Forest canopy transformation of atmospheric deposition

Solute fluxes to the ground in open plots and under the forest canopy of different species were investigated in a number of long-term ecosystem studies in West Germany. From the canopy flux balance, rates of interception deposition and canopy/deposition interactions were assessed. Chemically, both open precipitation and throughfall are dilute solutions of H₂SO₄ and HNO₃ and their salts. For the sites investigated, mean pH in bulk precipitation ranged from 4.1 to 4.6, and in throughfall from 3.4 to 4.7. The increase in acidity after canopy passage at most sites indicates considerable interception deposition of strong acids to the forest stands, exceeding the rate of H+ buffering in the canopy. Evidence for buffering processes can be directly deduced from the fact that on sites with high soil alkalinity and high foliage base status, throughfall pH is usually higher than precipitation pH. Furthermore, the same idea can be concluded from changes in solution composition after canopy passage: the H⁺/SO _inf4 ^sup2? ratio is decreasing at most sites, while alkali earth cations from exchange processes occur in throughfall (Ca²⁺/SO _inf4 ^sup2? ratio increases). Solution composition and element flux data are presented for each of the sites, and the regional, orographical and site specific (species composition, ecosystem state) differentiations are discussed. A method for the assessment of total deposition and of canopy interactions such as H⁺-buffering and cation leaching is described, and results of calculations are shown. From these calculations it is concluded that forest ecosystems in Germany receive mean H⁺ loads of ca. 1 to 4 keq H⁺ · ha^?1 · a^?1 from atmospheric deposition. Acidity deposition rates seem to be related to a few key factors such as regional characteristics and ecosystem characteristics.     

Temporal variation in aluminum speciation and concentration during snowmelt

Precipitation samples in Alberta were collected and analyzed monthly from six Alberta Environment stations. Samples were collected with Sangamo samplers and analyzed for the major ions, pH and acidity. The data were tabulated and analyzed for spatial distribution, seasonal variation, temporal trends, ionic character and wet sulphate deposition. The major ionic species in Alberta precipitation are Ca²⁺, SO _inf4 ^sup2? , NH _inf4 ^sup+ and N0 _inf3 ^sup? . The spatial distribution shows a slight decrease in pH from southern Alberta (pH 6.0) to northern Alberta (pH 5.4). The seasonal variation shows higher hydrogen ion content in the summer months (pH 5.4 in summer and pH 5.8 in winter). Temporal trends are not apparent over the five year period investigated. The five year average wet sulphate deposition rate in Alberta is 9.1 kg ha^?1 yr^?1.     

Chemical composition of precipitation in a forest area of Chongqing,Southwest China

Experiments were carried.out in Chongging-a city seriously damaged by acid precipitation in southwest China — to explore chemical compositions of open bulk precipitation, throughfall and stemflow in a Masson pine (Pinus massoniana) forest. The results showed that annual mean pH values of and annual ion depositions in the three types of rain water were 4.47 and 50.6 g m^?2, 3.82 and 69.7 g m^?2, and 2.92 and 0.215 g m^?2 respectively. pH values demonstrated an obvious seasonal variation; they were lower in winter than in the rest of the year. Ca²⁺ and NH _inf4 ^sup+ together made up more than 80% of the total cation, while SO _in4 ^sup2? alone contributed over 90% to the total anion. This high level of SO _in4 ^sup2? in rain water in Chongqing, which outran those found in other cities in China, was closely related to the combustion of locally produced coal that contains 3 to 5% sulphur. Thus, acid precipitation in Chongqing is of a typical sulphuric-acid type.     

Seasonal variations of water chemistry in oligotrophic streams and rivers in Kejimkujik National Park,Nova Scotia

The seasonal patterns of flow and the concentrations of color, Mg, Ca, H⁺, Na, Cl, organic anions, SO₄, and Gran alkalinity are examined for five streams or rivers in Kejimkujik National Park (Lower Mersey River, Atkins Brook, Grafton Brook, Pebbleloggitch Brook, and Beaverskin Brook). These range in organic color and acidity from very darkwater Atkins Brook (average 191 Hazen units, pH 4.2) to clearwater Beaverskin Brook (5 Hazen units, pH 5.5). In general, most dissolved substances are present in a relatively large concentration during the high-flow period of winter-spring (most notably color, Mg, H⁺, Ca, Na, organic anions, and SO₄). In contrast, Gran alkalinity generally occurs in its highest concentration during the lowflow period. These observations suggest that during the high-flow period, substances are “flushed” from the terrestrial watersheds of these rivers and streams.     

