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Sulfate Adsorption in Forest Soils of the Great Lakes Region

School of Natural Resources and Environment, Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1115

Andrew J. Burton

Dep. of Forestry, Michigan State Univ., E. Lansing, MI 48824-1222

Daniel D. Richter

School of the Environment, Duke Univ., Durham, NC 27706-0328

*Corresponding author.

ABSTRACT

Sulfate adsorption by forest soils modifies the impact of pollutant deposition on cation leaching processes. We examined relationships among SO^2–₄ adsorption, soil properties, and seasonal variation in soil solution chemistry at 13 sites representing deciduous forest ecosystems common in the Great Lakes region. Objectives of the study were to test the validity of previously proposed SO^2–₄ adsorption indices, to examine within- and among-site variability in SO^2–₄ adsorption potential, and to investigate the effects of seasonal changes in soil solution chemistry on SO⁴_2- retention. Mineral soils were sampled by horizon at all sites, and soil solutions were sampled at lower E and lower B horizon boundaries at 10 sites. Proposed indices overpredicted sulfate adsorption in certain SO^2–₄ releasing subsurface horizons, seriously limiting the applicability of the published regression equations. We developed improved regression equations using the sum of initial extractable SO^2–₄ and additional SO^2–₄ adsorbed under laboratory conditions as the dependent variable. Sulfate retention indices predicted by the improved equations were independent of existing levels of extractable SO^2–₄ and past history of atmospheric SO^2–₄ deposition. Examination of within- and among-site variability in SO^2–₄ adsorption potentials suggested that soils need to be grouped tightly on a taxonomic basis for modelling purposes. Seasonal variation in soil solution SO^2–₄ concentration and fluxes was consistent with an annual cycle of SO^2–₄ retention and release. Although seasonal patterns in SO^2–₄ concentrations and fluxes appeared to be controlled by hydrologic and S-cycling processes, the magnitude of SO^2–₄ fluxes was primarily related to atmospheric SO^2–₄ deposition rates.

Received for publication November 15, 1993.

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