical for the outcome of this estimate.
Doi 10.1016/j.envpol.2010.11.005
Pmid 21145634
Wosid WOS:000287273800018
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English