A method for evaluation of acidic sulfate and nitrate in precipitation

A simple method is presented and used to estimate the portions of SO _inf4 ^sup2? and NO _inf? ^sup3 that contribute to the strong acidity in weekly precipitation samples collected at three NADP sites in the eastern United States. The method assumes that, in general, the difference between SO _inf4 ^sup2? and NH _inf+ ^sup4 represents acidic sulfate and the difference between NO _inf? ^sup3 and soil-derived materials (the sum of Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, and K⁺) represents acidic nitrate. Acidic sulfate and nitrate are considered to be the predominant source of H⁺ (determined from laboratory pH) in the weekly precipitation samples. Most of the acidity for all three sites was attributed to acidic sulfate. The highest fraction of acidic SO _inf4 ^sup2? to H⁺ wet deposition values was for the east-central Tennessee site (0.95) and the northeastern Illinois site (0.90), and the lowest fraction occurred at the central Pennsylvania site (0.75). The Tennessee site had the greatest acidic fraction of sulfate (0.84) and the Pennsylvania site had the greatest acidic fraction of nitrate (0.59).     

Physical and chemical characteristics of three acidic,oligotrophic lakes and their watersheds in Kejimkujik National Park,Nova Scotia

Southwestern Nova Scotia receives acidic precipitation (average pH 4.5 to 4.6), and there are many waterbodies that are susceptible to acidification. This study characterizes the physical and chemical features of three remote, oligotrophic lakes and their watersheds in this region, in order to provide baseline information against which assessments can be made of changes caused by atmospheric depositions. Two of the lakes are small (<0.5 km²) and on headwater watersheds: Beaverskin Lake has an almost completely forested watershed and is moderately acidic and clear (pH 5.3, 5 Hazen units), while the watershed of Pebbleloggitch Lake is about 2/3 forested and 1/3 covered by a Sphagnum-heath bog, and its water is very acidic and highly colored (pH 4.3, 87 Hazen units). Kejimkujik Lake is much larger, its watershed is mostly forested but also contains some boggy terrain, its water is intermediate in acidity and color (pH 4.9, 65 Hazen units), and because it drains a much larger area of watershed it has relatively large concentrations of Ca, Mg, Na, Cl, and SO₄.     

Precipitation chemistry in Nova Scotia: 1978–1987

More than 1400 precipitation samples were collected weekly from 5 sites in Nova Scotia between 1978 and 1987. High concentrations of H⁺, non-marine SO _inf4 ^sup= (^*SO₄) and NO _inf3 ^sup- were observed in 1978 and 1986. In 1983, concentrations of all three parameters were the lowest in the data record. Fluctuations in emissions for SO₂ are insufficient to account for the variability observed in concentration and deposition values. Mean annual concentrations in 1983 were 13, 16, and 6 ueq L^-1 for H⁺, ^*SO₄, and NO _inf3 ^sup- , respectively. In 1986 the values were 35, 28, and 13 ueq L^-1. Concentrations in 1978 were 31, 38, and 16 ueq L^-1. Average pH of precipitation was 4.61 during the 10 yr study. The two most acidic years were 1979 (4.47) and 1986 (4.46). In 1983, the average pH was 4.89. The ratio (equivalents) of NO _inf3 ^sup- to ^*SO4 was 0.41, so most acidity in the precipitation results from H₂SO₄ However, multiple regression analysis revealed that H⁺ is more sensitive to changes in NO₃-concentrations than ^*SO₄. Ratios of summer (JJA) vs winter (JFM) average concentrations were examined. During summer months, ^*SO₄ and H⁺ were 1.8 times winter values. Summer to winter ratios for NO _inf3 ^sup- and NH _inf4 ^sup+ were 1.4 and 2.5, respectively.     

