Long-term changes in forest soils are characterised by decreases in soil pH, exchangeable base cations, percent base saturation and accumulation of heavy metals. Acidic deposition effects on forest soils can be demonstrated experientially either in the laboratory or in the field by stimulated acid treatments.

Since the beginning of the 80's, a wide-spread damage to Norway spruce has occurred, mainly characterized by the light-induced decay of chlorophyll in magnesium-deficient needles. Damage also occurs in deciduous trees, especially in beech. To clarify the causes of the damage in Northrine-Wesphalian forests, extensive investigations have been carried out, which combined experimental techniques and epidemiologically orientated surveys.

Climate change effects on forest soils will occur directly on soils or indirectly through effects on tree growth. Increases in soil temperature will cause an increase in soil respiration and decomposition and many increase rates of mineral weathering and ion exchange reactions. Forest soils represent a major sink for C and increased productivity in response to elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide will lead to an increase in c storage in forest ecosystems. Changes in forest productivity will have significant effects on forest soils, included water use, soil moisture status and nutrient cycling.

There is a strong evidence to indicate that sulphates and nitrogen oxides cause increased leaching of base cations, principally calcium and magnesium from soils supporting old-growth sugar maple forest in central Canada. Sugar maple trees sequester Ca, especially in bark. A site low in exchangeable bases might become less productive, if subjected to prolonged high rates of leaching and full tree harvesting.

Atmospheric pollutant can cause direct effects mediated by foliage and indirect effects mediated through soil. Biotic and abiotic factors can confound relationships among nutrient cycling, growth loss and mortality and air pollution. Changes in the soils could result from acidic deposition. Changes could include increased fertility as a result of sulphur and nitrogen input to soils that are deficient in these elements or decreased fertility through ion leaching or mobilization of toxic substances as aluminium.

The soil biota plays a critical part in the functioning of forest ecosystems. Acidification and heavy metals have the greatest direct effects on the soil biota. However pollutants can have indirect effects through their influence on tree root systems. Acidic deposition can decrease the incidence of mycorrhizal infection, but soil pH and concentration of nitrogen and certain forms of sulphur are also important.