The influence of liming and natural acidification on chemical and biological processes of an Italian forest soil

Effects of in situ-liming on chemical and biological properties of a forest soil in Northern Italy subjected to a natural acid deposition have been investigated for three years after liming. Soil chemical (pH: CEC: PBS; LR; available cations and anions) and biochemical (MBC and MEN; enzymatic activities: soil respiration) properties were tested. The first two years show significant differences in most chemical and biochemical parameters of limed soils while in the third year an evident and significant re-acidification process was detected, Climatic and ecological conditions of the research area and the reduced effect of CaCO3 during the last year contributed to the soil natural original acidic state.