Acid deposition and throughfall fluxes of elements as related to tree species in deciduous forests of South Sweden

The influence of tree species and soil properties on throughfall fluxes were studied for 5 tree species, growing on initially identical soil. In three mixed deciduous forests with different soil properties, throughfall fluxes of 11 elements were measured during 2 yr for 100 to 150 yr old individuals of Fagus sylvatica L., Quercus robur L., Carpinus betulus L., Tilia cordata Mill. and Acer platanoides L.. Throughfall : precipitation flux ratios were: PO₄ ^3? (11 to 37), K⁺ (7 to 22), Mn²⁺ (5 to 14), Mg²⁺ (3 to 9), Ca²⁺ (3 to 5), Cl^? (1.9 to 2.6), Na⁺ (1.1 to 2.2), NH₄ ⁺ (1.5 to 2), SO₄ ^2? (1.5 to 2.1), NO₃ ^? (0.7 to 1.3) and H⁺ (0.1 to 0.5). The annual input of S to the soil by throughfall was for Fagus 22 to 29, Quercus 25 to 37, Carpinus 20 to 25, Tilia 24 and Acer 29 kg ha^?1. The annual input of N to the soil by throughfall was for Fagus 20 to 29, Quercus 14 to 22, Carpinus 15 to 22, Tilia 22 and Acer 20 kg ha^?1. Throughfall fluxes of Na⁺ and Cl^? differed between species, depending on different canopy filtering capacity of sea aerosol, and were greatest for Fagus and Quercus. Throughfall of Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ and K⁺ were characterized by increased flux from poor to rich sites, with the greatest soil effect on Carpinus, and by a high leaching part, which increased in the same manner. Manganese throughfall showed especially soil effects, characterized of decreased flux from poor to rich sites, but also species effects, of which Carpinus had the greatest flux. pH in throughfall showed a pronounced seasonal variation with pH 6 to 6.5 for Fagus in the foliated season and pH 4.0 to 4.3 in the defoliated season. Carpinus and especially Quercus had lower pH at the poor site, but the differences decreased at the richer sites. The calculated annual acid input to the trees was 4 to 12 times greater than the H⁺ flux measured as pH in throughfall. An inorganic anion deficit in throughfall, probably due to the presence of organic anions, was proportional to K⁺, Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺.     

Deposition and Leaching of Sulphate and Base Cations in a Mixed Boreal Forest in Eastern Finland

Monthly fluxes of sulphate (SO₄ ^2-) and base cations(Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, K⁺) were studied from 1993 to 1996 as precipitation passed through forest vegetation and surfacesoil layers in an area receiving low and declining levels of atmospheric sulphate pollution. The canopy was dominated by mature Norway spruce (Picea abies Karsten) and the soilwas a podzol developed on glacial till material. The mean annual bulk deposition of SO₄ ^2- collected in the open was 136 mol_c ha^-1 and that of Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ and K⁺ was 44, 11 and 25 mol_c ha^-1, respectively. The annual total throughfall deposition of SO₄ ^2- was 318 mol_c ha^-1 and that of Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ and K⁺ was 151, 64 and 181 mol_cha^-1, respectively. Sulphate was the dominant anion accompanying the base cations leached from the canopy. More than half (58%) of the annual total throughfall deposition ofSO₄ ^2- was retained by the O-horizon and only 15% leached from below the B-horizon. The annual leaching of Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ and K⁺ from below the B-horizon was14, 25 and 9% of the annual total throughfall deposition, respectively. The transport of base cations through the soil was predominantely countered by SO₄ ^2- anions.     

The role of organic horizons and canopy to modify the chemistry of acidic deposition in some forest ecosystems

To clarify the mechanisms of pH buffering in forest ecosystems, field observations of pH and ionic concentrations in precipitation (R), throughfall (Tf), stemflow (Sf), and leachates from organ c horizons (Lo) were conducted for three years at three stands in Tomakomai (TK) and Teshio (TS) in Hokkaido, northern Japan. Weighted mean rates of H⁺ input as wet deposition at TK and TS were estimated in the range from 0.3 to 1.0 and 0.4–0.6 kmol_c ha^?1 y^?, respectively. While the net H⁺ flux was reduced significantly by the forest canopy, net fluxes of other ions by throughfall, especially for Na⁺, Cl^?, and SO₄ ^2?, were apparently greater than those by precipitation. The canopy modification of the H⁺ flux was more remarkable under deciduous stands than under coniferous stands, suggesting that the efficiency of conifers as the collectors of dry deposition is greater than that of deciduous ones. More than 50% of H⁺ flux due to throughfall was absorbed by the organic horizons and the weighted mean pH of Lo at TK and TS was in the range from 4.9 to 5.5 and 5.0–5.5, respectively. Results from field observation and field leaching experiments, showed that the major H⁺ sinks of the organic horizons are exchange reaction of Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ and K⁺. Organic acids or organo-metallic complexes of lower pK(=5.0–5.5) played a significant role as counter anions in O horizons leachate in coniferous forests. Our results indicate the importance of biogeochemical modifications in the canopy and organic horizon in acid buffering mechanisms of forest ecosystems.     

