Abstract
Many biogeochemical ion-transfer reactions are connected with a transfer of protons or OH− (resp HCO3 −)-ions. These reactions are governed by two fundamental physical principles: conservation of matter and electroneutrality.
Applying these principles to the balance of input and output fluxes of major ions in defined systems or compartments, the system internal net proton production/consumption and total acid load can be quantified. Four experimental forest ecosystems in northwestern Germany studied here considerably differ in acid deposition, internal net proton production and total acid load. At all sites, however, total proton loading seems to exceed the maximum rate of proton buffering due to silicate weathering.
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Bredemeier, M. Quantification of ecosystem-internal proton production from the ion balance of the soil. Plant Soil 101, 273–280 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02370655
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02370655