Abstract |
The magnitude of leaching of nutrients from the soil surface to the water table and to a nearby drainage system depends on many factors unique to the site. The sensitive deep sands of Florida present an extreme case of low nutrient status and high water flux to great depth. In addition, water table characteristics, both physical and chemical, influence the horizontal flow vis-a-vis the vertical flows. The magnitude of leaching also depends on the nature of the ion, the depth being considered and the acid treatment. Readsorption of ions in the soil profile was shown to occur which further complicates the overall assessment of the real effect of acid rain. The effect of acid rain is not long lasting and the soils recover the normal soil leachate chemistry within 48 hours. |