featured research
Evalutating the effects of large-scale forest liming on forest reneration and water quality
Acidification is a significant problem in Pennsylvania. In the mid-Atlantic region, acidic atmospheric deposition is a significant source of acidification. Acidic deposition occurs when emissions released from the combustion of fossil fuels, such as from automobiles and power plants, combine in the atmosphere to form acidic compounds that are deposited to the earth in either in wet or dry form. This process is most often referred to as acid rain. Acid deposition is linked to many environmental problems: acidification of lakes and streams; deterioration of forest health; redution in air quality; and exterior damage to buildings and monuments.
The primary focus of this project was to investigate the potential of whole-watershed liming to mitigate stream water acidity by increasing the soil pH. An important secondary focus involved an evaluation of liming on the forest ecosystem.
The project was conducted on the Mosquito Creek Watershed located in the north central part of the state. The Mosquito Creek Watershed has been gradually acidified during the 20th century. There has been no coal mining in the upper watershed, but acid conditions prevail as a consequence of acidic deposition. This project is part of an overall effort to return a world-class fishery to the Mosquito Creek watershed.
Funded under the Pennsylvania Growing Greener program, the restoration efforts represent a partnership of county, state and federal resource agencies, conservation groups, a private consulting firm, Penn State University, and volunteers from the Mosquito Creek Sportsman’s Association.