Nitrogen flux patterns through Oxisols and Ultisols in tropical forests of Cameroon,Central Africa

We lack an understanding of nitrogen (N) cycles in tropical forests of Africa, although the environmental conditions in this region, such as soil type, vegetation, and climate, are distinct when compared with other tropical forests. Herein, we simultaneously quantified N fluxes through precipitation, throughfall, and 0-, 15-, and 30-cm soil solutions, as well as litterfall, in two forests with different soil acidity (Ultisols at the MV village (exchangeable Al³⁺ in 0–30 cm, 126 kmol_c ha^–1) and Oxisols at the AD village (exchangeable Al³⁺ in 0–30 cm, 59.8 kmol_c ha^–1)) over 2 years in Cameroon. The N fluxes to the O horizon via litterfall plus throughfall were similar for both sites (MV and AD, 243 and 273 kg N ha^–1 yr^–1, respectively). Those values were remarkably large relative to other tropical forests, reflecting the dominance of legumes in this region. The total dissolved N flux from the O horizon at the MV was 28 kg N ha^–1 yr^–1, while it was 127 kg N ha^–1 yr^–1 mainly as NO₃^–-N (~80%) at the AD. The distinctly different pattern of N cycles could be caused by stronger soil acidity at the MV, which was considered to promote a superficial root mat formation in the O horizon despite the marked dry season (fine root biomass in the O horizon and its proportion to the 1-m-soil profile: 1.5 Mg ha^–1 and 31% at the MV; 0.3 Mg ha^–1 and 9% at the AD). Combined with the published data for N fluxes in tropical forests, we have shown that Oxisols, in combination with N-fixing species, have large N fluxes from the O horizon; meanwhile, Ultisols do not have large fluxes because of plant uptake through the root mat in the O horizon. Consequently, our results suggest that soil type can be a major factor influencing the pattern of N fluxes from the O horizon via the effects of soil acidity, thereby determining the contrasting plant–soil N cycles in the tropical forests of Africa.     

Comparison of the macrophyte communities of a clearwater and a brownwater oligotrophic lake in Kejimkujik National Park,Nova Scotia

Beaverskin and Pebbleloggitch Lakes are small, proximate, acidic, oligotrophic, headwater lakes located in southwestern Nova Scotia. Beaverskin Lake has clear water, its euphotic zone is deep, and it has extensive beds of macrophytic vegetation that cover most of its bottom to a depth of 6.5 m. In contrast, the water of Pebbleloggitch Lake is highly colored by dissolved humic substances, and macrophytes are restricted to a narrow littoral fringe in depths of less than about 1.8 m. The most widespread macrophyte community in Beaverskin Lake occurs at depths of 2.0–6.5 m and is dominated by Sphagnum macrophyllum and Utricularia vulgaris, while the second most prominent community is littoral and is dominated by Eriocaulon septangulare, Lobelia dortmanna, and Eleocharis acicularis. The most prominent community in Pebbleloggitch Lake is dominated by the floating-leaved Nuphar variegatum rooted as deep as 1.8 m, while communities dominated by E. septangulare and Sphagnum spp. occur in water less than about 0.7 m deep.     

The geographical distribution and temporal variations of acidic deposition in Eastern North America

Data from two national precipitation chemistry monitoring networks, and several regional air and precipitation chemistry networks are used to describe some broad-scale features of acidic deposition in eastern North America. In northeastern North America, the coefficient of variation is shown to increase from 10–16% for annual averages to nearly 100% for daily values. There is a strong annual cycle in H⁺, SO _inf4 ^sup= and NH _inf4 ^sup+ deposition and some of the other ions although these cycles are not all in phase. The wet NO _inf3 ^sup? deposition contributes relatively more than SO _inf4 ^sup= to the acidity of snow as compared to rain. Wet deposition is highly “episodic” with about 50% to 70% of the total annual deposition of SO _inf4 ^sup= and NO _inf3 ^sup? accumulating in the highest 20% of the days. Estimates made in various ways indicate that, over eastern North America as a whole, dry deposition is approximately equal to wet for both SO _inf4 ^sup= and NO _inf3 ^sup? . Dry may exceed wet in the high emissions zone but drops to about 20% of the total deposition in more remote areas. Deposition via fog or low cloud impaction is an important input to high elevation forests, but more data are required to quantify the magnitude and regional extent of this.     

