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Simulated Forest Response to Chronic Air Pollution Stress¹

ABSTRACT

A mathematical model (FORET) previously developed to examine the successional dynamics of eastern deciduous forests was applied to the study of long-term interactions of air pollution stress and forest community dynamics. Differential levels of growth reduction (0, 10, and 20%) were applied to trees in three pollution sensitivity classes to simulate changes in biomass of both individual species and the entire forest stand. The response of individual species in a forest stand may differ markedly from results predicted on the basis of responses determined in the absence of plant competition. Some species may show growth enhancement in spite of pollutant stress, since they may gain a competitive advantage as a result of greater impacts on other species with which they interact in the successional process. Other species may experience much greater than anticipated beneficial or injurious impacts due to reduced competitive potential. The results presented are intended to stress important considerations to be addressed in predicting the response of a forest to stresses such as air pollution. Responses described are not intended to be final quantitative answers.

Key Words: succession • competition • forest modelling

¹ Research sponsored by the Office of Environ. Res. and the Office of Technol. Impacts, U.S. Dep. of Energy, under contract W-7405-eng-26 with Union Carbide Corp. Publication no. 1388, Environ. Sci. Div., Oak Ridge Natl. Lab., Oak Ridge, TN 37830.

² Ecologists, Environ. Sci. Div., Oak Ridge Natl. Lab., Oak Ridge.

Received for publication November 18, 1978.