Forest Monitoring: Chapter 16. Soil Solution: Sampling and Chemical Analyses (Developments in Environmental Science)

Chemical content of soil solution is varying in time and space and is dependent on the sampling and measurement techniques in use. It is a valuable indicator for effects of stress factors on both forests and the surrounding water ecosystems. A continuous standardized methodology for soil solution collection and analysis is of ultimate importance. Methods for harmonized collection and analysis of soil solution on a Europe-wide scale are presented with a special emphasis on sampling and measurement techniques, Quality Assurance, and laboratory analyses. Results based on data produced by the harmonized soil solution monitoring under ICP Forests are presented. They show regular exceedances of critical limits for nitrogen concentrations in soil solution on the majority of the examined sites.