Throughfall quality and quantity in polluted and damaged ecosystems in Northern Bohemia

The interaction between high concentrations of polluting gases (SO₂ and NO_x) and damaged forest ecosystems was observed by studying throughfall precipitation in the Erzegebirge Mountains, Northern Bohemia. Qualitative and quantitative data on throughfall for the period November 1989–October 1990 are presented. Weighted averages of SO ₄ ^2? and NO ₃ ^? concentrations in the throughfall were 23.05 mg L^?1 and 13.61 mg L^?1 in a beech and 34.41 mg L^?1 and 11.03 mg L^?1 in a spruce forest respectively. Three variables (the molar ratios of K/Na, N_tot/S and N-NO₃/N-NE₄) were used to compare the spruce throughfall quality to that observed in areas with similar however, less damaged spruce stands. Both K/Na and N-NO₃/N-NH₄ ratios clearly decreased with increasing tree damage, the N_tot/S ratio increased. The results suggest that the throughfall in damaged ecosystems of the Erzegebirge region becomes more like a wet precipitation as the tree canopies get sparser and the trees reduce canopy leaching.     

Sulphur and nitrogen input to the Ratanica forested catchment (Carpathian Foothills,southern Poland)

The study covers 1991–1994 concentrations of SO₂ and NO₂ in the air, concentrations of sulphur and nitrogen in bulk precipitation, throughfall and stemflow as well as input of S and N to the Ratanica forested catchment (S. Poland), which is exposed to moderate anthropogenic pollution are presented. There was high input of sulphur (26 kg ha^?1) and nitrogen (24 kg ha^?1) to the catchment, mainly in NH4⁺ (18 kg ha^?1). The significant contribution of NH₄ ⁺ connected with intensive agriculture in surrounding fields has led to eutrophication of the ecosystem.     

Resistance of the caribou lichen Cladina stellaris (Opiz.) brodo to growth reduction by simulated acidic rain

Natural mats of C. stellaris growing in the subarctic lichen woodlands of northern Québec were treated in a randomized complete block design with solutions of simulated rain at pH 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0 and 5.6. These solutions were acidified by addition of mixtures of sulfuric and nitric acids to give both 2 : 1 and 6 : 1 μequivalent ratios of SO _inf4 ^sup= : NO _inf3 ^sup? . After two years of acidification there was no significant effect of either pH or SO _inf4 ^sup= : NO _inf3 ^sup? ratio on the growth of C. stellaris, but thallus discoloration was evident below pH 3.5. After three years of acidification marginally significant (p = 0.05) but erratic depression of growth occurred under the 6 : 1 but not the 2 : 1 acidification regime, especially at pH 4.5 or less. Acid precipitation therefore only very gradually impairs the growth of C. stellaris, and the deleterious effects of acidification may be partially offset by nitrogen enrichment when precipitation is relatively rich in nitrate compared to sulfate ions.     

Trends in Sulfate,Base Cations and H+ Concentrations in Bulk Precipitation and Throughfall at Integrated Monitoring Sites in Finland 1989-1995

