총설 : 대기 질소강하물의 육상 생태계에 미치는 영향 및 국내 연구제안

Effects of atmospheric nitrogen deposition on terrestrial ecosystems were reviewed and discussed in this paper. The amount of nitrogen deposition has increased rapidly in Europe, North America and Korea due to industrialization, increase in fossil fuel combustion(automobiles in particular), and intensive agricultural activities. Nitrogen input through such deposition may enhance primary productivity at early stage, but it could cause nitrogen saturation and hence induce deterioration of forests or disturbance of systems in the long term. Mechanisms of the deterioration of forests by nitrogen deposition include nutrient imbalance, soil acidification, and immobilization of toxic ions. In addition, nitrogen deposition may impede the decomposition rates of soil organic matter, and induce eutrophication in aquatic ecosystems by enhanced leaching of nitrate. Finally, I propose several topics in relation to nitrogen deposition, which warrant further studies in Korea.