Red spruce decline in the northeastern u.s.: hypotheses regarding the role of acid rain

42Citations
Citations of this article
17Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

This article is free to access.

Abstract

Red spruce have died in abnormal numbers in the high elevation forests of New York and New England during the past two decades while spruce in the southern Appalachians remain healthy. Investigations of insect damage, fungal pathogens, successional dynamics, competitive status, climate and weather patterns and possible pollutant effects indicate that the decline was triggered by abiotic stress during the dry years of the 1960s. Tree response, as recorded in the pattern of annual rings, and the wide range of soil conditions in which spruce are declining, suggest drought or dry summers as key factors. Hypotheses regarding the role of acid deposition induced stress have been offered, but at present there is not evidence which clearly links acid deposition to spruce decline. Indirect effects of acid deposition on soils, direct effects of acid deposition on foliage, and interactions of acid deposition and drought stress are possible but unproven pathways by which acid deposition could be involved. © 1983 Air & Waste Management Association.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Johnson, A. H. (1983). Red spruce decline in the northeastern u.s.: hypotheses regarding the role of acid rain. Journal of the Air Pollution Control Association, 33(11), 1049–1054. https://doi.org/10.1080/00022470.1983.10465690

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free