Temporal trends in sulfate, base cation (Ca2+ + Mg2+ + K+), and H+ ion concentrations in bulk precipitation and throughfall samples collected over a seven year period (1989-95) in four forested catchments in Finland are presented. The catchments are in remote locations and span the boreal zone (61-69 °N). The stands represent old, undisturbed forests, and are composed of varying proportions of Scots pine, Norway spruce and deciduous species (mainly Betula spp.). Monthly SO₄ ^2- and H+ ion concentrations in bulk precipitation averaged over the study period and catchments were: 18.7 µmol L^-1 and 32.3 µmol L^-1. The corresponding values for throughfall were: 37.4 µmol L^-1 and 32.4 µmol L^-1. Sulfate and H+ ion concentrations in bulk precipitation and throughfall both showed negative linear trends, which were significant (p < 0.05) for the three southernmost catchments. Concentrations and trend slope decreased northwards (e.g., bulk precipitation SO₄ ^2- slope estimates: ^-1.6 to ^-1.0 µmol L^-1 yr^-1). The decline was greater for throughfall than for bulk precipitation, indicating a proportionally greater reduction in dry deposition than wet. The sum of base cation concentrations averaged 12.1 µmol(+) L^-1 in bulk precipitation and 83.1 µmol(+) L^-1 in throughfall. There were no significant trends in the sum of base cations (p > 0.05). It is concluded that the reported reduction in S emissions over the study period has resulted in a significant reduction in the acidity and SO₄ ^2- concentration of bulk precipitation, and this reduction has has been reflected in throughfall concentrations. The greatest reduction has taken place in the southern part of the country.     

Patterns of acid deposition to a Danish spruce forest

Bulk precipitation and bulk throughfall was collected during the period September to November 1984 in a Danish spruce forest. Samples were analyzed for all major anions and cations as well as strong and total acidity. The acid load to the forest ecosystem was estimated adding the throughfall fluxes of protons (79 eq ha^?1mo^?1), ammonium (99 eq ha^?1mo^?1) and a calculated estimate oflthe protons buffered by exchange processes in the canopy (75 eq ha^?1 mo^?1). This is still a minimum estimate but it exceeds the proton load determined by pH measurement in bulk throughfall and bulk precipitation by factors 3 and 6, respectively. Throughfall fluxes of all major cations and anions except ammonium decreased with distance from the trunk.     

Comparison of Long-Term Precipitation Chemistry Measurements at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest,New Hampshire

From 1978 through 1989, a wet-onlyprecipitation collector operated for the NationalAtmospheric Deposition Program, an independantwet-only collector, and a bulk precipitation collectorwere co-located at the Hubbard Brook ExperimentalForest (HBEF) in central New Hampshire. A secondbulk precipitation collector was maintained at anotherlocation within the HBEF. There were statisticallysignificant differences between the chemistry fromco-located wet-only collections for Ca²⁺,K⁺, NH₄ ⁺, pH, and NO₃ ^-. Thedifferences for K⁺ and pH though statisticallysignificant were very small but consistant. Thedifferences for Ca²⁺ were related to earlycontamination problems, and differences inNH₄ ⁺ and NO₃ ^- were related toepisotic events. Bulk precipitation was significantlyricher in K⁺ than wet-only precipitation. Therewere no differences for any ions between the bulkcollections at the two locations. While there wereminor differences, after 1981 when the contaminationproblems had been resolved, data from all collectorsat all locations adequately characterized theprecipitation chemistry of the site.     

Canopy leaching of cations in Central European forest ecosystems – a regional assessment

The leaching of Ca, Mg, and K from canopies is a major pathway of these cations into forest soils. Our aim was to quantify rates of canopy leaching and to identify driving factors at the regional scale using annual fluxes of bulk precipitation and throughfall from 37 coniferous and deciduous forests of North and Central Europe. Total deposition of Ca, Mg, K, and H⁺ was estimated with Na as an index cation. The median canopy leaching increased in the order: Mg (0.11 kmol_c ha^–1 a^–1) < Ca (0.31 kmol_c ha^–1 a^–1) < K (0.39 kmol_c ha^–1 a^–1). Canopy leaching of Ca and K was positively correlated with the calculated total H⁺ deposition and H⁺ buffered in the canopy, whereas canopy leaching of Mg was not. With contrasting effects, fluxes of SO₄‐S and NH₄‐N in throughfall explained to 64 % (P<0.001) of the Ca canopy leaching. Fluxes of NH₄‐N and Ca were negatively correlated, suggesting that buffering of H⁺ by NH₃ deposition reduced canopy leaching of Ca. Amount of bulk precipitation and SO₄‐S in throughfall were identified as much weaker driving factors for canopy leaching of K (r²=0.28, P<0.01). Our results show that Ca is the dominant cation in buffering the H⁺ input in the canopy. At the regional and annual scale, canopy leaching of Mg appears to be unaffected by H⁺ deposition and H⁺ buffering in the canopy.